REAL ESTATE
PHOTOGRAPHY
CHECKLIST.
General Preparation.
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Clean & Tidy:
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Vacuum carpets
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Mop hard floors
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Clean countertops and windows.
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Wipe down surfaces (tables, dressers, etc.)
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Remove any visible clutter (papers, personal items, extra décor).
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Lighting:
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Turn all lights on (overhead lights, lamps, etc.).
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Replace any burned-out bulbs in light fixtures.
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Turn off ceiling fans.
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Electronics & Appliances:
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Turn off all TVs, computers, and any visible electronics.
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Hide remotes in drawers or behind pillows.
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Remove visible charging cables and electronic devices from view.
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Window Treatments:
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Open blinds and curtains to allow natural light to fill the rooms.
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Ensure windows are clean both inside and out, if possible.
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Flooring:
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Remove small rugs.
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Tidy up areas under the bed and furniture to avoid visible clutter.
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Exterior Preparation.
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Front Yard:
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Close garage doors.
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Remove cars from the driveway and front yard.
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Mow lawn and trim shrubs.
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Clear leaves, weeds, and empty planters.
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Move trash cans out of sight (either to the side or curb).
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Back Yard:
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Tidy up patio: Clean and arrange outdoor tables, chairs, and cushions.
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Pick up pet waste, toys, and any outdoor clutter.
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Remove pool cleaning equipment and other visible tools.
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Move trash bins or recycling containers out of sight.
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Kitchen.
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Clear countertops of all items.
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Clean the exterior of the refrigerator (remove magnets, papers, etc.).
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Remove dishes from the sink and countertops.
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Hide soap dispensers and cleaning supplies.
Dining Room.
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Clear the dining table and dust or polish the table top.
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Use a simple centerpiece (small dish, vase, etc.).
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Straighten chairs and space them evenly.
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Remove child seats or booster chairs if present.
Bedrooms.
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Make the bed neatly, with decorative pillows and shams if available.
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Clear nightstands of personal items.
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Remove visible clutter from dressers and side tables.
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Tidy under the bed (remove any visible items or storage).
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Remove trash cans and hide them in closets.
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Store away charging cables and electronics (phones, tablets).
Bathrooms.
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Clear all countertops.
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Remove soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorants, and any other items.
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Put toilet seats down.
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Remove all personal times from tubs and shower.
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Remove dirty towels, and leave out only neatly folded, unused matching towels.
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Remove floor mats, trash cans, and toilet scrubbers.
Pets.
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Remove pet food and water bowls from view (store in pantry or closet).
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Remove pet beds, toys, and other visible pet items from rooms (store in closets or pantry).
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If possible, remove pets from the property during the shoot or place them in a crate out of sight.
Final Checks.
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Ensure all lights are on before the photographer arrives.
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Check exterior: Ensure cars are moved, garage doors are closed, and landscaping is tidy.
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Confirm windows are open (if applicable) to allow natural light.
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Check that all rooms are accessible and free of clutter.
Health & Safety.
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Sanitize high-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches, countertops).
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Minimize personal items to ensure the focus stays on the property.
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If anyone in the home is unwell, please let us know in advance to reschedule the session.
Staging & Special Requests.
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If the agent prefers specific staging adjustments, please arrive prior to the photographer to make sure the space aligns with their vision.
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If there are any unique features of the property you would like to highlight (e.g., fireplace, pool, view), please inform the photographer beforehand.
Thank You.
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Following this checklist will help ensure that your property is ready for a successful photography session, leading to high-quality images that will capture its best features and help attract potential buyers.