Pre-shoot Checklist
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To insure your home is photographed at its best
here is a checklist of things you should do prior to your scheduled appointment.
Remember, your home will be shot “as-is” upon my arrival!
General Prep
Be shoot-ready: Clean and stage before I arrive, preferably the day before.
Remove for-sale sign: The for-sale sign should be removed from the property (if possible) by the realtor if it has already been installed. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules, and they can’t always be edited out. It’s best to schedule sign installation for after the photoshoot. I can still blur the face of the sign if needed for MLS.
Secure or remove pets: I love pets, but MLS rules prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and my equipment. Cats should be secured as well, although they often just hide. It's also a good idea to hide pet food and water bowls as well.
All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. I need to move quickly from room to room.
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
No cars in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home so there is a clear view for exterior photos.
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. 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 pavement or worse, they turn on while I’m shooting.
Pick up poop if you have a dog.
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.
It’s best to schedule sign installation for after the photoshoot. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules.
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
De-clutter 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.
De-clutter bathrooms: All 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, portable fans, etc.: These look distracting so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.
Hide cords, game consoles and remotes: Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide them.
Open blinds with views: Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if they are attractive.
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 as they are blurs in still pictures.
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 of 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.
I hope that you find this checklist helpful!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.