Kitchen
- Clear the counters. A bowl of fruit or one plant is enough.
- Put away small appliances, dish soap, and sponges.
- Empty the sink and wipe the cabinet fronts.
- Take magnets, photos, and notes off the refrigerator.
A checklist for sellers
How to prepare your home for photos and video
McCurdy Media shoots photos and video. Buyers see your home online first, so a clear, bright house in the pictures matters. Work through this list the day before, then do a quick walk through the morning of the shoot.
Room by room
Baths
- Clear counters, shower ledges, and the tub edge.
- Put away toiletries, medications, and hair tools.
- Hang fresh, matching towels. Clean the mirrors.
- Close the toilet lids. Hide the trash can, plunger, and brush.
Bedrooms
- Make every bed with neat, smooth linens.
- Clear nightstands down to a lamp.
- Put away clothes, shoes, laundry baskets, and anything on the floor.
- Close closet doors.
Living Areas
- Straighten pillows and fold or put away throws.
- Clear coffee tables and end tables down to one or two items.
- Hide remotes, chargers, and cords.
- Keep pathways open so rooms feel larger.
Exterior and Curb Appeal
- Mow, edge, and sweep the walks, porch, driveway, and patio.
- Coil hoses. Put away toys, tools, and yard equipment.
- Straighten patio furniture and cushions. If you have a pool, skim it and leave the cover off.
- Clean the front door, outdoor lights, and house numbers.
Lights
- Turn on every light: overheads, lamps, under cabinet lights, and the range hood.
- Use bulbs that match in color temperature in each room. A mix of warm and cool in one room looks uneven on camera.
- Replace any burned out bulbs, inside and out.
Blinds and Window Treatments
- Open blinds and curtains so daylight can come in.
- Set the blinds to the same height in each room. Uneven blinds show up in photos.
- At twilight, set the blinds the way the photographer asks.
Hide Personal Items
- Take down family photos, calendars, and kids' art.
- Put away mail, paperwork, and anything with names or addresses.
- Store medications and valuables out of sight.
Cars
- Move cars off the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
Pets
- Take pets out of the house before the shoot begins.
- Take bowls, beds, litter boxes, crates, and toys with you, rather than moving them from room to room.
Trash Bins
- Move indoor bins out of sight.
- Move outdoor trash and recycling bins out of view from the street and the yard.
Morning of the Shoot
- Do a last walk through with your phone and look at each room the way a buyer would.
- Confirm lights are on, blinds are even, beds are made, and counters are clear.
- If you can, plan to be out of the house with kids and pets during the shoot.
Drone Notes
- If the shoot includes drone photos or video, keep the yard and roof clear.
- Put away toys, hoses, and anything on the lawn or patio.
- Keep people and pets out of the yard.
Twilight Notes
- If the shoot includes twilight photos, turn on every light inside and out, including porch, landscape, and patio lights.
- Set blinds the way the photographer asks.
- Keep the driveway and the street in front clear of cars.
Never Ordinary