How to Prepare Your Client’s Home for a Real Estate Photo Shoot in San Diego

In San Diego’s bustling real estate market, high-quality photos are essential for making a strong first impression. As a real estate agent, you play a crucial role in ensuring the home is photo-ready, while our professional photographers at Radiate Real Estate Media will follow through with detailed shooting and staging protocols, putting things back in place after the shoot. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your client’s home for a successful real estate photo shoot.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Remove Personal Items: Advise your clients to remove family photos, personal collections, and any items with personal significance. This helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the home.

Clear Surfaces: Ensure countertops, tables, and desks are free from clutter. Small kitchen appliances, toiletries, and miscellaneous items should be stored away.

Clean Thoroughly

Deep Clean: A spotless home is crucial. Ensure that kitchens and bathrooms, in particular, are thoroughly cleaned. All surfaces should be scrubbed, floors mopped, and windows cleaned to a shine.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Yard Maintenance: Have the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, and weeds removed. Clear walkways and consider adding fresh mulch or flowers to enhance the exterior appeal.

Exterior Cleaning: Power wash the exterior, including the siding, driveways, and walkways. Clean the front door and ensure the house number is clearly visible.

Optimize Lighting

Maximize Natural Light: Encourage your clients to open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Ensure windows are clean to avoid streaks.

Turn on Lights: Ensure all light fixtures are working and turned on for the shoot. Consistent color temperature bulbs will provide uniform lighting.

Stage Each Room

Living Areas: Arrange furniture to create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. Consider adding throw pillows, blankets, and fresh flowers for a cozy touch.

Bedrooms: Ensure beds are made with neutral, coordinated bedding. Declutter nightstands and dressers.

Kitchen and Dining: Set the dining table with attractive place settings. Keep countertops clear, save for a few decorative items like a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers.

Bathrooms: Display clean, neatly folded towels. Remove personal toiletries and ensure the space is tidy.

Address Specific Areas

Entryway: Make sure the entryway is welcoming, clean, and well-lit. A doormat and clutter-free space can create a positive first impression.

Outdoor Spaces: Arrange patio furniture attractively, clean the grill, and ensure the pool area is pristine.

Special Features: Highlight unique features such as a home office, entertainment room, or scenic view by ensuring they are clean and well-staged.

Final Preparations

Write Notes: Before the shoot, jot down any special instructions or areas of focus. Our photographers will take iPhone photos of any items moved for easy reference when putting them back.

Check the Shot List: Review the photographer’s shot list to ensure all necessary areas are prepared. This typically includes exterior shots, key rooms, and special features.

Photographer Responsibilities

Our professional photographers will handle the shoot with precision, following a detailed checklist to ensure every aspect of the home is captured perfectly. They will also:

Set Up: Write notes from the calendar, set up the home, and take preliminary iPhone photos of moved items.

Shooting: Check camera settings, write notes during the shoot, and follow the shot list meticulously.

Close Out: Check all deliverables and notes, put back moved items using the reference photos, turn off lights, and lock up the home. They will also communicate the completion of the shoot to you.

Preparing a home for a real estate photo shoot involves teamwork between the real estate agent, the homeowner, and the photographer. By following these steps and ensuring everything is in place, you can present the home in the best possible light, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Radiate Real Estate Media is dedicated to capturing the beauty of each property, ensuring a seamless and professional experience. For more tips and professional real estate photography services, contact Radiate Real Estate Media. We’re here to help you showcase your listings in the best possible light.