How to Prepare Your Home For Real Estate Photography

Make the first impression count!

It's no secret. When things look better, they sell faster! It's the same way for cars, and its the same way for homes. This is why we provide this guide to help you think of the things that will help you sell you home quick and for the most value you can get.

Follow the guide below and lets sell your HOME!

Welcome Homeowners

How to prepare your home for the photo shoot

WHY PREP FOR PHOTOS?

GENERAL TIPS FOR ALL AERAS

ONLINE It's where buyers start

The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

GETTING READY FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT

Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets

FRONT EXTERIOR

Online “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

Tips for all areas in the home

Make the first impression count

Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD

The back yard should be an oasis to relax

Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove trash cans

THE KITCHEN

The Kitchen is the Focal-Point of family Gatherings

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.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

DINNING ROOM - TABLE

Allow buyers to imagine a family gathering

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\FAMILY ROOM

Space to enjoy fellowship and Quality Time with Friends and Family

Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys

MASTER BEDROOM

Rest for you and Your Guests

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
Remove family photos from walls
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

KID\GUEST BEDROOM

Don’t forget about guest bedrooms

Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

BATHROOMS

Make it like a Spa, and remember, no personal items

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

YOUR PETS

We love our pets, but their presents should be minimized

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 or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

Selling your home is like selling a product - it must be marketed correctly to reach a specific buyer. Although your furnishings and decor are great for your lifestyle, it’s important to optimize your home for the future buyer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to expect during the Photo Shoot

THE HOUSE SHOULD BE SHOOT READY WHEN I ARRIVE

Hello, I'm Mike Nevins, owner and photographer of MountainSky Aerial Photography. I look forward to taking photos of your home!

I want the photos of your home to be the best they can be. This requires teamwork and cooperation that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes LIVE on the market.

Although I would love to help you style/design your home, I unfortunately do not have the skill set required to do so. When I arrive to take photos of your property, I ask that all staging and cleaning be done prior to my arrival. To efficiently maintain my busy schedule and deliver the level of service my clients expect, I can not spend unnecessary time at the home waiting for it to be cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered, etc.

If aerial photo's or video's are going to be taken, I ask that all vehicles and other personal equipment (RV's, Etc) be moved out of the way so as not to negatively influence the aerial shoot. There may be exceptions to this, so let us discuss them prior to the shoot.

I Do Not:

Move or re-arrange furniture or vehicles
Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter
Pick up toys or yard items
"Photoshop" vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.
Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)