Preparing for photos

The photographs of your home are the most important part of making a great first impression. Completing this checklist before the photographer arrives makes the process go fast and smooth. Please use this checklist to help you prepare your home for that crucial first impression.

• Turn on all lamps and overhead lighting in the home. (make sure the light bulbs are either cool or warm... not both. they should all match)
• Replace all missing or burnt out light bulbs. (Again, make sure they match)
• Open all blinds.
• Hide all remote controls.
• Move cords out of sight. (lamp, extension, computer, etc)
• Remove all personal photos.
• Stop all ceiling fans.
• Clear home office of all clutter. Box up loose papers.
• Remove all items out of the shower and bath.
• Remove all items from the bathroom counter tops.
• Close the lids to all toilets.
• Remove all floor mats in the bathrooms and kitchen.
• Clear all items off bedside tables.
• Avoid hiding items under the beds/furniture. They will be seen in the photograph.
• For your family’s safety, remove children’s names from their bedrooms. The images of their room will be posted on the MLS and across the internet. (People shouldn’t know your address and your children’s names)
• Be sure any pets are contained in an area of the house that will not be photographed. (garage or utility room)
• Remove any signs that you have pets. (crates, food and water bowls, litter box, etc)
• Remove all dishes from the sink.
• Remove all appliances and clutter from kitchen counters.
• Remove all magnets and items off the surface of the refrigerator.
• Move any cars that are in the drive way down the street or in the garage.
• Move outside trash cans and hoses to the garage or at the end of the drive, near the street.
• Cut the grass and spruce up landscaping.