Pre-Shoot Checklist

Picture Your Property has assembled the following pre-shoot checklist specifically for real estate agents to make sure their property looks the best possible before our creatives arrive on site.

You and your client must ensure the following are complete prior to our arrival, as the difference between a prepared and unprepared home is vital and will impact the quality of the marketing materials we deliver you. You and your client do not HAVE to do any of this, but it is in your best interest to do so!

There are a number of items on here that will not apply to every property. Consider this list an essential step for your homeowners because many of the listed requests are easy to forget about on the fly.

We want your appointment to go as smoothly as possible for all involved parties. In general a clean and staged homes sell faster than cluttered ones. We want to deliver the highest quality imagery, and we need your help setting the table for a well-executed shoot.

Exteriors

Remove cars from the driveway and front of the home, either in the garage or down the street. Garage doors must remain closed.
Hide garbage cans, hoses, and gardening tools.
Mow the lawn and remove any leftover debris (twigs, branches, discernable weeds).
Remove any toys or sports equipment from the lawn and driveway.
Uncover pools and hot tubs if clean; skim leaves. We will turn on lights and hot tub jets. Please put away cleaning equipment.
Clean and arrange outside furniture, open patio table umbrella, tidy chairs, and plump cushions.
Remove grill cover and hide utensils.
Sweep sidewalks, driveway, patio, decks, and pool area.
Remove all flags, hanging ornaments, and home security signs.

Basic Interior

Turn on ALL lights in the house; replace burnt-out bulbs.
Turn ON ceiling fan lights; please keep fan OFF.
If a window has curtains, please open them. If the window has blinds, lower them but keep horizontal slats open.
Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF.
Any glass door/window/mirror should be clean and free of streaks or fingerprints.

Kitchen/Dining Rooms

Recommended: Use standard dining table set up (i.e. plates, napkins, placemats, cutlery. Place bowl of fruit or low vase to add color, if possible).
Clean off and wipe down all countertops.
Remove appliances, knife blocks, toasters, etc. ONE nice, modern-looking device can stay (i.e., coffee maker or tea kettle on stove).
Remove all items from the refrigerator (no magnets, pictures, etc.)
Clean refrigerator front
Remove throw rugs, hanging towels,cleaning products and paper towels.
Hide garbage can, remove dishes and drain stopper from sink.
Straighten and tidy all chairs.

Living/Family Rooms

Vacuum, sweep, and mop where appropriate.
Tidy couches, fluff pillows, remove clutter from tables/desks.
Hide remotes and un-neccesary cables.
Dust off any screens.
Sweep wooden floors.

Bedrooms

Make all beds; use decorative pillows if available.
Remove ALL clutter from end tables, dressers, and nightstands. This includes personal photos, drinking cups, alarm clocks, etc.
Store away the phone, tablets, charging cords, books, tissues, and other items.
If possible, remove all personal photos.
Address any clutter under the bed that may show in photos or video.
Walk-in closets should be clean and kept.

Bathrooms

Arrange clean hand and body towels to be orderly.
Hide all trash cans, plungers, or toilet scrubbers.
Remove floor mats and be sure to close the toilet seat. Apply fresh toilet paper roll.
Remove hygiene products from the counter, including bar soap, medications, and toothbrushes.
Remove shampoos, razors, and loofahs from the shower; close the shower curtain or door.

Pre-Shoot Checklist