Photography Preparation Recommendations
INTERIOR
- Remove valuables you do not want photographed.
- Turn on all lights. Set dimmers to half power.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs.
- Remove floor mats. Leave decorative runners.
- Remove personal family photos.
- Hide electrical wires as much as possible.
- Straighten lamp shades.
- Don’t over-accessorize. Less is better.
- Wipe down windows & mirrors- smudges show
WINDOWS
- Have windows and screens professionally cleaned.
- Open/raise all window treatments and align symmetrically.
KITCHEN
- Declutter and clean kitchen counters, back splash, appliances, faucets and sink.
- Align faucet forward toward sink.
- Remove photos, notes and magnets from refrigerator.
- Clear countertops except for knife block, coffee maker and perhaps toaster.
- Remove kitchen towels, garbage cans, paper towels, soap dispensers and cleaners.
- Fresh flowers and a bowl of fruit is a nice addition.
- Remove sponges, soaps, dishes, drying rack and such from the sink.
BATHROOM
- Clean tub, sinks, faucets, mirrors, shower and glass doors.
- Replace shower curtain if old.
- Remove all items from showers and bath tubs including shampoo bottles, loofahs, squeegee and soaps.
- Place new clean, fluffy, neatly folded towels on racks.
- Hang towels to same length.
- Clear countertops of soap, tissue boxes, toothbrushes, medications and deodorants.
- Put toilet seats down.
- Install new, full roll of toilet paper with no descending tissue sheets.
- Remove floor mats.
DINING ROOM
- Dust and polish the table tops.
- Add decorative place settings if available.
- Feature one centerpiece such as a bouquet of flowers.
- Straighten chairs and space evenly.
LIVING ROOM
- Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail and TV remotes.
- Declutter fireplace mantel/hearth, side and coffee tables.
- Fluff and arrange furniture pillows.
- Do not light fireplace. I will add fire using Photoshop.
- Remove family photos.
BEDROOM
- Make bedding as smooth and lump-free as possible. • Decorate all beds with matching sheets, blankets and pillows.
- Arrange pillows symmetrically and fluffed equally.
- If walk-in closets are to be photographed, they should appear neat and organized.
- Use bedding that covers the entire bed and fits the mattress evenly.
- Clear nightstands of all personal items. • Remove all clutter from top of dressers.
- Remove family photos.
PETS
- Remove food, bedding, toys and water bowls and all signs that a pet lives in the home.
- Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair.
EXTERIOR
- Cut grass, trim shrubs, sweep or blow-off walkways. • Remove dead foliage and empty planters.
- Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames.
- Cover dirt areas of yard with wood chips.
- Remove water hoses.
- Make sure trash and recycling bin are hidden away
PORCH, PATIO AND DECK
- Sweep or blow-off deck and porch.
- Arrange patio furniture.
- Open patio umbrella unless it blocks a view.
- Pillows and cushions should be fresh, not faded.
- If hot tub is full and clean and you want the inside photographed, remove cover and place in a remote location such as your garage. I do not remove spa covers. (unless on hinge lift)
- Remove covers from patio furniture and BBQ Grill.
- Arrange patio/porch/balcony furniture to look inviting
DRIVEWAY
- Remove all vehicles from driveway.
- Blow-off leaves and debris
If photos are for the Rental Market Include...
- Fresh flowers throughout the home.
- Bowl of fruit in kitchen.
- Board games for kids and adults.
- Modern kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, tea pots and microwave oven.
- White robes with embroidered logo of home name.
- Clean, fluffy towels with embroidered logo in bathrooms.
- Telescope if you have ocean views.
- Books and magazines, especially about The Sea Ranch.
- Courtesy bottles of wine.
- Vinyl record player with classic genres of music.