I want to caution you: prepping a home for sale is hard work. I have tried to make it easier by giving you a clearer path to the reward which will pay off big time with a quicker sale and for top dollar. But you must put in the work.
This preparation checklist will help you and your client feature your listing in the best light possible. I cannot stress enough how important this is to make a first impression with potential buyers. They want visualize what their new home will look like. You can help to make it their home.
I would appreciate you taking the time to review this checklist and act on these items IN ADVANCE and share it with your client for your upcoming photo session. We want to feature your listing in the best way.
NOTE: If a floor plan is included in your order, we only need to do a digital scan of the floor areas: rooms, closets, pantry and garage. No photo images are included in the floor plan.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
General Prep
DeClutter, DeClutter, DeClutter: Did I mention declutter? Cleaning and staging need to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. Small items (flowers, small pictures, etc.) can help to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive.
Secure or remove pets: I love pets, but we can’t have them around for your photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and my equipment. MLS rules also prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Cats should be secured as well, although they usually pose fewer problems than dogs (cats often just hide). It's also a good idea to hide pet food and water bowls as well.
No unecessary occupants: It is best not to have people visiting during the photo session. We plan our photo sessions for 30-45 minutes. All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remaining in areas where they can't be seen during the photo shoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections, and there is a risk to equipment that will be set up throughout the property.
Use the garage for storage: I normally don’t shoot garages, so this is a great place to store items you’d like to hide.
Inside Prep
Declutter kitchen: A few items on the counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor.
Declutter bathrooms: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.
Prep bedrooms: All bedrooms should have their beds made and excessive items put away.
Hide trashcans: Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.
Hide portable fans: Ceiling fans are selling items, but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage.
Hide cords and remotes: Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.
Clear entryways: Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
Open blinds with views: Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view.
Turn on lights: Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need be, please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn off ceiling fans: Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.
Outside Prep
Clear the cars: Make sure no cars are in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home. We want a clear view of your property.
Hide trashcans: Trashcans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage.
Hide hoses: Do this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures.
Prep the yard: Do at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot. The yard should be mowed and cleared of any toys, tools, etc.
Turn off sprinklers: Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on the pavement.
Pick up poop: If you have a dog, make sure that all their droppings are cleared from the yard. Land mines can be dangerous.
Prep pool and spa: If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers removed. For spas, provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn it on.
Prep water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide instructions to the Realtor on how to turn them on.
For-Sale sign: Visible signs violate MLS photo rules, and they can’t always be edited out. Therefore, it is best to schedule sign installation for AFTER the photo shoot. Otherwise we will do our best to get the best angle to not include the sign. This may affect our getting the best view of the property.
Clean patio furniture: Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot since water can create puddles.
Twilight Prep
If you’ve scheduled a twilight shoot the following are additional items to prepare before I arrive. Note that twilights have tight schedules to ensure optimal lighting, so please make sure all these items are ready before I arrive.
Turn on all interior and exterior lights: All lights throughout the property need to be turned on. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn on spas and remove covers: If you have a spa, remove the cover, and turn it before I arrive. Turn on the lights in the spa as well.
Turn on pool lights: If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before I arrive.
Turn on water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn them on before I arrive.
Thank you again for your time and patience to go through this checklist! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.
E J HOWARD
info@ejhowardphoto.com
(708) 990-8633
