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Photo-Ready Checklist

We know that selling your home and moving can be one of the most stressful things you do. That's why we've made a list of things you can do to prepare your home for its time in the spotlight. Not only will these things help your home photograph well, they will also help your home show well during in-person tours.

ENTIRE HOUSE

  • take a deep breath, you've got this!

  • depersonalize if possible

  • declutter as much as you can

  • before the photographer arrives turn on all lights, turn off all fans and open all curtains

EXTERIOR: FRONT

  • remove vehicles from driveway

  • hide trashcans or stow in garage

  • contain hoses and clear debris from pathways

  • remove signs (security, schools, etc)

ENTRY WAY, DINING ROOM, FORMAL LIVING AREA, OFFICE

  • remove welcome mats, runner rugs and coat racks, if possible

  • hide trashcans, tissue boxes, loose papers, phone chargers, those weird extra office chairs we all have, etc.

  • take down post-it notes or anything else that may have personal or sensitive info on it

LIVING AREA, DEN AND MEDIA ROOM

  • remove runner rugs and small rugs

  • hide trashcans, tissue boxes, phone chargers, TV remotes, tablets and laptops, etc.

  • hide pet beds and toys

  • stow away/tidy children's toys

EXTERIOR: BACK

  • stow away children's, pool and pet toys

  • hide trashcans or stow in garage

  • contain hoses and clear debris from pathways

  • hide or remove pet, pool and cleaning supplies

KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST AREA

  • remove floor mats and runner rug

  • hide trashcans, tissue boxes, dirty dishes and cleaning supplies

  • stow away pet bowls and feeders

  • clear counters of appliances if possible

  • take magnets off the fridge and clear off top of fridge if possible

BEDROOMS

  • remove runner rugs and small rugs

  • make the beds

  • tidy and declutter nightstands, shelves, desks etc. as much as possible

  • hide trashcans, tissue boxes, phone chargers, TV remotes, tablets and laptops, etc.

  • hide pet beds and toys

  • stow away/tidy children's toys

BATHROOMS

  • you know what we're going to say - remove the rugs (unless they all match and look really nice)

  • clear the counters of soaps, toothpastes and brushes, hair products and other personal items

  • clean mirrors and glass showers

  • hide trashcans and toilet paper holders

  • remove soaps, hair products and other items from showers and tubs

MISC

  • hide cat litter boxes if they are in rooms that will be photographed

  • if possible, patch and paint areas with visible wall damage

  • if possible, make sure outlets and light switches have covers

TIPS, TRICKS AND HINTS FOR PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT

  • your home does not have to be perfect for it to photograph well. If you missed a few things on this list, don't stress yourself out about it.

  • we don't hate rugs, however small ones that can be easily taken up are a great way to remove distractions from your photos and show off your floor to potential buyers.

  • we also don't hate pets. In fact, we love them and will give them lots of attention at our photo shoot if you let us. However, potential buyers may not love pets or may be thinking of the damage a pet may have caused to your home.

  • the goal of a real estate photo shoot is to show off the space to potential buyers. We ask that your home be as decluttered and depersonalized as possible so a potential buyer can imagine themselves and their stuff in your space.

  • we don't shoot garages or most closets (except the master if it's nice) unless you ask us to. So, fill them to bursting if you need to.

  • you don't have to clean clean before we come photograph your home. You didn't have time to mop? No big. Your home photographs best when it looks clean, but that doesn't mean it has to be absolutely spotless.

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