We want the photos of your home to be the best they can be. This requires teamwork and cooperation that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes on the market.

When we arrive to take photos of your property, we have a limited amount of time to complete the job. Therefore, all staging and cleaning must be done prior to our arrival. To efficiently maintain our busy schedule and deliver the level of service our clients expect, we cannot spend unnecessary time at the home waiting for it to be cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered, etc.

We have attached a checklist that will be of assistance in preparing your home for photography.

Thank you for your cooperation.

-Realmedia Team

General Preparation

• Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
• Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
• Replace all burned out light bulbs
• Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
• Turn OFF all ceiling fans
• Turn OFF all TVs
• Turn OFF all computer screens
• Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
• Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
• Make all beds
• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
• Place all shoes/jackets in closets

Exterior

Front exterior is usually the first photo potential buyers will see

• Close garage doors
• Remove cars from driveway and front of home
• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
• Remove empty planters
• Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove toys, sports balls, basketball nets, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD

An Oasis to escape to

• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
• Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
• Clear out kid’s toys
• Clean pool
• Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose and hide pool cleaning supplies
• Turn on pool fountains/water features
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove trash cans

KITCHEN

One of the most popular rooms in a home

• Clear countertops completely
• Do not leave out more than one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
• Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
• Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
• Remove dishes from sink or place in dishwasher 

DINING ROOM / DINING TABLE

Where potential buyers can imagine having enjoyable meals

• Clear table, dust and polish the table top
• Use decorative place setting if you have
• Feature one center piece
• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
• Remove child seats/booster seats

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM

A place to enjoy great conversation and spend quality time with family and friends

• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
• De-clutter fireplace mantel
• Clean interior of fireplace
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
• Remove kid’s toys

BEDROOMS

a personal space for rest and relaxation

• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
• Press bed linens and bed skirts
• Clear nightstands of all personal items
• Store away phone/tablet charging cables
• Remove all clutter from top of dressers
• Remove family photos from walls
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
• Remove wall stickers/posters

BATHROOMS

A spa-like oasis

• Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
• Put toilet seats down
• Close closet doors
• Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
• Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
• Remove floor mats

PETS

Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized 

• Pets must not be present during photography
• Place pet beds/toys, food and water bowls in pantry or closet
• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
• Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
• Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

Our Photographers DO NOT:

• Move or re-arrange furniture
• Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter
• Pick up toys or yard items
• “Photoshop” vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.
• Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)