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Before the shoot

Online is where buyers start!​

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The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

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  • Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)

  • Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

  • Replace all burned out light bulbs

  • Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)

  • Turn all ceiling fans OFF

  • Turn all TVs OFF

  • Turn all computer screens OFF

  • Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light

  • Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

  • Make all beds

  • Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

  • Place all shoes/jackets in closets

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Set up

Curb appeal

The first picture buyers look for...

  • Close garage doors

  • Remove cars from the driveway and in front of the home

  • Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

  • Remove empty planters

  • Use a broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

  • Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

Backyard oasis

A place to relax... 

  • Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

  • Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded

  • Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

  • Clean pool

  • Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

  • Hide pool cleaning supplies

  • Turn on pool fountains/water features

  • Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove trash cans

Kitchen

Where family time begins...

  • Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

  • Leave out a max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)

  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

  • Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

  • Remove dishes from the sink, place in dishwasher

 

Dining room 

The place to gather with family friends and great food...

  • Clear table, dust, and polish the table top

  • Use decorative place setting if available

  • Feature one centerpiece such as a bouquet of flowers

  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

living/ fAMILY room 

Relax and unwind from a long day...

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

  • Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

  • Remove kid's toys

Bed Rooms

Time to rest...

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

  • Press bed linens and bed skirts

  • Clear nightstands of all personal items

  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables

  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers

  • Remove family photos from walls

  • Clean under the bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Bathrooms 

Your personal spa...

  • Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

  • Put toilet seats down

  • Close closet doors

  • Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

  • Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels

  • Remove floor mats

pets

Our best friends...

  • Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

  • Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

  • Use a lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

  • Contain pets in a hidden crate or outside

  • Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

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