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Tips to Prepare Home for Real Estate Photography

Exterior, front yard and backyard

  • Close all garage doors

  • Remove cars, so they are not visible in the pictures

  • Attend to landscaping (mow the lawn, trim bushes and remove leaves)

  • Remove dead foliage and empty planters

  • Remove trash cans

  • Remove visible water hoses, ladders, and other tools

  • Remove toys and playground supplies

  • Remove any seasonal decor (for example, Christmas lights)

  • Tidy up outdoor tables, chairs etc. and fluff cushions

  • Clean the pool

  • Consider adding a few details like candle holders etc to create a cozy atmosphere

 

Hallway and wardrobe

  • Put clothes in the closet. Leave only an item or two on a hanger or a hook

  • Remove shoes. If you decide to leave a pair, make sure they are clean and nice

  • Remove clutter (keys, wallets, papers, etc.)

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops – less is more

  • Leave a couple of stylish items on the counter (a coffee maker or a bowl of fruit)

  • Hide all dishes; place dirty dishes in the dishwasher

  • Hide garbage cans and recycling bins

  • Clear the front of the refrigerator of magnets, postcards, photos, etc.

  • Clean and/or polish countertops and cabinets to make sure there are no fingermarks

  • Clear dining table. Consider having a vase of fresh flowers on the table

  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

  • Remove children’s chairs or high seats

Living room

  • Remove magazines, papers, mail, and random clutter

  • Arrange books and art in bookshelves, so it looks tidy

  • Remove toys

  • Remove clutter and clean interior of the fireplace

  • If the fireplace has a glass front – clean it

  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

  • Hide and/or arrange cables from TV, stereo and other electrical devices

Bedrooms

  • Bedding should be in matching colors, have no wrinkles and no discoloring or fading

  • Press bed linens and bed skirts

  • Make the beds, including decorative pillows/shams if available

  • Edges of bedding and sheets when visible should either be tucked neatly or hung straight

  • Pillows should be wrinkle-free, fluffed, matching and arranged neatly

  • Remove personal belongings like pictures, clothing, electronics, and clutter

  • Remove trash cans

  • Clean under the bed, remove items that may show in the photos

Kids & guest bedrooms

  • Remove personalized items like names and pictures from walls

  • Tidy the room: put books in bookshelves, toys in boxes, and put some key toys on shelves for display

  • Clean under the bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Home office

  • Clear desk

  • Hide and/or arrange all the cables

  • Hide papers

  • Arrange items neatly in a bookshelf

  • Remove personalized items

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops. Consider leaving a decorative soap dispenser, etc.

  • Put toilet seats down

  • Remove shampoo, soap, etc. from showers and tubs

  • Remove dirty towels. Hang up clean towels in matching colors

  • Remove floor mats

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