Getting Ready
General Staging & Preparation
-Clean the entire house (Vacuum, mop, clean all counter tops, and wash windows)
-Keep all overhead lights OFFYou can leave on decorative lights that you would like to highlight (Under cabinet lighting for example)
-Replace all burned out light bulbs for evening photography and windowless rooms
-Light bulbs should be the same color for evening photography
-Keep ceiling fans OFF for the duration of the photo shoot
-Televisions & Computer Screens should be OFF for the duration of the shoot
-Open all blinds and window coverings
-Shutters should be open to expose the maximum amount of window but should not be drawn up completely
-If your property has views that can be seen from the interior be sure to clean all windows and remove screens
-Remove as many personal and family photographs as possible
-Make beds
-Remove small rugs to showcase flooring
Exterior - Front
-Close garage doors
-Remove cars from driveways and front curb
-Tidy landscaping (Cut, mow, and rake)
-Remove empty planters
-Sweep dust and remove cobwebs
-Remove hoses
-Remove toys and sports equipment
-Remove trash cans
Exterior - Rear
-Clean and sweep patio
-Straighten and clean outdoor furniture
-Remove or replace faded outdoor cushions
-Remove toys
-Clean pool and remove automatic pool cleaners
-Turn on all pool and water features
-Remove hoses
-Remove trash cans
Dining Room
-Clear, dust, and polish table
-Set out a decorative place setting if you have one
-Feature one center piece that adds color and contrast to the room
-Straighten and evenly space chairs
-Remove child seats or booster chairs
Kitchen
-Clear counter tops of non-decorative items, leave just one or two appliances
-Remove all refrigerator magnets and decorations
-Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
-Remove soaps and dishes from sink
-Remove distracting above cabinet decorations
-Remove napkins/paper towels
Living Room
-Remove all non-decorative items (Magazines, Papers, mail, remote controls)
-Declutter fireplace mantle
-Fluff and straighten furniture pillows
-Remove toys and electronics
-Hide all wires
Master Bedroom
-Make bed, straighten bed skirts and fluff pillows
-Iron or press linens
-Remove all personal non-decorative items from night stands
-Remove electronics and wires
-Remove clutter from dressers and other surfaces
-Remove family photos
-Clean under bed
Spare Rooms
-Remove names and family photos from walls
-Remove stickers and posters
-Remove any utilitarian items such as trash cans
-Clean under the bed
