Boaz Meiri, Architectural and Real Estate Photographer

Property Preparation checklist

Exterior:
  • Remove and hide – Trash containers, hoses, tools, garden supplies, toys, pets stuff and pool supplies
  • Real Estate Sign – Try to avoid posing the sign until after the photo shoot
  • Cleaning – Clean driveway, back and front yards and porch, blow all leaves
  • Driveway – Keep driveway clear of vehicles, trailers etc.
Cleaning and Decluttering:
  • Floors – Clean floors, vacuum carpets/rugs
  • Glass – Clean windows, mirrors and glass cabinets
  • Put away and hide – Clothes, shoes, magazines, personal photos, power cords, chargers, pets supplies
  • Driveway – Keep driveway clear of vehicles, trailers etc.
Kitchen:
  • Clean – Counter top, cooktop and all surfaces
  • Put Away – Trash cans, floor mats, dirty towels, paper towel, rags and empty the sinks completely
  • Small Appliances – Leave only 2-3 clean and new-looking small appliances on kitchen counter-top
  • Cooktop – Leave no more than one item on the stove, like a kettle, saucepan etc.
  • Fridge – Remove all magnets, notepads, family photos etc.
  • Stainless Steel Appliances – Clean all stainless steel surfaces from finger prints
Bathrooms:
  • Clean – Counter top, mirrors and al surfaces
  • Put Away – Trash cans, floor mats, toilet brush, extra toilet paper rolls, magazines and dirty towels/robes
  • Around the Sink – Put away toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap bar etc. Leave only 1-2 decorative items
  • Shower and Bath – Put away shampoo, soap, loofahs, trash cans and floor mats
Window Treatments:
  • Shades – Have shades open all the way, unless you prefer otherwise, then please advise the photographer
  • Blinds with horizontal slats – I recommend keeping them down and open the slats
  • Curtains and drapes – Keep them open unless you prefer otherwise, then please advise the photographer
Organizing and Staging:
  • Furniture – Straighten and align all furniture, dining chairs, rugs etc
  • Beds and Sofas – Make beds, fluff and arrange furniture pillows
  • Lamps – Plug-in all table and floor lamps and make sure that the bulbs are working and have matching color
  • Keep it Simple – Avoid having too many items displayed on tables and shelves
Twilight Photo Shoots:
  • Make sure that all interior lights are working properly
  • If any of the rooms don’t have lights please install some potable lamps such as floor lamps ahead of time
  • Keep all shades, blinds and shutters open
  • Disable any high power exterior flood-lights
  • Disable any motion activated lights – Soft lights should be kept on and flood-lights should be kept off