Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for Stunning Real Estate Photography

My name is Brian Banks, and I will be your photographer.

My goal is to photograph your home with the highest quality that will wow buyers and attract offers.

To ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly and safely, I’ve put together this preparation checklist of things you should do prior to your scheduled shoot.

General Prep

❑ Be shoot-ready:

Cleaning and staging need to be done before the photographer arrives, preferably the day before your photoshoot. The photographer may move small items (flowers, small pictures, etc.) to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before the photographer arrives, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.

❑ Secure or remove pets:

The photographer loves pets, but we can’t have them around for your photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of the photographer and their 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.

❑ Plan not to be seen:

 All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in
areas where they can’t be seen during the photoshoot. 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.

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 as clear a view as possible of your property.

❑ Do NOT wet driveways:

If a wet look is desired, this can be added in the editing process. Watering driveways can cause patches of dry spots and puddles, so adding it in editing is best.

❑ Hide trashcans:

Trash cans 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.

❑ Mow and trim the yard:

Do at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot.

❑ Turn off sprinklers:

Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.

❑ Pick up poop:

If you have a dog, make sure that all their droppings are cleared from the yard.

❑ 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.

❑ Remove for-sale sign:

The for-sale sign should be removed from the property or installed after
the shoot, since visible signs violate MLS policies and can’t always be edited out.

❑ Clean patio furniture:

Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles.

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 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.

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 for your time and patience to go through this checklist! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Brian T Banks

214-796-7281

[email protected]