pre-shoot prep
The following guidelines are provided to showcase the property at its best. Most can be accomplished by walking the property 15-30 before the appointment, but any yard work, light bulb replacement, pool maintenance should be planned and scheduled a few days prior to make sure all is ready for the day of the shoot.
exterior
- No cars in front of home or in the driveway
- Close all windows
- Sweep walkways & patios
- Wipe down any surfaces that show dirt
- Ensure yard is tidy and free of debris
- Store any toys, children's items, unorganized pool items
- Store seasonal décor
- Stow garden tools, supplies, hoses
- Open patio umbrellas
- Uncover grill
- Straighten and arrange deck furniture
- Have pool/spa cleaned day prior to appointment
- Store pool equipment (hoses, vacuum, etc)
- Activate any water features
- Twilight shoots - check that all exterior lights are in working order
- Twilight shoots - Know location of landscape switch and/or override panel
- Twilight shoots - Turn on all outdoor lights including patios, yard, etc.
- Twilight shoots - Light fire pits
interior
- De-personalize as possible while de-cluttering
- Counters free of food, appliances, toiletries etc
- Remove remote controls, refrigerator magnets, etc.
- Make/straighten all beds
- Fluff pillows on all sofas & beds
- Push in/straighten all chairs/stools
- Empty open waste baskets/garbage cans
- Clean windows, mirrors, glass tops
- Light fireplaces
- Turn on all interior lights
- Replace any burned out or missing bulbs
- Turn off ceiling fans, TVs or objects with movement
- Open all curtains/blinds
- Organize/straighten any open shelves/surfaces
- Remove pet items that can be removed
- Vacuum and sweep all floors