For vendors
How to prepare your home for the shoot
An hour of tidying is worth more than any amount of retouching. Here is what makes the biggest difference, room by room.
Everywhere
The five that matter most
If you only do five things, do these.
01
Clear flat surfaces
Benches, sills, tables and vanities. Empty reads as spacious.
02
Cars off the frontage
Drive, kerb and garage. A car in front of the house dates the photo and hides the facade.
03
All lights working
Replace dead bulbs and match colour temperature where you can.
04
Blinds and curtains open
The outlook is often the best feature. Let it in.
05
Bins and hoses away
Out of every sightline, front and back.
Room by room
Kitchen
- Everything off the benches, including the kettle, toaster and knife block
- Magnets, notes and photos off the fridge
- Tea towels away, sink empty and dry
- Bar stools straightened and evenly spaced
Room by room
Living
- Remotes, chargers and cables out of frame
- Cushions plumped, throws folded, rugs straightened
- Personal photographs put away
- Toys and pet beds out of the room
Room by room
Bedrooms
- Beds made with matching linen, ironed if possible
- Bedside tables cleared to a lamp and one object
- Wardrobe doors closed, floor clear
- Washing baskets out of the room
Room by room
Bathrooms
- Every product off the vanity and the shower ledge
- Fresh towels, hung evenly, matching colours
- Toilet lids down, bin removed
- Mirrors and glass polished
Room by room
Outside
- Lawns cut a day or two ahead, edges trimmed
- Outdoor furniture set as if you were about to use it
- Pool cover off, water clear, toys away
- Trampolines, washing lines and tools moved if practical
On the day
Twenty minutes before we arrive
01
Lights on
Every room, including wardrobes and the rangehood.
02
Pets away
Bowls, beds and litter trays out of sight as well.
03
One last sweep
Walk each room from the doorway. Anything that catches your eye will catch a buyer’s.
Ready when you are
Book the shoot
Once the house is ready we can usually be there within a couple of days.