You only have one chance to make a first impression

Clean, clutter-free homes attract buyers

A guide from Columbus Pics Real Estate Photography

Front Exterior

  • Clean yard
  • Hide Trashcans inside Garage
  • Close garage door.
  • Remove cars from driveway and front of home
  • Open window coverings inside the house so the home looks inviting. (blinds may be either pulled up or spun open)

Kitchen / Dining

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops of all clutter (Ask your Realtor their opinion on small appliances)
  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
  • Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
  • Hide dog/cat dishes
  • Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

Dining

  • Clear table, or dress table with decorative place settings
  • One centerpiece is okay
  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

Living Room

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth
  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
  • Remove kid's toys

Bathroom

No

Yes

  • Clear counter tops of all personal items. No toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, or soap.
  • Put toilet seats down, hide toilet bowl brush and plunger!
  • We typically don’t want to see any rugs in bathrooms, but ask your Realtor if you have a nice one.
  • If the shower is to be photographed, remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc.
  • Put out new towels and keep them perfectly straight.

Bedroom

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
  • Clear nightstands of all personal items
  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables
  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers
  • Remove family photos from walls
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
  • Remove diaper genies
  • Hide pet beds.

Back Yard

  • Clean patio/deck, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
  • Uncover Patio Furniture and Grill (Weather permitting)
  • Put out patio cushions/pillows.
  • Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

Before the Shoot

  • Turn all overhead lights  on (Replace burned out light bulbs) Floor and table lamps may be better off, your photographer will help you decide.
  • Turn all ceiling fans off.
  • Turn all TVs/ Computer screens off.
  • Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light (You may either spin blinds open or pull them all the way up)
  • Have a plan for the dog/cat (it works best if pet is outside, or in crate, or contained in a room)
  • Move trash cans inside garage, move cars out of drive, move pet bowls and beds, toilet brushes, plungers and toothbrushes.

What to expect for your photoshoot?

  • Shoots take an hour for small homes and up to 3-4 hours for large homes (or homes with additional services) You need not be present. All of our photographers have ekeys.
  • If the house is not entirely prepped, you may want to reschedule. Our photographers are glad to help move things as time permits, but cannot exceed the time window for the shoot as it risks making them late for the next appointment.