Home Prep

Complete all cleaning and staging prior to your scheduled appointment.  I may move small items for better composition, but large items need to be in place.  Replace any burnt out bulbs, turn on lights, open all blinds,  and turn off fans.  Tuck garbage cans away, if possible; same with pets bowls, beds, and crates.  Put everything in it's place and make it look dust-free, streak-free, organized, and clean.

Put dishes away, clear clutter from countertops, and tuck away things like soap and sponges.  Remove things from the refrigerator door and make sure it is streak-free.  Clean outside of appliances, sink, and countertops.  Hide garbage can and remove throw rugs.  Leave space for buyers to see themselves in the kitchen.

Clear clutter like tv remotes, electrical wires, papers, magazines, books, and floor fans.  Turn off tv's and computers, straighten couch cushions and dining room chairs, and fluff decorative pillows.  Remove kid and pets toys.

Make beds and add decorative pillows, if available.  Make sure the bedding is straight and neat.  The camera tends to capture things like this and make them stand out.  De-clutter nightstands and dresser tops.  Put away shoes and clothes.  Tuck away diaper pail, if you have one, organize closet if it is something you'd like photographed.  Put away any excess items.

Clean bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.  Make sure shower doors and mirrors are clean and streak-free.  Remove all items from bathroom counter, shampoo bottles and razors from showers, tuck away garbage cans and throw rugs, and put the toilet seat down.  Remove dirty towels; clean neatly folded towels on racks are ok.  You want the bathroom to appear unused.

The first picture potential buyers will see is typically the exterior, so it's important to make a great impression and grab their attention.  Tidy up and trim landscaping, roll up garden hoses, and pressure wash anything that needs it.  Sweep porches, patios, and decks.  Here again, if there is any clutter, like toys, or empty flower pots,  stash those away somewhere.  Hide garbage cans, recycle bins, and yard equipment.  Move all cars from the driveway or road in front of the house.  Clean patio furniture and remove covers from outdoor grills and cookers.  Open outdoor umbrellas if you have them.  If you have a pool, remove the cover and make it fresh and inviting.

Plan to leave while the photographer is there, with your pets ideally.  We may be using 3D equipment for a House Tour and there will be nowhere for you to "hide" during that process.  Even with pictures, it harder than you think to shuffle from room to room to stay out of the way of the camera and it's very distracting.  The best results come from an unoccupied home.  Be prepared for a shoot to be rescheduled if the weather is bad.  Use the garage for storage unless your realtor has specifically asked that it be photographed.  If you won't return home immediately at the end of the shoot, make sure to provide either the photographer or your realtor with instructions for locking up the house when done.