In preparation for the house photos, here is a recommended checklist for Realtors and owners who want their house to look exceptional in the images. We strongly recommend that Realtors or owners arrive early and prepare the house exactly as they want it to show in the pictures.     

When we arrive, I have about 45 minutes allocated to complete the photos, and things move quickly, so having your house ready is very important. Once we begin taking photos, it's normally too late to accomplish anything on the list below.   Please don't rely on "moving stuff around" as I go from room to room.   You will not have time.   

  • Cut the grass and clean up yard (optional-adding mulch/flowers)
  • Move BBQ grill, trash cans, and hoses into garage or shed
  • Move cars/trailers/boats from driveway and yard.  Make sure they cannot be seen through the first floor windows of the house.  
  • To make your room look larger, remove large ottomans and footstools
  • Clean and uncover any pools/spas
  • Straighten out deck/patio furniture, open patio umbrellas
  • Turn on all lamps, overhead lights, under cabinet lights, over sink lights, range hood lights - replace missing or burned out bulbs
  • Turn on outdoor porch lights - front and back
  • Lower all blinds and put the slats on the horizontal.    Make sure all blinds look consistent from the front of the house.     
  • Put all trash cans (including bathroom trash cans) in closets or the garage.   
  • Turn off TV and hide all remote controls
  • Turn off ceiling fans
  • Remove fans/dehumidifiers/air freshener (these could give viewer wrong impression)
  • Move cords out of sight (computer, extension, lamps, etc.)
  • Clear  home of clutter (put stuff in closets, since we normally don’t shoot closets)
  • Clean up/Remove any toys, puzzles, etc.
  • Remove small appliances and clutter from counter tops, remove dishes from sink
  • Remove magnets, stickers, and other items off refrigerator
  • Remove personal items, toiletries, and soap, shampoo, etc. out of bath/shower/counter top
  • Close toilet lids.   Remove lid covers, bathroom magazines, toilet brushes, plungers, etc. 
  • Remove floor mats/small area rugs (this will make SQFT in home seem bigger)
  • Straighten bed coverings and clear bedside tables
  • Remove any holiday-related objects or decorations
  • Remove any outdoor flags (any movement in the wind makes them appear blurred)
  • Bend over and look under beds.  If you can see anything, the camera will likely see it.  
  • Put large ottomans, footstools, etc in garage (makes room look larger) 
  • Remove as many portraits as possible
  • Remove posters/stickers from kids bedrooms
  • Sweep off driveway, walk ways, decks and porches
  • Remove security signs from the yard
  • Put dogs and cats in the garage during the photo session
  • Put any pet items (cages, leashes, dishes, toys, pads) in the garage.  Some people are not "pet people" and may think differently of the property if there is evidence of pets.