🏡 Getting Ready for Your Real Estate Photo Shoot
A little prep makes a big difference!
Follow these simple steps to help your home look bright, spacious, and inviting.
✨ General Tips
Tidy up and declutter. Clear off counters and tables to make rooms feel open.
Check all lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
Hide personal items like family photos, cords, trash bins, and pet supplies.
Think “model home.” Clean and neutral spaces help buyers picture themselves living there.
🌳 Outside the Home
Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.
Mow, trim, and sweep to freshen up the yard and walkways.
Hide clutter like hoses, tools, toys, and garbage bins.
Clean windows and outdoor furniture. Straighten chairs and open umbrellas.
Add a simple touch like fresh mulch or a potted plant by the door.
🪟 Inside the Home
Use natural light. Open curtains and blinds (unless they face something unattractive).
Turn off fans and interior lights. Natural light photographs best.
Clear counters, tables, and nightstands.
Vacuum and dust. Shine mirrors and polish floors.
Hide cords, remotes, laundry baskets, and pet items.
Remove small rugs that break up the look of the flooring.
🍽️ Kitchen
Put away dishes, food, and trash.
Clear countertops of clutter and small appliances.
Remove magnets and papers from the fridge.
Wipe down all surfaces for a clean shine.
🛋️ Living Areas
Fluff pillows and fold blankets neatly.
Hide cables, chargers, and remotes.
Simplify décor — clean surfaces look more spacious.
🛏️ Bedrooms
Make the beds neatly with smooth bedding and pillows arranged nicely.
Store clothing, shoes, and laundry out of sight.
Clear nightstands and minimize personal items.
Tuck away anything visible under the bed.
🚿 Bathrooms
Close toilet lids.
Remove all countertop and shower items (toothbrushes, shampoo, soaps).
Hide trash cans and cleaning tools.
Fold or remove towels so the room looks fresh and open.
🏊 Pool & Patio (if applicable)
Clean the pool and remove toys or cleaners.
Straighten lounge chairs and open umbrellas.
Wipe tables and arrange furniture neatly.
📦 Storage & Hidden Spots
We normally don’t photograph closets, garages, or sheds, unless your agent requests it.
These are great places to temporarily store items you want out of view.
☀️ Weather & Timing
A typical photo session takes about an hour, depending on home size.
If weather is rainy or windy, we may need to reschedule — clear skies and calm days ensure your home looks its best, especially for drone photos.
❤️ Final Tip
Your effort really pays off — a well-prepared home photographs beautifully and attracts more buyers.
Thank you for helping us capture your home at its very best!
Call anytime: 9:00-5:00 M-F
(507) 200-0427
- Lakeville
- Burnsville
- Prior Lake
- Faribault
- Owatonna
- Northfield
- New Prague
- Kenyon