To ensure the photo shoot goes smoothly and safely, here is a checklist of things that should be done prior to the scheduled shoot.
General Prep
• Cleaning and Staging: Clean and remove clutter before photo shoot, preferably the day before, and ensure staging accessories are in place.
• Pets: Secure or remove pets from the property to ensure safety. MLS rules prohibit pets from being in photos. Hide any pet water or food bowls, toys, and beds.
• Occupants: All occupants should plan on being off the property during the photo shoot. MLS rules prohibit people from being in photos.
• Garage: The garage is not normally photographed, therefore, it's a great place to hide or store items.
Outside Prep
• Vehicles: Remove vehicles from the driveway, and if possible, also from the street in front of the home.
• Trashcans: Hide all trashcans & recycle bins either on the side of the property or in the garage.
• Hoses: Hide water hoses, preferably the day before the shoot so no water is dripped on the pavement.
• Yard: Mow and garden as needed, remove all toys, tools, etc., at least 24 hours before photo shoot.
• Sprinklers: Turn off sprinklers, and do not water the day of the photo shoot to prevent water or puddles on pavement.
• Pets: If you have a dog, make sure all droppings are cleared from the yard.
• Patio: Clean all outdoor furniture, and arrange area to look like an inviting space. Do not hose down the furniture the day of the photo shoot to prevent water or puddles on patio.
• Pool & hot tub: If you have a pool and/or hot tub, have them cleaned with covers removed. For hot tubs, provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn it on.
• Water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn them on.
• Sign: The for-sale sign should be removed from the property (if possible) by the realtor if already installed.
Inside Prep
• Kitchen: Clear the counters as much as possible, put away dishes, sponges, rags, etc. Remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor.
• Bathrooms: Hide all personal items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, etc., and remove all throw rugs from the floor. Decorative soaps, candles, flowers, etc., are okay.
• Bedrooms: Make all beds and put away all items.
• Trashcans: Hide all trashcans in the closets or the garage.
• Portable fans: Hide all portable fans in the closets or the garage.
• Ceiling fans: Turn off all ceiling fans.
• Cords & remotes: Hide all TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords (if possible).
• Entryways: Remove all shoes, coats, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
• Blinds & drapes: Open all blinds and drapes.
• Lights: Turn on all interior lights, and replace any burned-out bulbs.