A prepared home shows better than an unprepared one. While everything may not be required, we’ve compiled a checklist for your ease of use, so that you can get the most out of your photos/videos without having to stress out with last minute rearranging.

Preparation Checklist

  • Park across the street or in closed garage

  • Mow/rake lawn

  • Remove clutter;child/dog toys, debris, ladders, etc.

  • Close garage doors and gates

  • Close windows

  • Remove all pool equipment from pool including toys, vacuums, etc.

  • Hide garbage cans/recycle bins in garage or place at the curb

  • Keep pets out of the yard/windows when exteriors are being shot

  • Trim hedges, plant flowers, trim dead branches/flowers if necessary

  • Clean/wipe down outdoor tables and straighten chairs

  • For Twilight photos, turn on all lights including interior, exterior, lamposts/path lighting, string lights, etc.

Exterior

  • Turn on all ceiling lights and lamps. The seam for the lampshades should face the back/wall unless there are large visible tears

  • Turn off all fans

  • Clear all debris/clutter. Put in closets/garage. Hide it away and not just moved to another room.

  • Clean the house including sweeping/vacuuming. Dust and spots can show up in photos

  • Wash the windows

  • Close the windows and open the blinds. We recommend blinds pulled into the open position and raised either halfway or all the way open. Make sure blinds are even across with each other for the entire room.

  • Put away child/pet toys and hide any pet beds/cages

  • Hide any visible cords not in use

  • Place plants/greenery to add color to the room or prune existing plants of dead leaves

  • Hide any marketing materials (MLS may fine you if seen in any photos)

Interior

  • Put away all shoes

  • Remove/clean dirty welcome mats/rugs

  • Hide/put away keys, leashes, jackets, hats, etc.

  • Clean/polish kickplates if necessary

  • Place flowers/plant on sideboard

Foyer/Entry

  • Clean off mantle of any personal photos

  • Light a fire in the fireplace

  • Level any paintings/artwork

  • Replace any family/personal portraits and/or tacky/inappropriate paintings with stylish artwork

  • Straighten bookshelves and remove any possibly offending books from view

  • Turn off TV and clean off entertainment unit, hide remotes, put away nick-knacks, etc.

  • Straighten rugs

  • Arrange throws, couch cushions, pillows as necessary

Living/Family Room

  • Clean/wipe down tables with Pledge

  • Straighten table with the room

  • Straighten all dining chairs with the table

  • Straighten table runner/tablecloth

  • Set places at the table or leave completely clear except a centerpiece

  • Clean clutter from hutch, turn on any hutch lights, clean glass

  • Remove any work items, laptops, papers, etc.

  • Straighten rugs/clean floors

Dining Room

  • Clean off/wipe down the counters

  • Clear the fridge of magnets, photos, artwork, etc.

  • Clean off the top of the fridge

  • Remove all dishrags and dish towels

  • Put away all cleaning supplies, dish soap, etc.

  • Put away small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc.

  • Hide garbage can in closet or pantry

  • Place items to add a bit of color such as plants/flowers, an open cookbook, a bowl of colorful fresh fruit

  • Put away pet food/water dishes

  • Turn on under-cabinet lighting and the light on the range hood

  • Straighten bar stools with island

Kitchen

  • Clean off desk of papers/sticky notes/sensitive material

  • Put away personal photos

  • Hide any visible cords

  • Turn off monitors/laptop screens

  • Straighten any rugs

  • Clean/Pledge all surfaces

  • Tidy up bookshelves and remove any possibly offending books

  • Turn on desk lamps

Home Office

  • Make beds/straighten duvet/pillows; Make sure all the bedding matches

  • Remove anything under the bed if it cannot be hidden by bed skirt

  • Put away all clothes, shoes, slippers, etc.

  • Hide laundry hamper in closets

  • Clear off night stands completely. Can leave lamps, clocks, a book or two

  • Clear off dressers completely

  • Clean/wipe down surfaces with Pledge

  • Organize bookshelves and remove any possibly offending books

  • Clean mirrors

Bedrooms

  • Organize the clothes, shoe racks, tie racks, etc.

  • Neatly stack/remove boxes

  • Remove unnecessary clutter

  • Clean mirrors

  • Using matching hangers makes for a great photo as well

Walk-in Closets

  • Clean the counters, sinks, bathtubs, showers

  • Clean all glass such as shower doors and mirrors

  • Put down toilet seat and lid

  • Empty/hide garbage cans

  • Lay out fresh matching towels

  • Ensure all vanity lights match/are in working order

  • Hide all bath products from sink, shower, tub including soaps, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrushes, washcloths, makeup, etc. Decorative hand soaps are okay

  • Open shower curtains if tub/shower and tiles are in decent condition

  • Hide all cleaning products including squeegees and air fresheners including plug-ins

  • Hide all appliances such as water picks, curling irons, electric razors, hair dryers, etc.

  • Place decorative objects such as a small plant; a small jar of decorative rocks is nice touch

Bathrooms

  • Clean up/put away all pet dishes, beds, litter boxes, cages, toys, etc.

  • Sweep up any clumps of fur. These may show up in the photos/videos

  • It is the responsibility of the agent or homeowner to keep all pets out of the shot

  • We will not enter any home with unsecured pets unless agent or homeowner is present

  • Prime Marketing Photography reserves the right to cancel the appointment at any time if our photographer/service agent deems the property unsafe due to aggressive pets. Any cancelled appointment is subject to a cancellation fee as outlined in our terms of services

Pets