Property Photography Check List
This list is also helpful for Open House preparation!
General
-
Turn ON all overhead lights and lamps
-
Wipe down all countertops and tables
-
Mop/Vacuum floors (remove any stains)
-
Clean all windows inside and outside
-
Replace all burned out light bulbs
-
Turn all ceiling fans to slowest speed or off
-
Turn all TVs OFF
-
Turn all computer screens OFF
-
Halfway open all blinds/window treatments
-
Make all beds
-
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
Front Exterior
-
Close garage doors
-
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
-
Clean grease stains from driveway
-
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
-
Remove empty planters
-
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
-
Remove visible water hoses
-
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Backyard
-
Clean porch
-
Tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
-
Clean Pillows/cushions (should be fresh, not faded, and free of mold/mildew)
-
Clear out kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
-
Remove any toy items in pool
-
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
-
Hide pool cleaning supplies
-
Turn on pool fountains/water features
-
Remove visible water hoses
-
Remove trash cans
Kitchen
-
Clear countertops completely (No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.)
-
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker) per counter/table
-
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
-
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
-
Remove dishes from sink and breakfast area
Bathrooms
-
Clear countertops completely (No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.)
-
Put toilet seats down
-
Close closet doors
-
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
-
Remove dirty towels – leave out only clean, unused towels
-
Remove floor mats
Dining Room
-
Clear and wipe table, dust and polish the table top if necessary
-
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
-
Remove child seats/booster chairs
Living / Family Room
-
Remove stacks of magazines, mail, etc.
-
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
-
Remove kid’s toys
Master Bedroom
-
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
-
Press bed linens and bed skirts
-
Clear nightstands of all personal items (chargers, remotes, etc.)
-
Plug in and turn nightstand lights ON
-
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
-
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Kid/Bedrooms
-
Remove diaper genies, trash cans, etc.
-
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
-
Straighten up clutter/toys as much as possible
Pets
-
Hide food and water bowls
-
Hide pet beds/toys
-
Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
-
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys
Tips
-
Make sure each room as a clear purpose (Dining room looks like dining room, Game room, etc.)
-
Broken items should be repaired (if a fireplace is boarded up, unboard it and clean it out)
-
Unused/Neglected areas should be addressed (if a pool is brown and has trash in it, drain/clean it out)
-
Oversized items should be stored/replaced for photos and possibly for duration of listing process (if your couch takes up the entire living room or desk the entire office, you may consider trading with a friend for a while or renting from a staging company)