Listing prep checklist
Ready for the camera.
We photograph the house the way we find it. Work through this list the day before and the morning of the shoot, and send it to the seller when you book.
The day before
- Mow and edge the lawn. Blow off the driveway, walks and pool deck.
- Clean the pool and run the pump overnight so the water is clear by morning.
- Replace burned-out bulbs, and use one bulb color per room.
- Wash the inside of the windows and sliders in the main rooms.
Every room
- Turn on every light, including lamps and under-cabinet lights.
- Open the blinds and curtains all the way.
- Turn the ceiling fans off. A moving blade blurs in the photo.
- Turn off TVs and computer screens.
- Put away personal photos, mail and anything with a name on it.
- Clear the floors. Shoes, laundry baskets, toys and cords go in a closet.
- Close the closet doors.
Kitchen
- Clear the counters down to one or two pieces.
- Take everything off the front of the fridge.
- Put away dish soap, sponges, towels and the trash can.
Bathrooms
- Put the toilet lids down.
- Take products off the counters and out of the shower.
- Hang one set of clean towels, or none.
- Pick up the bath mats.
Bedrooms
- Make the beds and smooth the covers.
- Clear the nightstands down to a lamp.
Outside
- Move the cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
- Close the garage doors.
- Put the trash and recycling bins out of sight.
- Pull the pool cleaner and its hose out of the water.
- Coil or put away garden hoses, toys and tools.
- Put the patio cushions out and straighten the outdoor furniture.
Pets and people
- Take pets out for the shoot, and put away their bowls, beds and litter boxes.
- Lock up valuables, medications and paperwork.
- Plan to step out, or stay one room behind us while we shoot.
Twilight shoots
- Have every light on before sunset, inside and out, with the pool and landscape lights too.