Serving Central Florida! From Gainesville to St. Petersburg Spring Hill to Daytona
Real estate Check list
My Goal
My goal is to photograph your home with the highest quality that will wow buyers and attract offers.
To ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly and safely, I’ve put together this preparation checklist of
things you should do prior to your scheduled shoot.
General Preparation
Be prepared ahead of time: Please ensure all cleaning and staging is completed before I arrive—ideally the day prior to your photoshoot. While I may adjust small items like flowers or pictures to enhance photo composition, larger furniture and staging accessories should already be in place when I arrive.
Secure or relocate pets: While I love pets, they can’t be present during the photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or removed from the property to protect my equipment and ensure a smooth session. Additionally, MLS rules prohibit pets and people from appearing in photos. Cats should also be secured, though they’re usually less of a concern (they tend to hide). Don’t forget to remove pet food and water bowls for a cleaner look.
Keep out of sight: All occupants should plan to either leave the property or stay out of visible areas during the shoot. Since rooms overlap in photos, people can create unwanted shadows or reflections. My equipment will also be set up throughout the home, so limiting access helps maintain safety.
Use the garage for storage: Since garages are rarely photographed, they make a perfect spot to store any items you’d prefer to keep out of sight.
Outdoor Preparation
Clear the driveway and street: Remove all cars from the driveway and, if possible, from the street directly in front of the home. A clear view of your property ensures better photos.
Avoid wet driveways: If you want the driveway to have a wet look, this can be added during editing. Wetting it manually can lead to uneven drying, puddles, and an inconsistent appearance.
Hide trashcans: Move trashcans out of sight by placing them in the garage or on the side of the property.
Tidy up hoses: Relocate garden hoses the day before the shoot to avoid dripping water that could create unwanted puddles in photos.
Mow and trim the lawn: Make sure the yard is freshly mowed and trimmed at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn off sprinklers: Avoid watering on the day of the shoot to prevent water pooling on driveways and walkways.
Pick up pet waste: If you have dogs, ensure all droppings are removed from the yard for a clean and polished look.
Prepare the pool and spa: Ensure the pool and spa are clean and uncovered. If the spa is to be turned on for photos, provide instructions to the realtor in advance.
Clean water features: Fountains, waterfalls, and other features should be clean and operational. Provide instructions for turning them on, if needed.
Remove the for-sale sign: For-sale signs must be removed before the shoot or installed afterward, as MLS rules prohibit them in photos, and they can’t always be edited out.
Spruce up patio furniture: Dust and clean outdoor furniture, removing any cobwebs. Avoid hosing down furniture on the day of the shoot to prevent water puddles.
Indoor Preparation
Declutter the kitchen: Keep countertops minimal—one or two decorative items are fine, but remove dishes, sponges, rags, and similar items. Clear the refrigerator of magnets, pictures, and notes, and take up any throw rugs from the floor.
Tidy up bathrooms: Hide personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and razors. Opt for decorative accents like unused soaps, candles, or flowers. Remove throw rugs to keep floors clean and simple.
Prepare bedrooms: Ensure all beds are made and personal items are put away for a neat and inviting look.
Hide trashcans: Trashcans can be distracting in photos. Store them in closets or the garage.
Store portable fans: While ceiling fans can highlight a home’s features, portable fans may detract from the aesthetic. Move them to closets or the garage.
Conceal cords and remotes: Tuck away TV remotes, game consoles, and visible electrical cords whenever possible for a cleaner appearance.
Clear entryways: Remove shoes, umbrellas, and other clutter from entryways to create an open and welcoming space.
Open blinds strategically: Let in light or showcase outdoor views by opening blinds. If a window faces a less appealing view, you can leave the blinds partially or fully closed.
Turn on all lights: Make sure all interior lights are on before the photoshoot begins. Check for and replace any burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours in advance.
Turn off ceiling fans: Ensure all ceiling fans are turned off before the photoshoot to avoid motion blur in photos.
Twilight Preparation
If you’ve scheduled a twilight photoshoot, please prepare the following items before my arrival. Twilight shoots are time-sensitive to capture optimal lighting, so it’s essential everything is ready in advance:
Turn on all interior and exterior lights: Ensure every light throughout the property is on. Replace any burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Prep the spa: Remove the cover and turn on the spa before I arrive. Make sure the spa lights are also on.
Turn on pool lights: If your property has a pool, turn on the pool lights ahead of time.
Activate water features: Turn on fountains, waterfalls, or other water features to highlight these elements during the shoot.
Thank you for your time and patience to go through this checklist! If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact me anytime.
Jim Shaffer
352-272-1267