Preparing for the Photo Shoot

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Exterior

• Mow and rake yard.
• Contain pets in the garage or out of sight.
• Remove all vehicles from driveways and do not park directly in front of the house.
• Move garbage cans out of sight.
• Remove all garden tools including hoses and sprinklers.
• Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios.
• Straighten deck furniture and open umbrellas.
• Clean grill and remove cover.
• Clean pool area.
• For extra appeal, fill planters with flowers and spread fresh mulch.

Interior

• Remove piles of newspaper and magazines.
• Make sure all light bulbs work and that grouped lights are the same color/type.
• Turn on all interior lights including lamps
• Turn ceiling fans off.
• De-clutter rooms which may be excessively furnished.
• Remove personal photos.
• Turn off televisions and computers.
• Vacuum carpets and sweep hard floors.
• Remove pet toys, dishes, beds, cages etc.
• Wash windows, glass doors, etc.
• Open all shades and blinds.
• Hide trash cans.

Kitchen

• Place trash cans out of view in a closet or cupboard.
• Remove magnets, photos, notes and papers from the refrigerator.
• De-clutter stove and counter tops.
• Stow small appliances.
• Hide soaps and other cleaning items.
• Hide dish towels.
• Clear sink of dishes.
• Put away draining racks.
• Organize open shelves.
• For extra appeal, place a fruit bowl on the counter, and display fresh pastries or fruit.

Dining Room

• Straighten dining chairs.
• Add centerpiece, candles
• For extra appeal, set the table.

Living and Family Room

• Hide all remotes.
• Conceal exposed cables as well as you can.

Bedrooms

• Make beds.
• Arrange decorative pillows
• Put away clothing, shoes, charging cords, catch alls etc.
• Clean under bed.
• Clear surfaces of clutter.

Bathrooms

• Make the bathroom sparkle.
• Hang fresh towels.
• Clear counters of toiletries.
• Clean mirrors.
• Close toilet lid.
• Remove shampoo and other products from shower/tub.
• Remove floor scales, trash cans, and laundry hamper.

Pool

• Remove pool hose.
• Turn on water features.
• Remove all children’s toys, floats, etc.

Pets

• Pets should be taken on a walk are well hidden for the photo shoot.
• Pets in the backyard will generally be seen from the inside.
• Pet toys, beds, and bowls should be hidden

People

• Hiding from the camera is impossible; please keep the number of people present during the shoot to a minimum.
• Contractors should be scheduled on other days.
• Remaining people should retire to a bedroom while the home is being photographed.