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How to Prep Your Real Estate Property for a Photoshoot

Are you renting out or selling your house?

In this age of social media, Instagram-worthy photos will undoubtedly give you an edge in attracting potential buyers or tenants.

Real estate photographers have the job of highlighting the most important and most appealing attributes of a property. We use lighting and space to our advantage, making rooms look as bright and as spacious as possible.

However, property owners like you also have the task of preparing for the shoot, so you can make the most out of the services of your photographer. Here are our pro-tips to make sure that your property is ready for the lens:

Before the Photoshoot

Your priority before any photoshoot is to make sure that the property looks neat and clean. At the same time, homes and offices should be comfortable spaces clients can call their own. You don’t want clutter lying around before a photo shoot, but you shouldn’t aim for a sanitized hospital look either. From outside to inside, make your property as inviting as possible. Here are some things you can start with:

Outside 

  • Tidy up your garden or yard by weeding and landscaping. Get rid of dead foliage and sweep away fallen leaves. 

  • If you have trees around your property, prune big and heavy branches that could damage your roof or fences

  • Evaluate your yard decor. Would all clients appreciate that colorful garden gnome you found cute? If not, remove it. 

  • Remove vehicles and any obstructions from the driveway  

  • Put away garden hoses, tools, umbrellas, pet dishes, trashcans, barbecue grills, and other tools and equipment

  • Remove dirt and any floating debris from your pool, pond, or aquarium

  • Straighten outdoor furniture

Inside 

  • Vacuum upholstery, polish and mop floors, and clean your walls and windows

  • Store away toys, office items, and other knick-knacks

  • Create a warm ambiance by displaying attractive coffee table books, paintings, or unused scented candles 

  • Organize shelves and keep cabinets closed

  • Remove seasonal decorations such as Valentine’s or Christmas decor.

  • Hide magnets, photos, or children’s drawings displayed on walls or on your refrigerator 

  • Remove used towels and toiletries from your bathroom. Instead, you can display fresh and folded guest towels and new bath items

  • Keep toilet lids shut 

  • Clean sinks, tubs, and countertops

  • Hide garbage cans, laundry, hampers, cables, wires, draining racks, and cleaning materials

  • Straighten up furniture, pillows, and bedcovers

  • Make sure that your beddings match your room. If in doubt, go for neutral colors in ivory, grey, and beige.

  • Check if the areas under beds, sofas, and other furniture are clean

  • Clear up your dining table or set it with attractive place settings. Make sure that you set utensils properly.

  • If your furniture is bulky, consider removing them to make your rooms look spacious

  • Roll up and hide rugs and carpets to reveal the actual flooring, which is an important consideration for most people.

  • Remove personal items from bedside tables and vanity tables

  • Make sure that all lightbulbs are working

  • Remove any other decor or furniture that makes your home look untidy (ex. That cracked decorative plate that has sentimental value or that ripped leather sofa)

During the Photoshoot

Once your real estate photographer arrives, you can ask their opinion on the furnishings and decor you decided to display for the shoot. Don’t be offended if they suggest that you remove or replace some items. Remember, they’re there to help you sell or rent out your property. Here are other things to keep in mind:

  • Turn on water fountains, waterfalls, and other aquatic decors 

  • Turn on all the lights, including lamps and pool lights

  • Make sure that window coverings are adjusted in the same way. It’s a good idea to open curtains and vertical blinds to let natural light in. If the room is too bright, your photographer will make the necessary adjustments. 

  • Keep horizontal blinds down but open the blades so the view outside can be seen. However, if the view is less than appealing, you can keep the shutters half-closed.

  • Turn off your television, ceiling fans, and other computer screens. Keep everything that moves out of the way since motion can look blurred in photos.

  • Keep curious pets out of the way. While our feline and canine friends may look cute, they can also distract your photographer or photobomb your photos. Remember that not all clients are pet lovers (some may even be allergic) or will appreciate the idea of pet hair on the furniture.

san francisco real estate photographer

Once the photoshoot is done, patiently wait for your photos and review them. A trustworthy photographer will usually take time to edit shadows, light, and other elements to make your property look even more appealing. Communication with your real estate photographer is important, so be open with your comments and questions. Prepare your property well, and you’ll have a more productive and less time-consuming photoshoot!