Prepare your listing

Written By Connor DeMott

Please ensure the property is in shooting condition upon photographer's arrival. The photographer is NOT responsible for moving items and cleaning. If the home is not ready upon the photographer's arrival, we reserve to right to leave and reschedule (you will be billed $70 for a reschedule).

BEFORE WE ARRIVE

  • All home improvement and landscaping projects should be completed and cleaned up

  • Staging should be completed in advance of the appointment

GENERAL

  • Turn off televisions, computers, and all fans

  • Unplug and hide all non-essential electrical cords

  • Open all window shades

  • Turn all lights on

  • Close closet doors

REMOVE

  • Family pictures

  • Personal items

  • Animal items

  • Remove shoes from entrance (place in closet)

Tip: De-clutter the home by removing cleaning supplies, magazines, toys, etc. Remember, less is more

WINDOWS & MIRRORS

  • Free of streaks

  • Lower blinds and angle them open

  • If the windows have curtains, open them.

BATHROOM / SHOWER

  • Shower screen free of streaks

  • Close toilet lid and fold all towels in bathrooms.

  • Clear all personal items from view

  • Empty garbage cans

REMOVE

  • Remove and hide all toiletries, bar soaps, shampoos, etc.

  • Bath mats off floor (makes bathroom look larger)

  • Towels from back of doors

  • Used soap dishes

  • Garbage bins

  • Tissue boxes

Tip: Put out freshly co-ordinated Towels. Neatly double folded looks best - use matching colors for most attractive results.

Tip: For that professional touch turn all taps to the center so that they are all matching - basins, showers & baths. Same goes for the kitchen & outdoor areas.

KITCHEN / DINING AREAS

  • Make sure dining room table and chairs are clean and straight.

  • Clear countertops. No knife blocks, baking supplies, silverware, mail, etc.

REMOVE

  • Put away dishes

  • Hide small appliances

  • Paper towels, rags and sponges

  • Remove kitchen mats.

  • Hide garbage cans

  • Visible child-proof equipment (for example on Doorways, cabinets & cupboards)

APPLIANCES

  • Clean all appliances

  • Free of streaks

  • Replace oven light (if blown)

  • Turn on oven light for extra ambiance

  • Clutter free refrigerator (magnets, kids' drawings, Fingerprints, calendars,

Tip: It is always a good idea to set any table with cutlery & perhaps a centre piece such as a candle or flowers, lower height is better. White plates have the best effect in photos. Neatly presented flowers/fruit are always welcomed in the kitchen/dining/living areas.

FLOORS

Remove these items to enhance perception of floor space in photos.

  • All trash bins out of sight

  • Rugs

  • Floor mats

  • Door mats

LIGHTS, LAMPS, FIREPLACES & FANS

  • Turn on all lights & lamps

  • Replace all faulty bulbs. (Very important for twilight shoots)

  • Keep fans off

  • Light gas fireplaces and firepits, if possible.

LOUNGE / LIVING AREA

  • De-clutter tables, shelves, mantles, etc.

  • Fluff & arrange pillows neatly on sofa and chairs

  • You can tastefully display a nice coffee table book & homewares on the table.

REMOVE

  • TV remotes.

  • Video game equipment

  • Any visible electrical cords

  • Books, magazines, papers, etc.

  • Pedestal fans

BEDROOM

  • Make sure beds are made and free of unnecessary clutter.

  • Tuck in all sheets and comforters

  • Clear nightstands of personal items

  • Clean under the bed, remove items that may show up in photos

  • Remove charging cables

  • Remove clutter from tops of dressers

  • Remove posters/stickers etc. from walls

  • Close closet doors

SWIMMING POOL

REMOVE

  • Pool Cover

  • Cleaning equipment

  • Toys

  • Any Debris

Tip: Make sure your pool water is balanced and not "green".

OUTSIDE AREAS

  • Close garage doors with cars inside.

  • Clean and sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios.

  • Trim bushes, trees and plants to allow a clear view of the property.

  • Put patio umbrellas up and remove BBQ grill covers.

  • Close all windows and lower blinds to the same height.

REMOVE

  • Cars from driveway or street.

  • Real estate signs

  • Trash bins (hidden in the garage is best)Trash bins (hidden in the garage is best)

  • Garden hoses & tools

  • Fallen branches or weeds

  • Toys, pet utilities, pet waste

  • Flags, hanging ornaments and home security signs.

  • Clear snow and ice from driveways, walks, and decks

Tip: Enhance curb appeal with landscaping and/or flowers.

PETS

  • As much as we love pets, there should be no evidence of them in the home

  • Place food and water bowls out of view

  • Place pet beds or toys out of view

Connor DeMott
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