Showcasing your home at its absolute best allows you to make a great first impression (online and in-person) – and that means FASTER SALES and HIGHER PRICES.

Things to keep in mind...

  • Market conditions are unpredictable and you’ll need to weigh the benefits of completing your home prep list against the risks of waiting to list your home for sale. Nobody knows where the market is headed – the only thing we know for sure is what’s happening right now.
  • Most home service professionals are back to work, with new safety protocols in place. We can give you some recommendations like handypeople, painters, roofers, plumbers, and cleaners. Wait times might be a bit longer than what was "usual" as everyone gets back to work and everything takes a little longer to do.
  • Safety protocols: Before hiring anyone, ask about their safety protocols, especially if you are still living in the home.
  • Focus on the most important fixes: this is probably not the best time to be contemplating big renovations.
  • If you’re in a condo: check with your property manager about any restrictions on non-residents entering the condominium building.

Before Your Photoshoot

GENERAL PREPARATIONS


  • Pressure wash the driveway, walkways AND you roof (We do arial photography when & where permitted by local ordinance)
  • Keep your A/C set between 75 & 77 degrees.
  • All lights are turned on (fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, and lamps- *please make sure all lamp bulbs are working and consider installing DAYLIGHT bulbs everywhere*).
  • Remove small appliances from kitchen countertops / Remove ALL Bathroom accessories from vanity tops and inside tubs/showers.
  • It's very important to declutter, so donate or sell anything you won't be moving to your next home. Put excess furniture in the garage - We DON'T photograph garages in most cases
  • Ceiling fans are not spinning but the attached lights should be turned on (if possible).
  • Make all Beds, remove "clutter" from kids rooms and create conversational furniture arrangements if possible to make the house feel welcoming.
  • Turn all TVs and computer screens off.

*** Please give sufficient notice beforehand if nobody will be available to grant our photographer access to your home at the scheduled time. ***

OUTSIDE AREAS


• Make sure the outside looks clean and manicured. Sweep up cuttings and leaves. Mow and edge grass front & back, trim overgrown trees and bushes.
• Move cars from the driveway and front of the house and close the garage doors.

• Store / Remove trash bins.

• Remove any toys, ALL sports equipment, any visible water hoses, and store empty planters and garden tools.

KITCHEN AREA


• Get rid of all pet and food odors. Remove any visible trash and recycling bins
• Straighten / push-in chairs.
• Clear the countertops completely. Remove any small appliances, hide soaps and cleaning items, store the dishes, and put away the draining rack. Remove fridge magnets and photos.
• Add a centerpiece such as flowers or candles to the table.

LIVING + FAMILY ROOM AREA

• Clear clutter from shelves and tables, hide all remotes and any loose cables.
• Arrange the furniture to make the room look larger.
• Remove magazines and papers or any gym equipment.

BATHROOMS

• Clear vanity tops completely. Remove toothbrushes and shavers.
• Clean all mirrors and benchtops. Remove all items from bathtubs and showers.
• Clean toilets and close lids.
• Hang fresh towels.

BEDROOMS

 
• Make beds and straighten pillows. Clean under the bed, and remove items that might show.
• Remove any visible clothes and clutter. Close all closets.
• Remove items from bedside tables
• If possible remove personal images and wall stickers. Hide any personal items and visible cables.