Welcome Homeowners
We've compiled some tips to help you prep your home and maximize the potential of your photos
Make your home stand out
The majority of home buyers start their search online so, it's important to make your home's online presence count!
Catch the attention of potential buyers with high-quality and beautifully staged photos.
Follow the tips below to help prepare your home for the best real estate marketing possible.
General Tips
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Thoroughly clean the whole house
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Turn ON all overhead lights and lamps
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Replace all burned out light bulbs
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Use bulbs of the same temperature
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Turn OFF all ceiling fans
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Turn OFF all TVs
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Turn OFF all computer screens
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Open blinds to let in natural light
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Remove personal photographs & any items other than non-religious art or decor
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Make all beds
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Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
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Place all shoes and jackets in closets
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Hide any pet beds, toys, bowls, etc.
Front Exterior
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Remove cars from driveway, front and/or rear of home
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Close garage doors
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Clean up landscaping (mow, trim scrubs, clear leaves)
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Remove flags
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Remove empty planters
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Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
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Remove visible water hoses
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Remove toys, sporting equipment, etc
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Remove trash cans and recycling bins
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Remove newspapers from driveway
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Sweep leaves
Rear Exterior
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Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables, chairs, cushions, etc.
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Open deck furniture, umbrellas, remove grill covers, and put ay deck cushions on furniture
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Make sure that pillows/cushions are fresh, not faded
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Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
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Clean pool
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Remove pool vacuum and cleaner hose
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Hide pool cleaning supplies
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Turn on pool fountains and water features
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Remove visible water hoses
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Remove trash cans
Kitchen
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Clear off countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
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Remove hanging dish towels and small area rugs
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Leave out a maximum of one small appliance (i.e. coffee maker)
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Remove any magnets, photos, etc. off outside of refrigerator
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Hide garbage cans
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Hide pet bowls, food canisters, mats, etc.
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Remove dishes from sink and place in dishwasher
Living Areas
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Keep floors as clean as possible
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Clear surfaces such as end & coffee tables of items that are not decorative
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Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
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De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items)
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Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
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Clean windows
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Turn OFF all televisions and computers
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Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
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Remove kid's toys
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Remove any personal or religious photos
Bedrooms
Primary Bedroom:
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Make all beds - include decorative pillows/shams if available
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Be sure the mattress is not showing
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Press bed linens and bed skirts
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Clear nightstands of all personal items such as books, remotes, etc. * Tip: You can hide them under pillows!
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Store away phone/tablet charging cables
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Remove all clutter from top of dressers
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Remove family photos from walls
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Clean under the bed, removing items that may show in photos
Secondary Bedrooms:
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Remove personalized decor from walls (anything with your child's name or photos of them)
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Remove wall stickers/posters
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Remove diaper genies
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Clean under bed, removing items that may show in photos
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Remove ALL toiletries from countertops. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
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Remove dirty towels - you can keep new, decorative towels.
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Wash all mirrors. Even the smallest splatter mark is magnified in photos. Put toilet seats down
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Make sure toilet paper roll is not empty or hanging off roll
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Close closet doors
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Remove ALL toiletries from shower/tub area. No shampoo, soap. razors loofahs, etc.
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Remove floor mats
Bathrooms
Pets
Minimize their presence
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Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
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Place pet beds, crates, cages, etc. in closet
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Hide toys, bones, treats, etc.
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Use lint roller or vacuum on furniture to remove pet hair
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Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
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Clear backyard of pet waste/toys
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A housefli photographer will arrive at your home within the scheduled time frame
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We ask that ALL staging and cleaning done prior to our arrival. With our busy schedule, we can only spend a specified amount of time at each property.
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If your home is NOT ready, we will, unfortunately, have to reschedule and a fee will be imposed.
Please understand that we are NOT a staging or design company. Our photographers are not responsible for prepping your home and will not:
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Close blinds
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Move or re-arrange furniture
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Make beds, clean, dust, or de-clutter
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Pick up toys or yard items
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"Photoshop" vehicles, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.
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Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels, etc.)
Expectations
We at Housefli, pride ourselves on our products and want to provide you with the best possible photos of your home. With your teamwork and cooperation, we can guarantee that you will be pleased with our work!