MadairyOriginals Photography
www.madairyoriginalsphotography.com
[email protected]
410-683-1417

 

How to prepare for Real Estate Photography

 

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors®, 89% of home buyers who shop online notice photos first when looking for a home. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your house makes a good first impression.

Inside the Home

  1. De-clutter as much as possible. Put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, shoes etc. It’s a lot cheaper to put these things away before the photo shoot than to pay to have the photos redone and rescheduled.
  2. Depersonalized to a certain degree. Photos of young children and any potentially offensive art (believe me, I’ve seen it all!) should be put away.
  3. Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations that can quickly outdate your photos.
  4. Dust and vacuum.
  5. Make all the beds, fluff all the pillows, and check the bed skirts.
  6. Clean the kitchen sink and put away all the dishes.
  7. Clear all kitchen counter tops and put away toasters, can openers, etc.
  8. Clear all bathroom counter tops and bedroom side tables.  Put away all personal items.
  9. Remove all shampoos, conditioners, body-washes, etc. from the shower.
  10. Put out the guest towels and hide all the others.
  11. Hide all trash cans. 
  12. Remove all magnets and decorations from the refrigerator.
  13. If there are pets, hide all food/water bowls, pet beds, and pet toys.
  14. Put all toilet seats and lids down.
  15. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
  16. Consider decorating the tables with your prettiest place settings.
  17. Consider putting out vases of fresh flowers.

Outside the Home

  1. Have the lawn trimmed, leaves raked, bushes and trees pruned.
  2. Clean up after any animal.  Yard debris can show up in photos
  3. Put away all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools, toys, bikes etc.
  4. Hide any “cute” yard decorations.
  5. In snowy climates, shovel snow from walkways, driveways, patios, decks when necessary.
  6. If there is a pool, hot tub, or spa, take any security gate down, uncover, and clean.
  7. If there will be any twilight photos taken, replace any broken lighting on the home, around the landscape, and in the pool.
  8. Open the umbrellas on any patio sets.
  9. When in season, uncover grills.
  10. Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations.
  11. Consider adding splashes of bright colored flowers to the landscape and in pots.
  12. Right Before the Photographer Arrives
  13. Turn on ALL interior lights – even lights in furniture cabinets.
  14. Turn OFF all ceiling fans for still photos.
  15. Light fireplaces and candles.
  16. Open all blinds, shades, and curtains (open all the way or angled to the ceiling at 45 degrees)
  17. Clear all cars and vehicles from the driveway and the street in front of the home when possible.
  18. Please secure all animals in a safe location, away from all areas being photographed.

One more important detail.  Please remember to place all valuables in a secure location, out of sight.  This does not include items such as sculptures, wall art and items that contribute to décor.