How to prepare your home for a Real Estate Photoshoot
Hiring a professional real estate or STR Photographer for your property can make a huge difference when listing your property online. Whether you’re listing your property for an MLS listing, Airbnb, Zillow, VRBO or other property listing platforms, a little preparation before your chosen photographer shows up can help make the photos look a lot better!
Of course, the photographer you choose should have the experience to produce great quality photos, the home should be prepared enough to ensure the final delivery is the best it can be! While professional real estate and STR photographers like Seth Michael Media will be responsible for capturing your property at its best, having the home clean, staged and photo ready when they arrive will make a big difference!
To ensure your photos are amazing, use the checklist below to help prepare your property before your photographer arrives for your real estate or short term rental photoshoot.
Whole Home
Start by removing anything that creates unnecessary clutter. The goal is to make rooms feel clean, spacious and inviting while allowing potential buyers or guests to focus on the property itself and not the stuff you keep laying around.
Open all window blinds and curtains (let that light in!)
PLEASE make sure all light bulbs in and working
Turn on all lights. Lamps, ceiling lights, under cabinet etc.
Turn off ceiling fans
Remove/hide personal photos and belongings
Remove trash cans or hide them out of sight
Remove/hide pet beds, food bowls, toys, crates and litter boxes
Straighten rugs, pillows, chairs, and furniture
Remove unnecessary clutter and items from tables and countertops
Clean windows, wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces
Vacuum, sweep and mop floors if needed
Dust visible surfaces and furniture (Don’t forget the TV!)
Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most important areas of a home for potential buyers so keeping countertops clean and uncluttered makes a BIG difference in photographs!
Clear most items from countertops
Remove dish soap, sponges, brushes, and drying racks
Remove dirty and/or clean dishes from the sink
Put away food, snacks, vitamins and medications so they’re out of view
Hide trash cans
Straighten bar stools and dining chairs so they are matching
Wipe down countertops and appliances
Remove small “once-in-a-while” appliances
Add a fruit bowl or charcuterie board to the counter to add some color if you’d like
Living Room & Family Room
The living areas should look and feel comfortable without appearing overly decorated or cluttered. This is a space we want to look welcoming!
Fluff and arrange couch cushions so they look “fresh”
Fold and neatly place throw blankets to add color to the furniture
Clear coffee tables and side tables so there’s no empty cups or other random items
Hide TV remote and phone chargers
Straighten rugs
Arrange chairs and furniture neatly
Turn ALL televisions off
Bedrooms
Bedrooms photograph best when they're simple, clean and symmetrical. These spaces need to look comfy!
Make all beds
Smooth comforters, sheets and pillows to eliminate wrinkles if possible
Arrange decorative and regular pillows neatly
Clear nightstands of ALL personal items
Remove phone chargers and cables unless built into your night stands
Put away clothing, shoes and other personal items
Clear visible items from under the bed
Close closet doors unless you have a big, walk-in closet
Open and straighten curtains and blinds so each side matches
Bathrooms
Bathrooms usually have limited space which means even a few countertop items can make the room appear cluttered. Bathrooms can look cluttered even with minimal items on teh counters.
Clear bathroom countertops
Hide toothbrushes and personal hygiene products
Remove shampoo, soap bottles, razors, and loofahs from showers
Close toilet lids. PLEASE! I beg you!
Remove bathroom cleaning supplies such as toilet bowl cleaners and plungers
Remove trash cans
Hang neatly folded towels
Clean all mirrors
Wipe down countertops and fixtures
Remove bath mats if they’re looking a little rough
Dining Room
Keep dining spaces simple and inviting.
Stage table with matching plates, cups and silverware if you’d like
Straighten all chairs to match
Use a simple centerpiece such as flowers or a bowl of fruit if desired
Remove all of your everyday clutter from the table
Clean the tabletop and light fixtures
Exterior & Curb Appeal
The exterior photos are often the first image potential buyers or guests see. With that in mind, don't forget about the outside of the property!
Mow the lawn
Trim any overgrown landscaping
Remove all weeds
Leaf blow the driveway, walkways and porch
Remove garden hoses or other drain lines that aren’t permanent
Hide trash and recycling bins
Remove temporary signs when appropriate including any advertising signs
Straighten and clean any outdoor furniture
Clean pools and remove pool-cleaning equipment when possible
Arrange patio furniture and cushions
Remove vehicles from the driveway and directly in front of the property when possible
Additional Checklist for Short-Term Rentals
When photographing an Airbnb, VRBO or vacation rental, the goal is slightly different than with MLS listing photos. Instead of simply showing the property, Seth Michael Media is there to help potential guests imagine the experience of staying there.
Make sure everything guests will receive is staged and ready for photos.
Make beds using the linens guests will actually receive
Stage outdoor seating areas with wine glasses, fruit bowls etc
Arrange pool and patio furniture
Set up fire pits, game areas and entertainment spaces
Stage coffee stations and beverage areas you plan to offer guests
Display important amenities (Ask about our Detail Photos)
Set up workspaces
Arrange game rooms as they would appear for guests when they arrive
Make sure TVs, remotes and entertainment areas look organized
Stage grills and outdoor kitchens
Put out clean pool and bath towels where appropriate
Make sure balconies, patios and porches are clean and look inviting
Remove maintenance equipment and owner supplies that guests won’t need
Remove locked owner-storage items from sight when possible
Make sure the property looks exactly how you want guests to experience it when they arrive
The 15-Minute Final Walkthrough
Right before your photographer arrives, please do one final walkthrough of the property.
Turn on all interior lights including overhead lights and lamps
Open blinds and curtains so we can get that natural light
Turn off ceiling fans
PLEASE check that toilet lids are closed. Thank you :)
Ensure that beds are neatly made and
Look for forgotten items on countertops such as phones and keys
Hide trash cans
Make sure vehicles are moved away from the home
Check mirrors and glass for fingerprints and streaks
Straighten all pillows, chairs, rugs and towels
Make sure outdoor spaces are ready to photograph
Seth Michael Media is here to collaborate with your upcoming project! If you have any questions about design, placement of items or anything else leading up to your shoot date, please feel free to reach out to us at: 727-744-3244.