How to Prepare Your Property for Real Estate Photos

Great real estate photos don’t happen by accident. Staging your property before we arrive helps us to capture beautiful pictures in a timely fashion. Here are a few tips to help you showcase your listing in its best light. These tips are applicable whether you’re selling your own home or your client’s, renting out an AirBnB or leasing out commercial property.

Your leads will make an instant decision about whether they want to learn more your property based on the photos on your listing, so taking the time to stage your property is worth the investment.

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Living Room

Remove all personal effects with identifying information such as photos or framed certificates. Hide remote controls, extension cords and magazines. Put away any rugs and cushions unless they’re clean, in great condition and perfectly match the décor. Wipe down all surfaces, and dust down the television screen and light fittings. Check that curtains or blinds are clean and dust-free.

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Kitchen

Place coasters, place mats, paper towels, cutlery, dish cloths and floor mats out of sight. Clutter-free surfaces look more elegant and create the illusion of space. Wipe down all surfaces until they’re spotless, especially stove tops and oven glass doors.

Bathrooms

Remove all products including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and creams. Put away toothbrushes, shaving kits, combs and any other personal items. Hide the floor mat. If you’re leaving towels, ensure they’re matching and complement the décor. Clean all surfaces and remove any streak marks from mirrors.

Bedrooms

Put away all personal items such as jewelry, candles and magazines. Wall decals can be distracting so consider removing them. If in doubt, ask us prior. Make the bed, ensure sheets are crinkle-free and straight, and plump the pillows. If you have artwork on the walls, ensure it complements your surroundings. Check that the room’s entire color scheme from the bed sheets, to the pillows and curtains, all tie together. Close drawers and cupboards.

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Outside

Hide trash cans, toys, gardening tools and portable barbecue sets. Temporarily remove “For Sale” signs. Clean and hose down patios and roofs if possible. Wind up garden hoses and place them out of sight or in a discreet corner. Straighten up pot plants. Ensure the lawn and hedges have been recently mowed or trimmed.

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CHECK THE WEATHER

Poor weather can affect the lighting of interior shots and make it impossible to capture exterior shots. Even if you’re capturing photos from inside of the property, rain, hail, snow or overcast skies can also make for unappealing views from windows or balconies.

In the case of adverse weather, some improvisation is possible with static shots if it involves only light showers.

ROOM PREPARATION CHECKLIST

  • Check your lighting fittings and replace any broken or flickering bulbs with the same wattage

  • Wipe down surfaces include benches and tables, and clean floors

  • Don’t forget to clean mirrors, windows and glass doors

  • Sweep away any cobwebs in corners

  • Hide personal effects such as photos, framed certificates or trophies

  • Take down any seasonal decorations such as from Christmas or Halloween

  • Put away clutter; when in doubt, go minimalist

  • Place clothes and shoes in cupboards

  • Fix any broken window blinds or curtains

  • Straighten everything – bed sheets, table cloths, dining settings

The above checklist applies to rentals; however, there are a few extra steps to follow.

FOR AIRBNB, HOTELS & RENTALS

  • Remove all signage, standees, notices or posters

  • Schedule the shoot at a time when there are no guests or cleaning staff

  • Ensure dining settings and tables look immaculate

  • Sheers and curtains must neatly arranged, clean and in working order

  • Remove and put away all garbage pails

  • Please provide a shot list at least 48 hours before the shoot

FOR ALL OUTSIDE AREAS

·      Rake away leaves or shovel snow from patios, driveways and other passageways

·      Ensure lawns are mowed and manicured about three or four days before

·      If you’ve got a pool, ensure it has been cleaned of any debris

·      Place trash cans out of sight if possible

·      Check that fencing and gates are presentable and not broken

Clean any outside dining settings such as tables, chairs and benches

However, we can’t fly a drone if the wind is greater then 21 miles per hour, in freezing or almost temperatures or if there is low cloud cover, fog or mist. If you’re aiming to capture dawn or dusk shots, we need a clear 30 minute window before sunrise or sunset.

Therefore, please check the weather forecast, sunrise and sunset times and stay in close touch with us. If there’s poor weather in your area, you’re welcome to reschedule provided you give 24 hours’ notice. Please keep tabs on the Weather Underground app available in the iOS or Google Play stores and discuss possible contingency plans with us.