Whole house, the day before
- Turn on every light, including lamps, under-cabinet and closet lights. Replace burnt-out bulbs and match bulb colors where possible.
- Turn off all ceiling fans. They blur in long exposures.
- Open blinds and curtains fully. Clean the inside of windows on the view side.
- Clear floors of rugs that do not lie flat, shoes, toys, pet beds and cords.
- Hide trash cans, laundry baskets, cleaning supplies and pet bowls.
- Take down refrigerator magnets, personal photos and calendars.
- Set the thermostat so windows do not fog and the house is comfortable.
- Put pets in a crate or with a neighbor for the shoot window.
Kitchen
- Clear counters completely: small appliances, dish racks, soap, sponges, paper towels.
- Leave one or two decorative items at most, such as a bowl of fruit or a plant.
- Empty the sink and hide dish towels.
- Wipe stainless steel and glass; fingerprints show at high resolution.
- Push in chairs and bar stools evenly.
Bathrooms
- Clear the counter and shower: toothbrushes, razors, bottles, loofahs.
- Close toilet lids. Put down fresh, matching towels or none at all.
- Hide bath mats, scales, plungers and trash cans.
- Wipe mirrors and glass shower doors.
Bedrooms
- Make beds neatly with the duvet pulled tight and pillows squared.
- Clear nightstands to a lamp and one item.
- Close closet doors. Hide anything under the bed that shows.
- Remove personal items from dressers.
Living and dining
- Remove remotes, magazines, blankets and throw pillows that are past their best.
- Straighten art and books. Hide cable boxes and cords where possible.
- Set the dining table simply or leave it clear.
- Vacuum lines show; vacuum toward the door as the last step.
Exterior and pool
- Move all cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
- Hide trash and recycling bins, hoses, tools and pool toys.
- Mow, edge and blow the driveway and patio. Trim anything covering windows.
- Sweep the pool deck and skim the pool. Remove the pool cleaner and its hose.
- Set patio furniture and open umbrellas. Turn on pool and landscape lights for twilight shots.
- Close the garage door and remove signs or stickers from doors and windows.
For the agent
- Confirm the photographer has gate codes, lockbox access and parking instructions.
- Tell the photographer which features matter most: water view, new kitchen, primary suite.
- Decide on add-ons in advance: drone, twilight conversion, virtual staging, floor plan.
- Ask the seller to be out of the house, or in one room, during the shoot.
Forward this to your seller
Download the PDF and send it the day before the shoot. Then check the price list and book online in about a minute.