Be shoot-ready: Cleaning and staging needs to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. I may move small items (flowers, small pictures, etc.) to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.    

Secure or remove pets: Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and equipment, and avoid penalties from the MLS, which can prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Cats should be secured as well, although they usually pose fewer problems than dogs (cats often just hide). 

Plan not to be seen: All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections, and there is risk to equipment that will be setup throughout the property. 

Outside Prep 

Clear the cars: Make sure no cars are in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home. ✓   Hide trashcans: Trashcans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage. 

Hide hoses: Do this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures. 

Prep the yard: Do at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot. Yard should me mowed and cleared of any toys, tools, etc. 

Turn off sprinklers: Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement. 

Pick up poop: If you have a dog, make sure that all of their droppings are cleared from the yard.

Prep pool and spa: If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers removed. For spas, provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn it on. 

Prep water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn them on. 

Remove for-sale sign: The for-sale sign should be removed from the property (if possible) by the realtor if it has already been installed. Visible signs may violate MLS rules and they can’t always be edited out. It’s best to schedule sign installation for the day after the photoshoot. 

Clean patio furniture: Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles. 

Inside Prep 

Declutter kitchen: A few items on the counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor. 

Declutter bathrooms: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.

Prep bedrooms: All bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away. 

Declutter walk-in closets (optional): Standard closets are not typically shot, but if you have large and/or well-appointed walk-in closets then they could be photographed, so declutter them if possible, and consider staging them with only higher end garments (i.e. suits, dress shirts, dresses, etc.). 

Declutter and depersonalize offices: Organize and put away loose paperwork. It’s also best not to have any personal paperwork or identifying information in view (like phone numbers on white boards, account numbers on post-its, etc.). Diplomas are fine to leave on walls, and if requested before the shoot names can be blurred in post processing. 

Hide trashcans: Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.

Hide portable fans: Ceiling fans are selling items, but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage. 

Hide cords and remotes: Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords. 

Clear entryways: Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.

Open blinds with views: Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view. 

Turn on lights: Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need-be, please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot. 

Turn off ceiling fans: Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off. 

Twilight Prep (If Planned) 

Turn on all interior and exterior lights: All lights throughout the property need to be turned on. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot. 

Turn on spas and remove covers: If you have a spa, remove the cover and turn it on before I arrive. Turn on the lights in the spa as well. ✓   Turn on pool lights: If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before I arrive. 

Turn on water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn them on before I arrive.