Photography Readiness Checklist

How to Prepare Your House for Real Estate Photography

Selling your house can be a stressful and exciting process. You want to attract as many potential buyers as possible and make a good impression on them. One of the most effective ways to do that is to have professional real estate photography that showcases your house in the best possible light. But before you hire a photographer or grab your camera, you need to prepare your house for the photo shoot. Here are some tips and a checklist of tasks to complete around the home to get it ready for real estate photography.

General tips

• Clean the whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows, dust furniture, etc.)
• Replace all burned-out light bulbs and make sure they match in color and brightness
• Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs) and other personal items that might distract buyers
• Make all beds and fluff pillows
• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring and get a cleaner look
• Put all clothes in closets or drawers and make sure they are neatly organized
• Consider removing some furniture to make the house appear more spacious and allow for better traffic flow
• Declutter and remove any unnecessary items from shelves, tables, countertops, etc.
• Hide cords and wires from TVs, lamps, computers, etc.
• Turn on all lights and open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light
• Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens Remove any seasonal
• decor (for example, Christmas lights or Halloween decorations) from the exterior and interior of the house
• Remove any pet items such as bowls, beds, toys, etc. from the house and yard
• Remove any political or religious items such as flags, signs, symbols, etc. from the house and yard
• Remove any valuables or medications from the house or lock them in a safe place
• Turn off all alarms and security systems before the photographer arrives
• Open all interior doors to create a sense of flow and spaciousness
• Remove any area rugs that are covering hardwood floors or tiles
• Add some fresh flowers or plants to the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms
• Remove any magnets, calendars, or notes from the refrigerator
• Hide any cords or wires from TVs, lamps, computers, etc.

Checklist by room

Kitchen

• Clear the countertops of appliances, utensils, dishes, etc. Leave only one or two decorative items such as a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers
• Clean the sink and faucet and remove any sponges, soap dispensers, dish racks, etc.
• Clear the front of the refrigerator of magnets, postcards, photos, etc.
• Clean the stovetop and oven and remove any pots, pans, baking sheets, etc.
• Empty the trash can and hide it under the sink or in a closet
• Set the dining table with simple but elegant place settings (plates, glasses, napkins, etc.) and a centerpiece (flowers, candles, etc.)

Bathroom

• Clear the countertops of toiletries, makeup, hair products, etc.
• Leave only one or two decorative items such as a soap dispenser or a plant
• Clean the sink, faucet, mirror, and shower door
• Close the toilet lid
• Hang fresh towels that match the color scheme of the bathroom
• Remove bath mats, rugs, scales, trash cans, etc.
• Hide personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, shampoo bottles, etc. in drawers or cabinets

Bedroom

• Make the bed with clean and wrinkle-free bedding that matches the color scheme of the bedroom
• Clear the nightstands of books, glasses, clocks, etc. Leave only one or two decorative items such as a lamp or a plant
• Clear the dresser of jewelry boxes, photos, etc. Leave only one or two decorative items such as a mirror or a vase
• Remove any clutter from under the bed or on the floor
• Hide personal items such as clothes, shoes, bags, etc. in closets or drawers

Living Room

• Arrange the furniture in a way that creates a cozy and inviting seating area Fluff and straighten cushions and pillows
• Remove any clutter from coffee tables, end tables, bookshelves, etc. Leave only one or two decorative items per surface such as a book, a candle, or a plant
• Hide remote controls, magazines, newspapers, etc. in drawers or baskets Add some accents such as throw blankets or rugs to add some texture and color

Office

• Clear the desk of papers, pens, files, etc. Leave only one or two items such as a laptop or a notebook
• Organize the shelves and remove any clutter such as books, folders, boxes, etc. Leave only one or two items per shelf such as a picture frame or a plant
• Hide cords and wires from computers, printers, lamps, etc.
• Remove any personal items such as diplomas, awards, family photos, etc.

Laundry

• Clear the countertops of detergent, fabric softener, hangers, etc. Leave only one or two items such as a basket or a plant
• Empty the washer and dryer and close the doors
• Hide laundry baskets, ironing boards, clothes, etc. in closets or cabinets
• Clean the sink and faucet and remove any sponges, brushes, etc.

Front exterior

• Close all garage doors and remove cars, bikes, etc. from the driveway
• Attend to landscaping (mow the lawn, trim bushes, remove leaves, etc.)
• Remove trash cans, recycling bins, water hoses, ladders, and other tools from the front yard
• Remove any seasonal decor (for example, Christmas lights or Halloween decorations)
• Tidy up the porch and entryway and add some curb appeal with a welcome mat, a wreath, or some potted plants

Backyard

• Mow the lawn, trim bushes, remove leaves, etc.
• Remove trash cans, water hoses, ladders, and other tools from the backyard
• Remove toys, playground equipment, pet items, etc. from the backyard
• Tidy up the patio and deck and arrange outdoor furniture and cushions
• Clean the pool and remove any pool toys or equipment
• Prep water features such as fountains, waterfalls, etc. and provide instructions on how to turn them on
• Consider adding some details such as candle holders or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere

Conclusion

Preparing your house for real estate photography may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth it. By following these tips and checklist, you can make your house look more attractive, spacious, and inviting to potential buyers. You can also save time and money by avoiding unnecessary reshoots or edits. Remember, your real estate photos are the first impression that buyers will have of your house, so make it count!