Preparing Your Home for Professional Photography

Upon your decision to use Woolrich Photo Tours, I will schedule with you or your homeowner a convenient time to photograph the property. Although I'll try to schedule it within 72 hours of your order, it's dependent on various factors: homeowner schedule, Realtor schedule and the weather, primarily. Please allow 2-4 hours for photography, depending on the package ordered. Although I'll try to get in and out as quickly as I can, quality is my number one priority and I'd rather spend more time to make your house look the best that it can.

It's important that both the Realtor and the homeowner read these tips on preparing the home. I really don't have the time to clean, organize, move things or pick up clutter. It may help to look at some other virtual tours to see what you do and don't like about the way the house is organized.

You can have a direct impact on how well your home will photograph by taking the time to prepare it and following these guidelines.

The Home Exterior.

Spruce up the garden, trim shrubbery if neccessary, mow and rake the lawn, sweep sidewalks, driveways and the street in front of the home. I realize it's a lot of work but it makes such a difference.
Decks and patios should be neat, clutter free, swept and patio furniture should be in good shape.
Remove hoses, gardening tools, garbage cans, etc.
Uncover pretty grills, hide the ugly ones.
Remove childrens toys, bikes, etc.
Remove all vehicles from driveways and park them away from the house. I'll probably be doing a panorama of the front and possibly the back so we'll see up, down and across the street.

General Indoor Preparation

Look around, remove clutter, tidy up shelves, simpler is better.
Remove throw rugs, dishtowels, family pictures.
Replace burned out lightbulbs.
Hide magazines, newspapers, paperwork, remote controls, etc.
The house should be clean, especially windows, mirrors, countertops and appliances.
Move trash cans out of sight.
Conceal electrical cords as much as possible.
We all love seasonal decorations and hope our home will sell quickly, but it's a tough market. Christmas decorations and pumpkins are going to look a little odd in the spring. It's best to hide as many as possible.
Move excess furniture out of rooms. You want the space clean, open and clutter free (dog beds, tray tables, magazine racks, etc.)
Fresh cut flowers are always a nice touch.

Kitchen

Clean off the counters and remove appliances (coffee makers, toasters, knife blocks).
Remove photos, notes, etc. from refrigerator.
Make sure dishes are all out of the sink and put away.
Check again to see the appliances are clean and don't forget the range hood.
If you think it's looking too sterile, a bowl of fruit or pitcher of orange juice and a plate of croissants can be added.

Bathrooms

Clear the countertops of toothbrushes, hand lotion, soap dishes, shaving cream, makeup mirrors, etc.
Remove shampoo and other products from the shower/tub areas.
Hang towels neatly from towel bars.
Toilet seats down and lids closed.

Bedrooms

Make the beds, fluff the pillows and put clothes away.
Remove items from nightstands (remotes, books, photos and maybe clocks).

Dining Room

Depending on your decor, you may want to set the table with your best china and include a colorful centerpiece

Living Room, Family Room and Office

See above general guidelines as most of it applies to these rooms.

The Final Touches

Turn on all interior lights and turn off ceiling fans and televisions.
Keep the pets out of the way.
Do a final walkthrough to be sure everything is neat, clean and put away.
The Realtor sign will have to be hidden for the exterior photographs, it's against the MLS rules to have it there.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me from my website www.woolrichphototours.com or call me at 828-389-9759.
I look forward to working with you. Let's make your house look it's best!