SELLER'S PREP FOR PHOTOS

Seller's Prep for Photos

Preparing Your Seller for the Photographer

If you are a realtor who needs to get your seller prepared for our visit, we have prepared the following for your convenience. You can print or copy and paste from here or, if you prefer, we can send you a pdf in binder format.

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Helping Your Photographer Create Images That Get More Clicks

INTERIOR-

Thoroughly clean the whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON and replace all burned out light bulbs. Turn on every light available, including outdoor lighting if possible.
Use bulbs of the same temperature if at all possible(ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent of the same brightness level) Don't mix bulb colors in the same fixtures - HDR software will make those color differences very noticeable.
Turn OFF all fans, TV’s and computer screens
Open blinds, curtains or drapes to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general nondescript art or photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
Clear countertops in kitchen - no knife blocks, cookbooks, cooking supplies, etc.
Put away appliances (1 appliance is acceptable per industry standards)
Completely clear off all sides of the refrigerator
Hide garbage cans when possible
Put all dishes and utensils either in the dishwasher or cupboards
Clear and dust all furniture
One centerpiece per table only
Straighten chairs
Declutter, declutter, declutter! Move as much into closets as possible as they will be left closed unless it is a closet that the realtor or you wish to have featured. Empty closets will sometimes be featured.
If you wish to feature a walk-in closet, clean and straighten all shoes and clothing and declutter as well
In bathrooms - clean counters and remove all soaps, toothbrushes, medications, deodorants, etc, put toilet seats down, leave out only fresh, clean towels and remove all floor mats
Remove all signs of pets, interior and on exterior (bowls, beds, toys, etc)

EXTERIOR-

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 goals, soccer goals, etc.
Clean porch and any outdoor tables, chairs or cushions
Put away toys and sports equipment
Clean pool if applicable

Please note that, while the photographer may move one or two items here or there for artistic appeal, the above responsibilities need to be addressed prior to his/her arrival. Photos will be taken at an as-is level of completion.

Your realtor may suggest other changes such as wall colors, repairs or updates.

Please understand that stunning photography is not only the quality of the finish on the photo, lighting and the angles, but is also the essence of what is in the photo. Even the best quality photos available are directly affected to the degree that adherence to these guidelines is or is not observed. Please know that these guidelines are based on decades of home listings by millions of professionals.

If you are uncertain or feeling a bit overwhelmed, it may pay you to hire a professional stager. Feel free to contact Sacred Wind Photography for recommendations.