What are the must-accomplish tasks when prepping for your appointment?
It is important to make sure that your clients do some prep work on your listing in order to make the most of your real estate photography appointment. There is a lot that can be done, both inside and outside, to optimize the results of your shoot, but what is essential to complete?
Essential Steps
Decluttering and cleaning the home is of paramount importance. Making sure that all the rooms of the home are cleaned, organized, and free of personal items (family photos, diplomas, etc.) and clutter will go a long way towards making the home seem well maintained and livable. As part of this process, make sure that kitchen and bathroom counters are mostly clear of decorations and appliances.
On the day of the appointment, make sure that all interior doors (except for closets) are open, that all overhead lights are turned on (dim or leave off exposed bulbs, such as in chandeliers), fans are turned off, and that all window coverings are either halfway or fully open (matching throughout the home).
Outside, make sure that the yard and landscaping have been taken care of a few days before the appointment. Remove any debris, toys, flags, etc. from the yard, as well.
When the day of your appointment arrives, make sure to park vehicles in an area that is out of view of the photos, such as down the street. Also, it is a good idea to roll trash cans into a garage/shed or to roll them onto the street where the vehicles are parked.
More Information
For a full breakdown of what should or can be done to optimize your listing photos, property tour videos, Matterport 3D Tours, aerial photos, and more, take a look at the pre-appointment guide linked below. It’s a great resource for both agents and homeowners who want to make sure they are getting the most from their appointment, and it even includes a handy checklist that simplifies the process.
