Prepare the property before your real estate photographer arrives so the appointment can focus on photos and video. Check availability and book a shoot.
Real estate photography preparation checklist
Have the home in showing condition before the appointment. Walk through each room and outdoor area with the listing's key features in mind.
Interior
- Clean floors, countertops, mirrors and windows.
- Turn on overhead lights and lamps, replace burned-out bulbs and use matching light color where possible.
- Turn off televisions and computer screens.
- Open blinds and window treatments to let in natural light.
- Clear counters, make beds and put shoes, jackets and personal clutter away.
- Remove small rugs where you want to show the flooring.
Front yard and driveway
- Close garage doors and move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the home where practical.
- Mow the lawn, trim shrubs and clear leaves, cobwebs and empty planters.
- Put hoses, bins and other distractions out of view.
Back yard, patio and pool
- Tidy outdoor furniture and cushions, sweep the porch and clean the pool.
- Remove pool cleaning equipment, hoses and visible supplies.
- Check outdoor and pool lights, especially for a twilight appointment.
- Have fountains or water features ready if you want them included.
Coordinate the appointment
Share access instructions and the features you want highlighted when booking your real estate photography services. If you need aerial views of the property or setting, review our real estate drone photography options before the appointment.
After delivery, use our real estate marketing ideas to plan how you will share the listing media.