Preparation of the Property

Extremely important – Please be completely ready to shoot 30 minutes PRIOR the arrival of the photographer.  The photographer is almost always early.

  • Move all vehicles from the driveway and in front of the house.
  • Make sure the property is clean and clear of all papers and trash.
  • Lighting – Good rule of thumb for best results is Daylight bulbs in all overhead fixtures and tungsten or soft white in Lamps.
  • Remove any papers and magnets from the refrigerator and everything from the countertops.
  • Make sure bathrooms and showers are clean and clear of all toiletries and toilet seats are down.
  • Remove all shampoo items from bath areas and ALL items from counters.
  • Remove all paper products from tables and countertops.
  • Turn on all lights and lamps 30 minutes prior to appointment and replace any that may be burned out.
  • Turn off all TVs AND computer monitors.
  • Clean all windows INSIDE AND OUT.
  • Blinds in all main living areas that have a view should be Horizontal (wide open) for a full view.
  • Blinds in secondary bedrooms and baths should be completely closed pointing up (unless there is an exceptional view.)
  • Make sure all furniture is clean and clear of clutter.
  • Turn off ALL fans.
  • Remove ALL trash cans completely.
  • No Paper items should be visible anywhere.
  • No visible items from under bed or furniture.
  • Remove any medical or exercise equipment.
  • Store all toys.
  • Open doors of all rooms to be photographed, excluding closets. 
  • Closets are not typically photographed. Some master closets are photographed if they are extremely large with build-outs and mostly empty.
  • Remove all pets or confine them to a kennel out of sight.
  • Remove all pet bedding and bowls.
  • Make sure the yard and all landscaping is manicured and neat.
  • Trim trees if possible and blow away all leaves.
  • Remove any vehicles from view prior to the appointment time.
  • No trash cans or water hoses visible in the yard.
  • If there is a pool, make sure it is clean and all waterworks are on.
  • Remove any pool cleaner and all pool equipment (prior to arrival so there are no wet spots on the sidewalk).
  • If there is lawn equipment, make sure it is clean and staged properly.
  • Remove all hoses etc.
  • If the homeowner does not want any photos of their children or their names shown, make sure they are removed.
  • Remove any seasonal items to prevent dating the photos.

Please make sure all of the above is complete in advance of the appointment to eliminate additional charges for having to return and reshoot the property.

If you can’t be there during the photoshoot, please prepare the home before you leave.  Photographer will turn off all lights when finished.

Remember, if it is visible it will be photographed.  Most clients and realtors have such a varied taste of what makes a home attractive and what should or should not be in the photo, so the photographer assumes that if it is in view, you want it photographed.

Please do not plan to move or rearrange items from room to room during the shooting process.  The home must ready to shoot prior to the scheduled time.  It only takes about 15 – 20 minutes to photograph your home unless it is a very large luxury home. There is only enough time is allowed for this.  We shoot the front exterior first, then the entry, then all living, dining, and study areas.  then on to the Master Bedroom and any additional media or game rooms followed by the secondary bedrooms and baths. The backyard is shot last. This keeps everything in order for your realtor to readily display your home most effectively.  

Please allow a 30-minute window on each side of the appointment time.  The photographer is almost always early.

Also, please be considerate of your Realtor and the Realtors and their clients who are scheduled immediately following your home. If the property is not adequately prepared according to the above list, it will mean having to reschedule your photo session causing a delay in getting your home on the market as well as an unnecessary expense to schedule a return trip.

If you determine that the property is not going to be ready by the appointment time, please notify your realtor more than 24 hours in advance to prevent additional expenses.

Our job is to get more potential buyers into your house.  However, it cannot be done without your help!

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

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