A practical shoot-day guide

Prepare the property.Protect the appointment.

Thoughtful preparation gives every property the best opportunity to shine. This checklist helps agents and homeowners create a clean, welcoming, and accessible space so our creative team can work efficiently and deliver exceptional photography, video, and marketing materials.

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Exteriors

Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the property. Place them in the garage or farther down the street, and keep garage doors closed.
Store garbage cans, hoses, gardening tools, and maintenance equipment out of view.
Mow the lawn and remove visible branches, leaves, weeds, and other debris.
Put away toys, bicycles, and sports equipment from the lawn and driveway.
If the pool or hot tub is clean, uncover it and skim away any leaves or debris. Store all cleaning equipment. Our team can turn on pool lights and hot-tub jets when appropriate.
Clean and arrange outdoor furniture. Open patio umbrellas, straighten chairs, and neatly arrange cushions.
Remove grill covers and store grilling utensils out of sight.
Sweep sidewalks, driveways, patios, decks, and pool areas.
Remove flags, hanging ornaments, and visible security signs so the exterior appears clean and private information is not shown.

Prepared pool, cabana, and outdoor living area with unobstructed architectural views

Interior Basics

Before our arrival, turn on all working lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.
Turn ceiling-fan lights on, but keep the fan blades off.
Open all curtains. For windows with blinds, lower the blinds and open the horizontal slats to welcome natural light.
Turn off televisions, computer monitors, and other illuminated screens.
Clean glass doors, windows, and mirrors so they are free of streaks and fingerprints.
Vacuum, sweep, and mop throughout the property where appropriate.
Clear visible clutter and put away personal or sensitive items.
Secure valuables, medications, documents, and private information before the appointment.

Bright, thoughtfully prepared interior with open window coverings and clear walking paths

Kitchen & Dining

When appropriate, create a simple dining-table arrangement with plates, napkins, placemats, or cutlery. A bowl of fruit or a low vase can add a welcoming touch of color.
Clear and wipe down all countertops and backsplashes.
Store small appliances, knife blocks, toasters, and other countertop items. One attractive appliance, such as a coffee maker or tea kettle, may remain.
Remove magnets, photographs, papers, and other items from the refrigerator.
Wipe down and polish the refrigerator exterior.
Put away throw rugs, hanging towels, cleaning products, and paper towel rolls.
Store the garbage can out of view.
Empty the sink and remove the drain stopper.
Straighten and neatly arrange all dining chairs and stools.

Clean, welcoming kitchen with clear countertops and neatly arranged seating

Living & Family Rooms

Vacuum, sweep, and mop the floors where appropriate.
Arrange couches and chairs neatly, fluff pillows, and straighten throws.
Clear tables, desks, shelves, and mantels of unnecessary items.
Put away remote controls and conceal unnecessary cables.
Dust televisions, computer monitors, and other visible screens.
Remove personal photographs and sensitive items where practical.
Arrange furnishings to make the room feel open, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
Keep primary walking paths clear for our creative team and equipment.

Prepared living room with inviting seating, tidy surfaces, and open floor space

Bedrooms

Make every bed neatly and use coordinated bedding and decorative pillows when available.
Clear end tables, dressers, and nightstands of personal photographs, drinking cups, alarm clocks, and other clutter.
Put away phones, tablets, charging cords, books, tissues, and other small personal items.
Remove personal photographs when possible.
Check underneath beds and remove anything that may be visible in photographs or video.
Clean and organize walk-in closets if they will be included in the appointment.
Store laundry, hampers, and visible clothing out of sight.
Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light into the room.

Peaceful, thoughtfully prepared bedroom with a neatly made bed and clear nightstands

Bathrooms

Neatly arrange fresh hand towels and bath towels.
Store trash cans, plungers, toilet brushes, and cleaning supplies out of view.
Remove floor mats to create a cleaner, more spacious appearance.
Close every toilet lid and place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder.
Clear countertops of hygiene products, including soap, medications, toothbrushes, and cosmetics.
Remove shampoo bottles, razors, loofahs, and other products from showers and bathtubs.
Close the shower curtain or shower door after the area has been cleared.
Clean and polish mirrors, glass, countertops, sinks, fixtures, tubs, and shower doors.
Make sure floors, showers, and grout are clean and dry.

Clean, polished bathroom with clear countertops and neatly arranged towels

Ready to capture your property at its best?

A few thoughtful preparations can make a meaningful difference in the final result. Print this checklist, walk through the property one last time, and book your appointment with confidence. Our team will take it from there.

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