Real Estate Photography in Virginia Beach

Prepping the Property for Your Photo Shoot

Preparing a property thoroughly before a real estate photo shoot is essential to showcase it in the best possible light. Here's a comprehensive checklist for real estate agents to ensure the home is photo-ready before the photographer arrives:

🏡 Exterior Preparation

Lawn & Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds.
Clear leaves and debris from the yard and walkways.
Driveway & Walkways: Sweep and remove any clutter or debris.
Vehicles: Move cars away from the driveway and front of the house.
Outdoor Furniture: Arrange neatly; open umbrellas and remove covers.
Pools & Hot Tubs: Clean and remove pool toys or accessories.
Yard Signs: Remove any signs, including security or decorative ones.

🛋️ Interior Preparation

Declutter: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and unnecessary decorations to make spaces appear larger.
Cleanliness: Ensure all rooms are clean, including floors, windows, and surfaces.
Lighting: Replace burnt-out bulbs and turn on all lights to brighten rooms.
Window Treatments: Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
Personal Items: Store away family photos, personal collections, and name displays.

Kitchen

Countertops: Clear all items except for a few decorative pieces.
Appliances: Remove magnets, notes, and personal items from the refrigerator and other appliances.
Sink: Ensure it's empty and clean; remove dish racks and soap dispensers.
Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh fruit to add some brightness to the kitchen.

Bathrooms

Countertops: Clear all personal items, including toothbrushes and toiletries.
Shower/Tub: Remove shampoos, soaps, and razors; keep curtains open.
Towels: Use clean, neatly folded towels or remove them entirely.

Bedrooms

Beds: Make beds neatly with coordinated linens and pillows.
Nightstands & Dressers: Clear surfaces of personal items, books, and electronics.
Closets: Organize and close doors; ensure no items are spilling out.

Living Areas

Furniture: Arrange neatly; remove excess pieces to create an open feel.
Decor: Use minimal, neutral decorations; remove personal collections.
Electronics: Hide remote controls and turn off TVs and computer screens.

🐾 Pets

Pet Items: Remove food bowls, toys, beds, and litter boxes from all areas.
Pets: Ensure they are secured or off the property during the shoot.

📸 Final Touches

Odors: Eliminate any unpleasant smells; avoid using strong air fresheners.
Temperature: Set a comfortable temperature to ensure the photographer and any visitors are comfortable.
Occupants: Ensure no people are present in the home during the shoot to avoid reflections and distractions.

By following this checklist, agents and homeowners can ensure that properties are presented in the best possible light, making them more appealing to potential buyers.