We can light a room and pick the right angle. We can’t move a toaster, a pile of mail, or a car in the driveway once we’re shooting. Most of what makes a photo great is done by the seller before we show up.
So here’s the list I’d hand every seller the night before. Feel free to forward it.
Night-before seller checklist
1) Clear the counters. Leave one or two nice things, put the rest away.
2) Turn on every light and replace any dead bulbs.
3) Open blinds and curtains the same way in every room.
4) Hide the everyday stuff: trash cans, pet bowls, towels, toiletries, fridge magnets.
5) Make the beds and fluff the pillows.
6) Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
7) Turn off ceiling fans and TVs.
Thirty minutes of prep the night before shows up in every photo.
Got a listing coming up? Book the shoot and send this list to your seller the same day. If you have any questions about prep, just reply and I’ll help.
