Real Estate Photography Checklist

High-quality photographs are a vital part of the sales process. They not only showcase your property’s unique features but also attract potential buyers and help to secure the best possible sale price. This checklist ensures your property is presented in its best light, maximising its appeal and value.

The Day Before: General Preparation

This is an opportunity to showcase your property at its very best. The more effort you put in, the better the photography will be.

• Deep Clean: Do a thorough clean of every room, paying close attention to windows, mirrors, benchtops, and floors.

• Declutter: Remove all unnecessary items from every room, including personal belongings, mail, and magazines.

• Depersonalise: Put away personal photos, children's drawings, and family memorabilia. This helps potential buyers imagine themselves in the home.

• Hide the Clutter: Pack away any items that you've decluttered into a closet or room that won't be photographed.

• Pet Management: Arrange for pets to be with you or away from the property on the day of the shoot.

On the Day of the Shoot: Exterior

A home's exterior and garden are a potential buyer's first impression.

• Move Vehicles: Ensure the driveway and street directly in front of the house are completely free of all cars, boats, and trailers.

• Perfect the Garden: Trim gardens and hedges, mow the lawns, and clear away any debris or leaves.

• Tidy Up: Put away all gardening tools, hoses, children's toys, and sports equipment.

• Outdoor Furniture: Clean and arrange outdoor furniture.

• Bins & Covers: Move all bins out of sight and remove covers from the BBQ, pool, or spa.

On the Day of the Shoot: Interior

Now, we'll go room by room to get the inside ready. The photographer will need the property to be free of all people and pets for safety and to get the best shots.

• Open up: Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.

• Turn on All Lights: Illuminate every space in the house, including hallways and accent lighting.

• Clear All Surfaces: Remove all items from tables, benches, and desks.

• Hide the Cords: Conceal or unplug all electrical cords from TVs, lamps, and other devices.

• Final Touches: Straighten throw pillows, cushions, and picture frames. Turn off all TVs, laptops, and ceiling fans.

Living & Dining Rooms

• Declutter: Hide all remotes and magazines.

• Styling: Clear the coffee table, leaving only one or two decorative items. Add a simple vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit.

• Make it Spacious: Remove any unnecessary pieces of furniture that may make the room look smaller.

Kitchen

• Clear the counters: Remove all small appliances like toasters and kettles.

• Empty and Clean: Ensure the sink is completely empty of dishes. Wipe down all benchtops.

• Fridge: Remove all magnets, notes, and personal items from the fridge door.

Bedrooms

• Make the bed: Make all beds neatly, using your best linen, and fluff up all pillows.

• Clear the surfaces: Remove all items from bedside tables and dressers, leaving only a lamp or a single decorative item.

• Put clothes away: Ensure all clothes, shoes, toys, and clutter are put away and out of sight.

Bathrooms

• Clean and dry: Wipe down the basin, mirrors, and all glass surfaces.

• Hide the clutter: Remove all personal items like toothbrushes, shampoo bottles, and bins from the counter and shower.

• Fresh Towels: Hang fresh, clean, and neatly folded towels on the towel rack.

• The Final Touch: Always make sure the toilet seat is down.

By following this checklist, you'll be giving our professional photographer the best opportunity to showcase your property's full potential, ensuring your home stands out online and attracts the right buyers.