Prepare for Your Photo Shoot
A little preparation can make a major difference in how your property photographs. Use this checklist before your scheduled session to help us showcase your property at its best.
Front Exterior
The front exterior is one of the most important images of the entire shoot. Buyers often decide whether to continue viewing a listing based on their first impression of the property.
● Make sure there are no vehicles in the driveway or parked directly in front of the property.
● Put away garbage cans, hoses, and lawn equipment.
● Turn on front porch and exterior lights.
● Power wash the driveway, walkways, and mailbox where needed.
● Clean and wash exterior windows.
● Open front-facing window blinds and curtains and make sure they appear uniform.
● Cut the grass.
● Prune trees and shrubs.
● Apply fresh mulch or landscaping material where needed.
● Add blooming flowers where appropriate.
● Remove dead plants and flowers.
● Remove empty plant containers.
Rear Exterior
Outdoor spaces are an important extension of the property. A clean, organized backyard, patio, and surrounding exterior areas help showcase the property’s usable space and create a stronger overall presentation.
● Remove vehicles from the driveway and rear parking areas.
● Put away garbage cans, hoses, lawn equipment, tools, and other miscellaneous items.
● Remove toys, bicycles, and unnecessary outdoor items.
● Arrange patio furniture neatly.
● Clean outdoor furniture and cushions.
● Remove or neatly store pool equipment and pool toys.
● Clean the pool and/or spa, if applicable.
● Remove pool-cleaning equipment from the water.
● Mow the lawn and trim landscaping.
● Remove dead plants, leaves, and yard debris.
● Clean patios, decks, walkways, and other outdoor living areas.
● Turn on exterior lights.
● Clean exterior windows and glass doors.
● Remove pet waste and put away pet bowls, toys, and other pet items.
● Make sure grills and outdoor cooking areas are clean and organized.
Interior
A clean, bright, and uncluttered interior allows each room to photograph at its best. Before your photo shoot, please complete the following steps throughout the home to create a polished and inviting appearance.
● Open window blinds and curtains to let in more natural light.
● Turn on all interior lights.
● Turn off all ceiling fans.
● Declutter each room and pack away personal photos and collectibles. Try to strike a balance
between decluttered and empty—leave out tasteful elements that make the home feel inviting.
● Check all light bulbs and replace any that are not working.
● Make sure chandeliers, ceiling fans, mirrors, glass doors, and other visible glass surfaces are clean.
● Put away toys.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the most important selling features of a home. Clean, uncluttered surfaces help showcase the space, finishes, appliances, and overall functionality of the room.
● Clear countertops, leaving no more than three attractive appliances or decorative items visible.
● Remove magnets, photos, schedules, menus, and other items from the refrigerator.
● Clean and polish all appliances.
● Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel clean, comfortable, and inviting. Simple preparation helps the rooms appear spacious, organized, and ready for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home.
● Put fresh linens on the beds and make sure each bed is neatly made.
● Declutter nightstands.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms photograph best when they are clean, bright, and free of personal items. Keeping countertops and surfaces clear helps highlight the fixtures, finishes, and overall space.
● Clear countertops of personal items and toiletries.
● Remove toothbrushes, medications, cosmetics, and grooming products.
● Clean mirrors, countertops, sinks, faucets, showers, tubs, and glass surfaces.
● Close toilet lids.
● Remove bath mats, scales, wastebaskets, and cleaning supplies from view.
● Hang clean, neatly arranged towels.
● Remove shampoo bottles, soap, razors, and other products from showers and tubs.
● Make sure shower curtains and doors are clean and neatly positioned.
Ready for Your Photo Shoot?
Taking a few minutes to prepare your property before your scheduled session helps us create the strongest possible images and keeps the photo shoot running smoothly. If you have questions about preparing your property, contact Soriano Property Media before your appointment.