They say that a picture is worth A THOUSAND WORDS...
But when it comes to sharing your listing online, the right images can be worth so much more.
High-quality real estate photos give interested viewers a chance to experience your property before they visit. And with VanGoPhoto professional real estate photography, you’ll have extensive experience, remarkable talent, and cutting-edge technology to showcase your property the way it was meant to be seen.
How to Prepare for Photos
General Guidelines
Turn on all the lights on photo day
Clean everything!
Remove personal, pet, religious, and seasonal/holiday items
Remove toys from main living areas and limit excess toys in other areas
De-clutter – less is more in photos
Limit knick-knacks and other decorative items on display
Dust (flat surfaces, light fixtures)
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Mop and sweep hard floors
Remove trash cans, air fresheners, tissue boxes, and remotes
Wash windows inside and out
Close all windows
Open blinds and curtains
Curtains – open or tie back
Venetian blinds – leave down and open (slats parallel to floor or flat)
Mini blinds – pull open
Vertical blinds – slide open
Shades – pull up
Remove small rugs (except in entryways)
Light Bulbs
Check for burnt out light bulbs
Ensure you have all one type of bulb in a light fixture
o “Rule of 3” – a simplified Staging Tip – Only 3 items allowed
On kitchen counters –small potted herb/flower, coffee pot, knick-knack
On bathroom counter – vase of flowers, small clock, knick-knack
Front Entry or Foyer
Check bulbs in chandelier
Remove excess rugs
Provide clean rug
Remove excess shoes and coats
Living Room
Remove kids’ and pets’ toys
Fluff throw pillows
Hide visible cords
De-clutter coffee and end tables
Remove remotes, tissue boxes, and excess blanket
Kitchen
Clear off the counter and leave 2 to 3 small items
Keep coffee pot, stand mixer
Hide toaster oven, excess appliances
Add color with a lively plant or vase of flowers
Empty sink of dishes and dish rack
Hide soap, dishcloth, sponges, and drain stops
Remove rugs from the floor
Remove pet food dishes
Straighten and evenly space bar stools
Remove everything from front, top, and sides of the refrigerator
Remove fingerprint from appliances
Remove calendar and mail
Hide trash can
Dining Room
Remove items from chairs
Add a centerpiece
Straighten and evenly space chairs
Remove high chairs and booster seats
Bedroom
Make the bed with coordinating bedding, including decorative pillows/shams, if available
Make sure sheets/mattress are covered by the blanket/comforter
Stand the pillows upright
Remove diaper genie/pail
Remove the child’s name from the wall
De-clutter nightstands and dressers
Remove items from under the bed or use a bed skirt
Office
Remove documents from the surface of the desk
Clear desk of everything except computer, phone and desk lamp
Add one decorative item (ex. small plant), if desired
Hide or organize cords
Open your laptop
Remove garbage can
Make sure the computer monitor is blank
Bathrooms
Clear off the vanity
Leave only clean, unused towels and decorative items
Remove toilet brush, plunger, and trash can
Close toilet lid
Clean mirrors (streaks will show in photos)
Pets
Remove food and water bowls
Hide pet beds, toys, and cat towers
Remove pet hair from furniture and floors
Let the photographer know if there will be a pet in the home during the shoot
Laundry Room/Mudroom
Wipe down washer/dryer
Front-Loading Washer & Dryer – Remove & put away laundry
Put away iron & ironing board
Organize
Put laundry into bins/baskets
Organize laundry detergent/softeners, etc. (i.e. on the shelf, in the cupboard, etc.)
Remove excess coats, shoes, and clutter
Provide a clean rug
Exterior
Close garage doors
Hide trash cans
Mow the lawn
Remove vehicles and trailers from the driveway
Remove weeds
Remove toys from the yard
Tidy up patio furniture and add cushions
If you have a pool, clean and open on photo day
