📸 How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography: A Step-by-Step Guide


In today's competitive real estate market, first impressions are crucial. With most buyers starting their home search online, high-quality photos can make your listing stand out. At Full Page Media, we aim to showcase your home in the best possible light. To ensure a successful photoshoot, it's essential to prepare your home thoroughly. Here's how:



🧼 General Preparation


  • Clean and Stage in Advance: Ensure your home is fully cleaned and staged before the photoshoot, ideally the day prior. While we may adjust small items for composition, all major cleaning and staging should be completed beforehand. (nathancoolphoto.com)


  • Secure or Remove Pets: For the safety of our team and equipment, please keep pets off the property during the shoot. Also, remove pet food and water bowls from view.  (nathancoolphoto.com)


  • Minimize Occupancy: All occupants should plan to be away during the shoot. If that's not possible, please remain in a designated room to avoid appearing in photos or causing reflections.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


  • Use the Garage for Storage: We typically don't photograph garages, making them an ideal place to store items you'd prefer to keep out of sight.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


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🌳 Exterior Preparation


  • Clear Vehicles: Remove all cars from the driveway and, if possible, from the street in front of your home to provide an unobstructed view.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


Avoid Wet Surfaces: Do not wash driveways or sidewalks on the day of the shoot, as this can create unsightly puddles.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


*Hide Outdoor Items**: Place trash cans, garden hoses, and any other clutter in the garage or out of sight.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


  • Lawn and Landscaping: Mow and trim your yard at least 24 hours before the shoot. Turn off sprinklers to prevent wet patches. Remove any pet waste from the yard.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


  • Pools and Water Features: Ensure pools, spas, and fountains are clean and operational. Remove covers and provide instructions for turning on any features.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


  • Remove Signage: Take down any "For Sale" or "For Lease" signs, as they can violate MLS policies and may be difficult to edit out of photos.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


  • Clean Outdoor Furniture: Dust and remove cobwebs from patio furniture. Avoid hosing them down on the day of the shoot to prevent puddles.([nathancoolphoto.com][1])


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🏠 Interior Preparation


  • Depersonalize: Remove all personal photos and items. Consider replacing them with neutral artwork or leaving the spaces blank. [Manifestly Checklists]
  • Declutter: Clear countertops, tables, and other surfaces of unnecessary items. Ensure areas under beds are tidy and free of visible objects.

(RE Photographer Pro Nashville)


  • Organize Furniture: Straighten all chairs and arrange furniture neatly to showcase the space effectively.([Matterport][4])


  • Remove Toys and Personal Items:  Store away children's toys and any personal belongings that may distract from the home's features.([Matterport][4])

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By following this comprehensive checklist, you can help us capture stunning images that highlight your home's best features. Proper preparation not only ensures a smooth photoshoot but also plays a significant role in attracting potential buyers.


For a printable version of this checklist and more tips, visit our Home Preparation Checklist @ https://www.fullpage.media/home-prep-checklist/


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[1]: https://www.nathancoolphoto.com/real-estate-checklist-2022.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] real-estate-checklist-2022.pdf - Nathan Cool Photo"

[2]: https://www.manifest.ly/use-cases/realtors/real-estate-photography-checklist?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Real Estate Photography Checklist - Manifestly Checklists"

[3]: https://www.realestatephotographerpro.com/blog/how-to-prepare-a-home-for-real-estate-photos?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Prepare a Home for Real Estate Photos [2022]"

[4]: https://matterport.com/blog/home-listing-photos-tips?srsltid=AfmBOopquN2w4S8M-zsWzIVJA1R6jFgwHJY7LLlSmguldtO3kSBlS_co&utm_source=chatgpt.com "7 Expert Tips to Get a House Ready for Listing Photos - Matterport"