Interior

Clear & Clean Kitchen Counters, Sink, & Appliances

• When the kitchen counters are decluttered, it makes the kitchen look bigger, and buyers can imagine how they might use the space. Remove everything but perhaps a few decorative items, and a small appliance or two such as a toaster or keurig from the countertops and clean all surface areas.

Clear & Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers

• Place all of the shampoo bottles, soaps, shaving razors, and other items into a bin that can fit underneath the bathroom sink. Take everything off of the bathroom counter except maybe a decorative item and soap dispenser. Clean, neatly folded towels on towel racks are fine.

Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs & turn on only lamps

• Be sure to check all of the ceiling lights, as well as extra lamps and exterior lights to make sure that they all work. Turn on all lamps and bathroom lights. If there are dark areas in the homes, such as a basement, add a few extra lamps to brighten them up. The more light, the better!

Open All Window Treatments

• Natural light from windows brings life and emotion into real estate photos. Please open all of the window treatments throughout the entire house to let in as much light as possible. If it's too bright outside, I will alter your shades and curtains to balance the shot. Don't forget to clean the windows!

Turn All Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens Off

• Any moving items like ceiling fans or active TV/Computer screens can cause motion blur and look strange in the final image.

Put All Shoes & Jackets in Closets

• When buyers see shoes and jackets on coat racks and entryway floors, they subconsciously assume that the home lacks storage space. It's best to remove all jackets and shoes from anywhere that they can be seen throughout the entire house. Store away any loose items to remove all distractions.

Clear All Night Stands and Dressers

• Remove everything but a lamp and one decorative item, such as a small floral arrangement or decorative book to make the area look clean and presentable. Think of a freshly cleaned hotel room.

Remove ALL Pet Items

• Not everyone has pets. In fact, some people are severely allergic to animals. It's extremely important to make sure that your house shows no signs of pets; especially pet smells.

Exterior

Tidy Up the Yard & Landscaping

• First impressions are very important, so make sure that the front yard is cleaned up and all of the landscaping is trimmed back and tidy. The first picture that people will see of your home will be the outside front yard shot, so it really needs to be presented in it's very best condition.

Sweep up the Porch/Patio/Deck

• This step is imperative in the Fall when leaves accumulate daily. Make sure that the front and back porches are swept clean, and remove any items that you can live without. If possible, stage these areas with flowers and decorative items to create a relaxing space that invites home buyers in.

Clear All Cars from Road & Driveway

• It's never good to have cars in the driveway during real estate photos. Always remove all cars, trucks, RV's, and trailers from the driveway and front of the house.

Hide All Garbage Cans & Lawn Equipment

• Large garbage cans and unsightly lawn equipment can be very distracting in real estate photos. Put all of the trash cans in the garage, along with garden hoses, lawn mowers, and other yard maintenance tools. Keep the lawn free and clear of any small toys and pet items as well.

Remove Outdoor Cooker Covers

• It's time to show off that awesome barbeque grill, not hide it! Smoker and grill covers should be removed so that cookers are exposed and ready for use.

Open Up Patio Umbrellas

• If it's not too windy during your photo shoot, be sure to open up any patio umbrellas to stage the area. Dust off chairs and set up the area as though you are going to enjoy it with friends later. Fresh outdoor pillows and flowers will create an inviting space for me to highlight while they're in your backyard.