We have put this guide so that your property looks at its very best for the photoshoot. With many years of experience of taking photos of properties, I have listed the most common areas in the house that you can check and make the most significant impact on the marketing photographs.

EXTERIOR AND GARDENS

• Remove Vehicles from driveways.
• For properties that have no driveway- Park Your Vehicle to “book” space at the property, that we could move it later and get a clear view of the Property.
• Cut the grass and tidy borders.
• Remove bins out of sight.
• Take down washing Lines.
• Remove Rotary dryers or retract them.
• Clean the windows.
• Remove Hosepipes and reels or store it neatly.

Optional- Provide Outdoor Plants, in Pots and Hanging Baskets.
Optional- Avoid booking the shoot on Bin/Recycling days as streets scenes will look unsightly.

GENERAL ADVICE FOR ALL INTERIOR AREAS

• Remove unnecessary items as much as possible but don’t go overboard!
• Remove small items that detract the eye from the overall room but keep it “homely” – if in doubt leave it and I will advise when I visit.
• Check light bulbs are working in all ceiling lights, room lamps, cooker hood, electric fires.
• Windows should be closed.
• Blinds should be open and hanging straight.
• Curtains tied back or hanging evenly at either side.
• Carpets vacuumed and solid floors cleaned.
• Avoid evidence of Pets – bowls/baskets etc.

Optional – Props

 Props can add ambience to a room but are not essential. Examples include…

• Fresh flowers
• Pot plants
• Bowls of fruit
• Bottles of wine
• Cafetiere (contents can be cold)
• Candles (unlit)
• High-end Magazines/Books on Coffee Table

KITCHENS

• Clean Worktop surface and Hob.
• Sink clean and remove Racks from Drainer
• Remove Tea Towels from Oven/Grill Handles
• Hide all cleaning Cloths/Sponges
• Remove items fixed to Fridge/Freezer Doors
• Hide Swing/Pedal Bins
• Hide all fridge magnets
• Washing machine empty and the door closed

LIVING ROOM

• Arrange cushions on sofas and chairs neatly
• Minimal items on and under Coffee Tables
• Consider removal of personal photographs
• Mantelpieces tidied
• Arrange Dining Chairs evenly around the Table
• TV and Computer Monitors switched off
• Hide TV/Audio/Satellite cabling as far as possible

BEDROOMS

• Beds made and covers smoothed as flat as possible
• Pillows and Cushions neatly arranged
• Underneath bed storage shouldn’t be visible – use a Valance or push further out of sight
• De-clutter surfaces of Dressing Tables and Bedside Cabinets
• Mirrored Wardrobe doors clean
• Avoid clothing hanging from the back of bedroom doors e.g. Dressing Gowns, Jackets etc
• Toys in Children rooms tidied away

BATHROOMS/EN SUITE

• Toilet Seat down
• Fresh Toilet Roll in a holder
• Fresh matching Towels
• Remove Bath Mat – especially if plastic/rubber
• Remove personal items such as Toothbrushes/Razors/Medicines etc
• Dry Baths/Showers/Sinks
• Mirrors clean
• Remove Children’s Bath Toys
• Remove bottles of chemicals/cleaning materials

Hint – attractive looking toiletries can often be obtained cheaply from Pound Shops.

Bonus

If you have open fires or stoves, either light them or leave them swept clean.