One of the most important steps to creating the absolute best photos to market your home takes place before the photographer ever steps foot on-site. Here are some helpful tips to be sure the best photos of your home are taken:

Exterior

  • Sweep driveway, sidewalks, patios, and decks.
  • Mow lawn, trim trees and bushes, and remove any weeds (including those growing in the the cracks in the driveway/sidewalk).
  • In the winter, clear the driveway and sidewalks of snow.
  • Remove all vehicles from driveway and street in front of the house.
  • Move outdoor garbage cans out of sight. Storing them in the garage is a good idea as we normally do not photograph the inside of the garage unless it has special features.
  • Remove garden tools, hoses, sprinklers, sand boxes, trampolines, toys, bicycles, and seasonal decorations from the yard.
  • Clean grill and remove cover.
  • Powerwash decks, porches, stained brick, and exterior windows.
  • Paint trim, shutters, doors, decks, etc., if needed. Replace any damaged siding or roofing shingles, if needed.
  • Make sure outside lights are functional.
  • Remove any signage from the yard.
  • Spread fresh mulch in gardens.
  • Fill planters with flowers.
  • Clean pool area, water down concrete around pool, and remove pool cover.

Interior

  • Contain pets and any evidence of pets (cages, food bowls, chew toys, etc.) out of sight.
  • Clean all floors and carpets
  • Remove piles of magazines and newspapers.
  • Clear counters, tables, and desk tops. Put bathroom and kitchen essentials (soap, scrubbies, dishes, toothbrushes, shampoo, condition, toilet brushes, etc.)  out of sight (in a cabinet or closet).
  • Make sure all light bulbs are working and replace any that aren’t.
  • Put indoor trash cans out of sight.
  • Remove any items on the refrigerator such as photos, notes, papers, magnets, drawings, calendars, etc.
  • Remove small rugs, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Clean all windows, countertops, mirrors, glass fronts of aquariums, TVs, and any other reflective surfaces.
  • Remove any personal photos from sight.
  • Be sure all beds are made and check the neatness of bed linens.
  • Hang or put away all clothes.
  • Close all toilet lids.
  • Turn on all lights.
  • Turn off all TVs and ceiling fans.
  • Reduce clutter.
  • Open all curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light in as possible.
  • Neatly hang fresh, matching towels on towel racks.
  • Dust and remove cobwebs from all furniture surfaces, ceiling fans, light fixtures, etc.
  • Open all room doors and close all closet doors.
  • Set dining tables with dinnerware and a centerpiece.
  • Conceal any visible electrical cords or cables. Unplug or remove items from view if necessary (except lights).
  • Put all shoes away.
  • Put any expensive items (artwork, jewelry, electronics, etc.) out of sight for security reasons. These photos will most likely be on the internet.

The biggest tip is to just declutter. Get a storage space if you need to. Less stuff makes for better photos. Also, we highly recommend hiring a stager to assist the homeowner in making their home look the best it could possibly look.