Listing/Photography Preparation
- Make sure items are put away and there is nothing on the floor, table tops or countertops, except for complimentary ornamentation. (all flat surfaces are clear and clean).
- Have carpets vacuumed and floors swept.
- Have all windows, mirrors, walls & ceilings washed, as the camera can pick up even the smallest of details.
- Have any personal items removed (especially in bathrooms).
- Consider possibly scaling back some decorations (less is way more).
- If you have a fireplace, have it lit before the photographer arrives, as they tend to fog when first lit. If it’s natural, use newspaper as it burns fast and bright.
- Turn all interior lighting on. Lights, lamps, accent lights, etc.
- Have as few small appliances on the kitchen counter as possible and make sure the counter has been freshly wiped (the shine is appealing).
- Hide or bundle up all wires around electronics stations (computer desks, home entertainment units, etc.) as well as any other miscellaneous items (video game boxes, cd jackets, software packing, etc.).
- Make sure the landscaping is current (grass cut, with no clippings, gardens maintained, etc.).
- Make sure the garage door is closed.
- If in the winter, make sure that the driveway, walkways and decks are all shovelled and dry.
- Make sure the beds are well made with complimentary coverings.
- Open all coverings to your windows, unless the view is undesirable.
- Put out place settings at the dinner table.
- Remove all personal effects from the refrigerator, walls, table tops and shelves.
- Remove all vehicles from the driveway and if it’s sunny, hose it down (the shine it gives is very appealing).
- Remove any furniture indentations in carpeting using either a steamer or letting an ice cube melt and “working” the fibers up with a spoon.
- Close all closet doors.
- Turn off all ceiling fans.
- Put away all pet effects (cages, crates, beds, food dishes, toys, etc.).
- Ensure that all pets are contained.
- If a piano is present, have it open but without a music book on the stand.
- Make sure all surfaces are dusted.
- Make sure all cupboards are closed.
- Consider having some candles lit, especially at the dinner table.
- Consider putting out a few flowers.
- Don’t worry about your laundry room as it won’t be photographed (this is a good place to store stuff for the shoot).