Preparing Your Home for a Professional Photoshoot
At Schemmel Soda Group, we partner with Sarasota’s top real estate photographers to showcase your home at its absolute best. A well-prepared home not only enhances the final images but also attracts more potential buyers. To ensure a smooth and successful shoot, we’ve outlined key preparation guidelines. Your attention to these details is essential—failure to follow these recommendations may result in delays or rescheduling.
General Guidelines for the Entire Home
- Conduct a deep clean: vacuum, mop, wipe countertops, and wash windows
- Turn on all overhead lights and replace any burned-out bulbs
- Ensure consistent lighting by using either all incandescent or all compact fluorescent bulbs
- Turn off ceiling fans, televisions, and computer screens
- Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light
- Make all beds
- Remove personal photos
- Store away small rugs to showcase flooring
- Put away shoes, jackets, and personal belongings in closets
Curb Appeal and Exterior Spaces
Front Yard and Driveway
- Close garage doors
- Remove vehicles from the driveway and street in front of the home
- Clean up landscaping, ensure lawn is cut and no leaves/debris are on driveways or walkways
- Pick up any clutter such as empty planters, garden tools, and water hoses
Backyard and Outdoor Living Areas
- Tidy up patio and deck furniture, straightening cushions and arranging tables and chairs
- Remove or replace faded cushions, patio umbrellas, or worn-out décor
- Skim and clean the pool area, removing pool toys and cleaning equipment
- Turn on any water features like fountains or waterfalls
- Put away trash cans, hoses, and maintenance tools
Interior Spaces
Kitchen
- Clear countertops entirely—store away appliances, knife blocks, and dish racks
- Remove magnets, notes, and photos from the refrigerator
- Ensure the sink is empty and clean, with no dirty dishes
- Hide trash cans from view
Dining Room
- Clear table and other serving furniture
- Straighten and evenly space dining chairs
Living and Family Room
- Declutter surfaces, removing stacks of magazines, mail, and miscellaneous items
- Limit mantel/shelving décor
- Clean the fireplace interior
- Fluff and arrange pillows neatly on sofas and chairs
- Store away toys, remote controls, and stray items
Bedrooms
- Make the beds with fresh linens for a clean look
- Clear nightstands and dressers of clutter and personal items
- Tuck away phone chargers and visible cords
- Remove personal photographs
- Ensure under-bed storage is hidden from view
Bathrooms
- Remove all toiletries from sinks, showers, and tubs
- Clear countertops entirely of personal items
- Put toilet seats down and close all cabinet doors
- Remove all towels, wash cloths and toilet paper
- Remove bath mats and rugs to create open floor space
Pet Considerations
- Store pet bowls, beds, and toys out of sight
- Thoroughly vacuum and remove pet hair from furniture and flooring
- Secure pets in a safe, out-of-the-way space during the shoot
- Clean up pet waste and remove litter boxes from view
By following these simple yet effective steps, your home will be photo-ready and presented in the best possible light. If you have any questions about preparing for your professional photoshoot, feel free to reach out to the Schemmel Soda Group.
