PICTURES AND VIDEOS DAY
INTERIOR:
Clean and Clear Kitchen Counters and Sinks
When kitchen counters are completely clear, the kitchen appears more spacious, allowing buyers to envision how they will use the space. Coffee makers, blenders, and decorations can distract buyers and often make the kitchen look cluttered.
Remove everything except a few decorative items from the countertops and clean all surface areas, including appliances, the kitchen sink, and the backsplash.
Clean Bathroom Sinks, Bathtubs, and Showers
Store all shampoo bottles, soaps, razors, and other items in a bin that fits under the bathroom sink. This step helps the bathroom appear larger.
Remove all items from bathroom countertops—you want the bathrooms to look empty. Clean, neatly folded towels on towel racks are acceptable.
Replace Burnt-Out Light Bulbs
This is one of the most overlooked items on the checklist. Check all ceiling lights, lamps, and outdoor lights to ensure they are working. If there are dark areas in the house, such as a basement, add extra lamps to brighten them. Floor lamps that provide lighting are great! The more light, the better!
Turn On All Lights Throughout the House
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. It is essential to have as much light as possible.
Turn on all lights in the house, including lamps and outdoor lights. Your photographer will appreciate capturing your home in the best light when they arrive.
Open All Window Curtains
Natural light from windows brings life and vibrancy to real estate photos. We recommend opening all window treatments throughout the house to let in as much light as possible.
If it is too bright outside, your photographer will adjust blinds and curtains to balance the shot. Don’t forget to clean the windows!
Remove Unnecessary Furniture and Decorations
This may be the hardest request for sellers, but it is one of the most important items on the list. Removing and storing bulky or excess furniture can be challenging, but it creates more space and makes the home feel much larger.
It is advisable to consult a professional stager to determine which items should stay or go. In this case, "less is more."
Remove Rugs and Runners
Rugs and runners are great for protecting floors but can make the overall space feel smaller. They often make rooms appear more cramped.
We recommend removing as many rugs as possible. Photographers use a wide-angle lens that makes rooms look larger, and rugs tend to appear distorted with this effect.
Roll up and remove all rugs in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. If you have area rugs, consult a stager to determine whether they should stay or go.
Turn Off Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens
Most photographers use HDR photography, which takes multiple light exposures for each shot and blends them into one final image. Any moving item, such as ceiling fans or active TV/computer screens, appears strange in HDR photos.
For this reason, we recommend turning off anything that moves or causes motion blur. This is a professional photography tip.
Clear Appliances of Magnets and Clutter
Many people keep magnets, notes, reminders, and personal information on the refrigerator. However, this kind of clutter can distract buyers.
We ask our sellers to remove all magnets, calendars, and personal items from the fridge. This not only makes the home appear more organized but also keeps personal information private.
Make All Beds
This seems obvious but is surprisingly overlooked, especially in secondary bedrooms. Make sure all beds are neatly made and decorated with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows.
Use full-size bedding that properly fits the mattress. Decorative pillows can brighten up the bed if possible. A clean room with an unmade bed makes the entire space look messy.
Remove All Personal Photos and Items
It’s difficult for buyers to imagine themselves in a home when personal items are everywhere. Buyers want to feel like the home was made just for them.
Since you want buyers to focus on the house and not on you, remove all photos and personal belongings throughout the home, including patios, balconies, and garages.
Store All Shoes and Jackets in Closets
When buyers see shoes and jackets in entryways or on floors, they subconsciously assume the house lacks storage space. This perception can be easily fixed by putting these items away.
Remove all jackets and shoes from any visible area throughout the home. Store all loose items to eliminate distractions.
Clear Nightstands and Dressers
Nightstands tend to collect clutter—half-read books, medicine bottles, tissues, and electronics can quickly take over these spaces.
Remove everything except for a lamp and one decorative item, such as a small floral arrangement or a decorative book, to keep the space tidy and appealing. Think of a freshly cleaned hotel room.
Remove ALL Pet Items
Not everyone has pets. In fact, some people are severely allergic. It is crucial to ensure your home does not show any signs of pets, especially pet odors. Spend time addressing this part—it is one of the biggest factors in price reductions and negative buyer feedback.
Consider that you may be "nose blind" to pet smells since you live in your home every day. Ask a neutral party for an honest opinion before listing.
EXTERIOR:
Tidy Up the Yard and Landscaping
First impressions are crucial, so make sure the front yard is neat. All landscaping should be trimmed and well-maintained.
The first photo people will see of your home is the front yard. This image must be in the best possible condition to grab buyers’ attention immediately.
Sweep the Porch/Patio/Deck
This step is especially important in the fall when leaves accumulate daily. Ensure that all front and back porches are clean and remove any unnecessary items.
If possible, stage these areas with flowers and decorative items to create a welcoming space that invites buyers in. A well-maintained entryway conveys pride of ownership.
Clear All Cars from Driveway and Street
It’s never good to have cars in the driveway during real estate photos. Always remove all cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs from the driveway and the front of the house.
Pro Tip: Ask your neighbors to move their cars from the street so it looks peaceful and inviting in your photos. This is especially important for drone shots.
Hide All Trash Cans and Lawn Equipment
Large trash cans and unsightly lawn equipment can be very distracting in real estate photos. Store all trash bins in the garage, along with garden hoses, lawnmowers, and other maintenance tools.
Keep the lawn free of small toys and pet items. You don’t want the photographer to handle this task—it will take away from their focus.
Remove Outdoor Grill Covers
Now is the time to showcase your fantastic barbecue, not hide it! Smoker and grill covers should be removed so the appliances look ready for use.
If the grill is old and rusty, it’s best to remove it or dispose of it entirely.
Open All Patio Umbrellas
If the weather is not too windy, open all patio umbrellas before the photo session. Dust off chairs and set up the area as if you were about to enjoy it with friends.
Fresh outdoor cushions and flowers will create a welcoming space for your photographer to highlight.
Be Prepared to Reschedule
Most photographers work around the weather because it has a major impact on the final marketing materials. Drones and exterior shots are impossible in heavy rain or wind. Be ready for your real estate agent to call and reschedule if the weather turns bad. If a professional photographer decides to wait, trust that it’s for the best.
Plan to Be Out for a Few Hours
We use 3D imaging technology to scan all parts of the home, yard, and garage. If pets or children are running around during the session, they will likely appear in the 3D tour. This is a problem.
It’s best to leave the house and give the photographer an unoccupied space to work in. Even moving from room to room to "stay out of the way" is disruptive. The process will be most effective if the home is completely empty.
Leave Lock-Up Instructions for the Photographer
Once your professional photographer/videographer finishes, they will typically message the listing agent to confirm completion. If you won’t be home, leave a key and instructions on your preferred lock-up method.
EXAMPLE OF HOW YOUR VIDEO WILL LOOK LIKE AND HOW YOUR HOME SHOULD BE:
Thuany Lauria
REAL ESTATE ENTREPRENEUR
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