A stress-free guide to preparing your property for premium real estate photography.
High-quality media is the first impression your home will make on potential buyers. At Tony Townsend Photography, the goal is to capture the true lifestyle and spaciousness of your property. Our cameras see everything, and a little preparation goes a long way. Please use this checklist to ensure your home is fully ready before the scheduled shoot time.
The Golden Rules (Entire House) - Light It Up: Turn on every single light fixture, lamp, and under-cabinet light. Please replace any burnt-out bulbs with matching color temperatures. - Let the Light In: Open all window blinds, shades, and curtains to let in natural light. - Clear the Floors: Remove all floor mats and small rugs (especially in kitchens and bathrooms) to showcase the flooring. - Hide the Wires: Tuck away visible charging cables, extension cords, and remote controls. - Personal Items: We recommend hiding family portraits, personal collections, and highly specific decor to help buyers envision themselves in the space.
The Kitchen (The Most Important Room) - Clear the Counters: Remove all small appliances (toasters, blenders), paper towel rolls, cutting boards, and dish racks. The emptier, the better. - Clear the Sink: Remove all dishes, sponges, soap dispensers, and sink strainers. - Clear the Fridge: Remove all magnets, photos, calendars, and artwork from the refrigerator. - Hide the Trash: Move all freestanding trash and recycling cans to the garage or a pantry.
The Bathrooms - Clear the Vanity: Put away all toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, makeup, and liquid soaps. - Hide the Essentials: Remove plungers, toilet brushes, and trash cans. - Toilet Seats Down: Ensure all toilet lids are closed. - Fresh Linens: Remove used towels and washcloths. If displaying towels, use freshly folded, matching sets. - Shower Prep: Remove all shampoo bottles, loofahs, and soaps from the shower/tub. If the shower has a glass door, please ensure it is wiped clean.
The Bedrooms & Living Areas - Make the Beds: Ensure beds are freshly made with smoothed sheets and arranged pillows. Tuck in all visible cords from bedside lamps. - Clear the Clutter: Clear off nightstands and dressers. Remove all items from under the bed if they might be visible to the camera. - Living Room: Fluff sofa pillows, fold throw blankets neatly, and clear coffee tables of magazines and clutter.
The Exterior & Yard - Clear the Driveway: Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house. - Hide the Hoses: Roll up and hide garden hoses, sprinklers, and lawn equipment. - Trash Bins: Move all exterior trash and recycling bins into the garage or out of sight from the street. - Tidy the Patio: Uncover patio furniture, arrange cushions, and open patio umbrellas. Clean the pool area and hide the pool vacuum/cleaning nets.
Pets - We love pets, but their belongings do not photograph well. Please hide all food bowls, beds, toys, and litter boxes. - Please ensure pets are secured or off-property during the shoot.
Tony Townsend Photography | Premium Real Estate Media Serving the Delaware Valley Since 2017 Book online at: townsendphoto.net/booking