We know things can feel super overwhelming when getting your house ready to go on the market. We want to make that process run more smoothly for you! All of the things listed below can really help your photos be the best they can be. With that said, we also don't want you to stress, so for example if you don't have time to take down your personal photos or simply don't want to, that's okay. The things below are suggested, but not a requirement.


Clean & Declutter

Please make sure you clean you're home including dusting all of the forgotten areas (Oh! I forgot there was a fan there! 😆), making sure no dishes are in the sink, etc. How you have your furniture can completely transform the space. The biggest thing is to make sure that you've decluttered a bit, even if it's only temporary for the photos. Stuff everything you need out of sight in the garage, we wont tell your secret! 🤫 We also often have people who would like for us to start on one end of the house and then they like to move a few things on the other end to that end when we are done, and we are happy to work with you in that way as well if you need us to.


Depersonalize

As a photographer, it genuinely hurts my soul to tell you to take down your personal family pictures; however, it's beneficial for selling your home. While you may be still living in it, it's important that a future buyer is able to picture themselves and their family there. For some people, this may not bother them at all, but for a lot, it's difficult to look past other people on the wall and picture themselves. Often times it makes people feel more like they are intruding on someone else's space. If you're wondering, "what about my belongings?" To answer that, as long as things are picked up, the buyer may just feel as though the home is stage to see a possibility of an option for when they live there.


Blinds

We always go through and double check things such as blinds, toilet seats, fans, etc. However, it can make the process go much more smoothly if all of the blinds are already set. Typically if you have blinds, they photograph best down and open. If you have open windows and/or no blinds, that's perfectly fine too! There have been situations where blinds or shades are broken, and won't open, and that's okay. We can still work with that, it just looks better the other way. Don't let it stress you though!!


Fans

Due to how HDR photos are taken, it is best to have all fans off. Again, this is something we check, but things can move along more smoothly if they are already off. Also, friendly reminder to check your fans and dust them. I know we've all been there, so absolutely no judgment at all!!! Especially for those rooms we may not go in frequently or if the fan isn't used much, it's really easy to overlook dusting them.


Light Bulbs

We can work pretty well in low lit areas when needed; however, it's best to make sure all light bulbs are working properly, and if there are ones that need replacing, please replace them as it will photograph much better with the lights working.


Cars

Please move cars out of the driveway or be prepared to move them during the session. If your vehicle is in the driveway and not blocking any parts of the house, we can work around it. Although in our professional opinion, we believe it photographs better without any vehicles in view. We are also happy to take photos with your car there, but it's not always so easy to "just photoshop it out."


Pets

Please make sure to temporarily put away any food and water bowls during the session. If you don't feel like you can do this, it's okay, it just photographs better without them in frame. Also, we know how it can be with some pets, It seems if you don't run behind them with a swifter, they shed everywhere! Please keep in mind, that we can't really edit that out.