Prepping a Property for Photos

This gorgeous main bedroom we staged in Carmel Valley, California, was photographed to perfection by Ian Myers and PreviewFirst Photography. Note: The origin of the name “Master Bedroom” is unknown, but we are now calling them Main Bedrooms to avoid any racist and sexist connotations. 

A good photographer is key and we will be posting a blog soon on keys to identifying the best photographer in your area, however, getting good photos is a two-way process. The seller or agent should make sure the following is done prior to photos to present the property in its best light:

INDOORS

• Clear all counters of small appliances including toaster oven and microwave 

• Clean all the dishes and the kitchen sink

• Remove all magnets, photos, etc., from refrigerator

• Put away all dishes, clothing, toys, laundry, towels, shoes, etc

• Polish stainless steel appliances

• Put away any charging cables, computers, or electronics

• Dust and vacuum

• Make all the beds, fluff the pillows, straighten bedding

• Remove all posters and stickers from kids room walls and doors

• Fluff any accent pillows on furniture and beds

• Throw blankets should match or coordinate

• Remove all bottles, washcloths, sponges, razors, loofas from showers and tubs

• Put away all medicines and vitamin bottles

• Put out fresh white bath towels and hide the others

• Toilet seats and lids down, toilet brushes, plungers and trash cans put away

• Replace all toilet paper rolls with fresh ones and hide spares

• Remove floor mats, runners, and scatter rugs

• Shower curtains should be clean and wrinkle-free

• Windows, shower glass and mirrors should be clean

• Make sure people and pets are out of the house during shooting

• Depersonalize by removing any family photos 

• Remove any personal items from nightstands and tables

• Make sure all light bulbs are working and are the same color temperature. Some bulbs will cast off yellow light, some white, some blue; white is preferable

• Turn on all lights including cabinet lights, stove, and under-cabinet lights

• Turn off ceiling fans at least an hour before the photographer arrives

• Mop floors the day before

• Lighting the fireplace is a nice touch in winter, but photographers can add flames during the post editing process

• Open all blinds, shades and curtains and make sure blinds are all at the same level

• Put away all potentially questionable or offensive art including nudes, pornography, and anything that could be construed as racially biased

• Put away pet food and water dishes, litter boxes, beds and toys 

• Put away any seasonal or holiday décor as these can quickly date your photos

• Secure all valuables

• Hide or remove any visible cables or extension cords

• If the house is vacant or missing basic pieces of furniture, accessories, art, or rugs, call a qualified stager to help make your home look magazine-ready

Outdoors:

Photography by Ian Myers, PreviewFirst Photography

• Have windows professionally cleaned

• Move trash cans to side of house

• Roll up garden hoses and put away outside toys, garden tools and bikes

• Sweep walkways, patios, balconies, garages and decks

• Clean-up after pets or other animals

• Give agent and/or photographer instructions on how to turn on outside landscape lighting and pool lights

• Power wash or hose down concrete or pavement areas the day before to avoid drying marks and puddles

• Move cars from driveway and park at least a few houses away and, if possible, remove cars from curb in front of property

• Outdoor furniture should be clean, in good order and arranged neatly in the proper places

• Pool should be uncovered and clean and lights working. Remove security fencing for photos.

• Remove pool toys, pool cleaning gear, and hoses

• Uncover grill and remove items around grill and outdoor kitchen areas

• Remove yard art, statuary, and holiday or seasonal decorations

• Fix or replace broken landscape lighting, replace bulbs 

• In colder climates, shovel snow from patios, decks, walkways, and driveways

• Open umbrellas. Remove umbrellas that are faded or tattered.

• Have landscapers tidy everything up—blow leaves, cut grass, etc

• Trim hedges, trees, especially if they are blocking the view

• Consider planting brightly-colored flowers or succulents in flower beds

• Spread new bark or mulch, preferably a darker brown bark type rather than shredded wood

• Pots and planters need to have healthy-looking plants and flowers in them, so replant or remove them to the side of the house or garage

• For arial shoots, make sure the rooftops are clean and free of debris

Just-staged dramatic entry in a recent staging project in Carmel Valley. Photo courtesy of Ian Meyers, PreviewFirst Photography

The House Whisperers is a top award-winning staging company that stages prolifically both vacant and occupied homes throughout Southern California. Call us today for a quick home staging estimate over the phone at 858-335-9577. We can also schedule a complimentary quick quote or paid consultation to help you prioritize and make cost-effective cosmetic changes to maximize your sales time and proceeds. In times of quarantine, these services can, of course, be performed via Facetime or Zoom.

A house we staged for an Amazon Exec. It had been on the market for a month after staging by another company. We came in, restaged it appropriately for the market and it sold with two all cash offers within two weeks. Photography by Richard Hansen.

Gorgeous xterior photo of a home recently staged by The House Whisperers. Ouststanding photography by Ian Meyers, editing by PreviewFirst Photography.

For more info, visit www.house-whisperers.com 

Special thanks to the Professional Real Estate Photography Facebook Group including Karlton Warren, Amy Knight, Richard King, Karl Boudreau, and Trent Og for contributions to this list.