Pre-Shoot Checklist

Hey there, superstar agent!

We know you're juggling a million things, so we’ve put together a simple pre-shoot checklist to help you and your client get the property looking its absolute best before we arrive. Think of it as a little prep party—just a few small steps to help us capture the space in all its glory.

Of course, you’re not required to check every box on this list—but trust us, a polished and prepped home makes a world of difference in the final photos and videos. Some of these tips might not apply to every property, and that’s totally okay. Just use it as a helpful guide to avoid those last-minute “Oops, we forgot to move that laundry basket!” moments.

We’re here to make this process smooth, fun, and professional. Clean, decluttered, and staged homes tend to photograph beautifully—and faster sales often follow! Let’s team up to set the scene so we can deliver stunning, scroll-stopping marketing materials that make your listings shine.

Exteriors

• Remove cars from the driveway and front of the home, either in the garage or down the street. Garage doors must remain closed.
• Hide garbage cans, hoses, and gardening tools.
• Mow the lawn and remove any leftover debris (twigs, branches, discernable weeds).
• Remove any toys or sports equipment from the lawn and driveway.
• Uncover pools and hot tubs if clean; skim leaves. We will turn on lights and hot tub jets. Please put away cleaning equipment.
• Clean and arrange outside furniture, open patio table umbrella, tidy chairs, and plump cushions.
• Remove grill cover and hide utensils.
• Sweep sidewalks, driveway, patio, decks, and pool area.
• Remove all flags, hanging ornaments, and home security signs.

Interior Basics

• Turn on ALL lights in the house; replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Turn ON ceiling fan lights; please keep fan OFF.
• If a window has curtains, please open them. If the window has blinds, lower them but keep horizontal slats open.
• Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF.
• Any glass door/window/mirror should be clean and free of streaks or fingerprints.

Kitchen/Dining Rooms

• Recommended: Use standard dining table set up (i.e. plates, napkins, placemats, cutlery. Place bowl of fruit or low vase to add color, if possible).
• Clean off and wipe down all countertops.
• Remove appliances, knife blocks, toasters, etc. ONE nice, modern-looking device can stay (i.e., coffee maker or tea kettle on stove).
• Remove all items from the refrigerator (no magnets, pictures, etc.)
• Clean refrigerator front.
• Remove throw rugs, hanging towels,cleaning products and paper towels.
• Hide garbage can, remove dishes and drain stopper from sink.
• Straighten and tidy all chairs.

Living/Family Rooms

• Vacuum, sweep, and mop where appropriate.
• Tidy couches, fluff pillows, remove clutter from tables/desks.
• Hide remotes and un-neccesary cables.
• Dust off any screens.
• Sweep wooden floors.

Bedrooms

• Make all beds; use decorative pillows if available.
• Remove ALL clutter from end tables, dressers, and nightstands. This includes personal photos, drinking cups, alarm clocks, etc.
• Store away the phone, tablets, charging cords, books, tissues, and other items.
• If possible, remove all personal photos.
• Address any clutter under the bed that may show in photos or video.
• Walk-in closets should be clean and kept.

Bathrooms

• Arrange clean hand and body towels to an orderly.
• Hide all trash cans, plungers, or toilet scrubbers.
• Remove floor mats and be sure to close the toilet seat. Apply fresh toilet paper roll.
• Remove hygiene products from the counter, including bar soap, medications, and toothbrushes.
• Remove shampoos, razors, and loofahs from the shower; close the shower curtain or door.