Home Preparation Guide

Your active participation is key. Follow the checklist below to ensure the property is ready for our team. When getting ready for the photoshoot, remember to organize and declutter every room.

PDF Pre-Shoot Checklist
Pre-Shoot Checklist (PDF)

Exterior Space (Front)

  • Front door/Garage door closed
  • Remove cars from driveway and front of home
  • Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
  • Remove empty planters
  • Sweep off debris on walkway/driveway/porch
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Remove trash cans

Exterior Space (Backyard)

  • Mow yard and pull weeds
  • Clean porch of leaves and debris
  • Tidy up outdoor (tables, chairs, cushions, etc)
  • Put away kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Clean pool
  • Turn on water features

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
  • Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
  • Remove hand towels and small rugs
  • Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
  • Remove dishes from sink; place in dishwasher

Dining Room

  • Clear table; dust and polish the table top
  • Use decorative place setting if available
  • Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

Living or Family Room

  • Arrange/rearrange furniture to give room maximum space
  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth
  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
  • Remove kid’s toys
  • Pet items/toys put away

Bedrooms

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
  • Press bed linens and bed skirts
  • Clear nightstands of all personal items
  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables
  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
  • Put toilet seats down
  • Close closet doors
  • Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
  • Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
  • Remove floor mats

Pets

  • Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
  • Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
  • Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
  • Contain pets in hidden crate (move to garage or unfinished space in basement)
  • Clear back yard of pet waste

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