Residential Pre-Shoot Checklist
LIGHTING
- All interior and exterior lights on, including floor lamps, table lamps, under-cabinet lighting, stovetop lighting, bedside lamps, ceiling fan lights, and other secondary light sources
- Ensure that all light bulbs work. Replace any burnt out bulbs
BATHROOMS
- Lower all toilet seats
- Clear countertops of non-decorative items
- Remove toiletries from bath/shower area (curtains/door are often opened to show off tiling/fixtures)
KITCHEN
- Remove all non-decorative items from counters (dish soap, paper towels, phones, cleaning supplies, etc.)
- Remove magnets, photos, kids artwork, etc. from the refrigerator
FRONT AND BACKYARDS
- Take down flags
- Put hoses and other equipment away, organize patio/deck
- Pick up pet waste, put away garbage bins, and generally clean up yard
- Freshly-cut lawn and landscaping in good shape
- Ensure all pool cleaning equipment is removed and the pool has been cleaned
PETS
- Keep pets out of the way during the shoot (in the backyard, garage or unfinished basement, for example)
- Put away pet supplies, including food/water bowls, crates, toys, etc
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- Open curtains/blinds all the way in every room - blinds should be twisted open, not pulled up
DRIVEWAY AND VEHICLES
- Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home
- Close garage doors
- Make sure driveway is clean and clear
STAGING
- If available, place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables - examples include fresh flowers, bowls of fresh fruit, pottery, vases, and new candles
YARD SIGNS
- We kindly ask agents to remove for sale signs from the yard if they do not want the sign in the exterior shots
NEIGHBORS
- Let the next door neighbors on both sides know about the scheduled shoot so that they can ensure their yards are clean, cars are out of the driveway, and garage doors are closed
HOLIDAY DECOR
- Remove all holiday decor - examples include pumpkins, Christmas trees, menorahs, Christmas lights, wreaths from the front door, etc
OTHER
- Turn ceiling fans off
- Put all personal items away
- Generally, make the house as clean as possible (remove streaks from mirrors, sweep/mop floors, etc..)