Summit Media — Complete Home‑Preparation Guide

Home Preparation Guide for Real Estate Photography & Videography

Why prep matters. Thoughtfully staged, spotless rooms photograph brighter, feel larger, and help listings stand out—often leading to faster sales and stronger offers.

What you’ll find inside. A clear timeline (one week out, two days out, morning‑of) plus detailed room‑by‑room and exterior checklists. Every task focuses on cleaning, decluttering, lighting, and accenting key features so Summit Media can capture magazine‑worthy photos and video.

How to use it. Work through each checklist, tick items off, and arrive on shoot day confident that the property is camera‑ready. With the prep complete, our team can focus on artistry—showcasing your home at its absolute best.

Preparation Timeline: From a Week Before to Photo Day

One Week Before the Shoot: Initial Prep

Begin with deep cleaning and decluttering. Start packing away personal items and clutter—you’re moving anyway, so use this chance to clear off countertops, tables, and floors. Deep‑clean every room: dust surfaces, clean floors, and wash windows inside and out (they let in light and will show spots in photos). Make any minor repairs (fix leaky faucets, patch holes, touch up paint) so nothing detracts from the visuals. If any room has bold or highly personal décor, consider repainting to neutral tones for broad appeal.

Plan for staging: arrange furniture to open up spaces and highlight architectural features (e.g., position seating to showcase a fireplace or a great view). If needed, rent a storage unit for excess furniture or clutter, or hire a professional stager to help highlight your home’s best features. For exterior areas, schedule any landscaping work—plan to mow the lawn and tidy landscaping a day or two before the shoot for a fresh look.

1–2 Days Before the Shoot: Final Staging & Cleanup

Complete a thorough cleaning of the entire home. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors; wipe down countertops and appliances so they are spotless and streak‑free. Declutter every room one more time—remove any remaining personal décor (family photos, children’s artwork, etc.) and stow away everyday items like laundry baskets, dish racks, and pet accessories.

As you stage each space, aim for a neutral, welcoming look: for example, add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a pop of color, but keep overall décor minimal. Test all lighting: turn on every lamp and overhead light to check for burnt‑out bulbs—replace any that are out. In the evening, walk around outside: clear away outdoor clutter, roll up hoses, and ensure trash bins are hidden. If you have outdoor string lights or landscape lighting, check that they work.

Photo Shoot Day (Morning Of): Final Touches

A few hours before the photographer/videographer arrives, do a last pass through the house. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light and turn on every light in the home—overhead fixtures, lamps, under‑cabinet lights, and appliance lights—to make rooms bright. Turn off all ceiling fans (moving blades blur in photos) and ensure TVs and computer screens are off.

Remove small rugs or floor mats that can make spaces look smaller on camera. About 15–30 minutes before the shoot, move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house. Close garage doors and ask neighbors to move visible cars or trash bins. Secure pets in a kennel, garage, or off‑site, and hide their toys and bowls. Do a quick walkthrough: empty trash cans, close toilet lids, and tidy every space. Your home is now picture‑perfect!

Exterior Preparation Checklist (Outdoor Spaces)

  • Lawn & Landscaping: Mow and trim edges within 24–48 hours before the shoot. Trim shrubs, pull weeds, rake leaves, and add fresh mulch where needed. Remove dead plants and water a day prior, but turn off sprinklers on photo day to avoid puddles.
  • Curb Appeal Cleanup: Remove vehicles from the driveway and street in front of the house. Close garage doors. Hide garbage and recycling bins in the garage or out of sight. Roll up hoses and store lawn tools or toys.
  • Porch/Entryway: Sweep the porch, walkways, and driveway. Remove cobwebs around eaves and lights. Replace a worn doormat or remove it. Remove seasonal decor (holiday lights, themed items) and for‑sale signs; a neutral wreath or single potted plant is fine.
  • Outdoor Furniture & Amenities: Arrange patio furniture neatly; wipe down tables, chairs, and railings. Clean grills or firepits; remove covers. Store pool equipment, toys, and sports gear out of sight.
  • Pool/Spa: Ensure pools/spas are sparkling clean; remove covers and store pool toys. Turn on bubblers or water features for photos and activate pool or landscape lighting for twilight shots if scheduled.
  • Backyard & Other Areas: Coil hoses, hide tools, and pick up pet waste. Tidy children’s play equipment or remove small toys. Close gates and present special exterior features (fountains, fire pits) in clean, working order.

Interior Preparation Checklists (Room by Room)

Entry/Foyer & Hallways

  • Clear the Entry: Remove shoes, coats, umbrellas, and clutter. Keep decor minimal—perhaps a plant or mirror—to create an open feel.
  • Hallways: Remove family photos and excess art. Ensure good lighting and clear walkways.
  • Closets: Organize and reduce contents for spaciousness. Keep doors closed unless showcasing custom storage.

Living/Family Room

  • Declutter & Depersonalize: Clear coffee tables, shelves, and entertainment centers of clutter and personal items.
  • Furniture Arrangement: Open up space; don’t block focal points such as fireplaces or view windows.
  • Clean & Stage: Vacuum, dust, straighten pillows, and remove small rugs that chop the space.
  • Lighting: Open blinds/curtains; turn on lamps; ensure bulbs match in color temperature; ceiling fans off.
  • Hide Cords: Conceal wires; turn off electronics; keep TV screens dark.

Kitchen

  • Counters Cleared: Remove all small appliances and clutter; leave only minimal decorative items.
  • Sink & Dishes: Keep sink empty and polished; hide dish racks and soaps.
  • Appliances: Clean stainless fronts; remove magnets and notes from the fridge; ensure displays are off.
  • Cabinets & Clutter: Close drawers fully; hide trash cans, pet bowls, and floor mats.
  • Lighting: Turn on pendants, under‑cabinet lights, and open blinds for natural light.

Dining Room

  • Table Presentation: Clear clutter; use a single simple centerpiece.
  • Chairs: Align chairs evenly; remove mismatched or extra chairs if space is tight.
  • China Cabinets/Buffets: Minimal decor on top; neat display inside glass cabinets.
  • Lighting & Ambiance: Dust and turn on chandelier; ensure uniform bulbs; open blinds unless view is poor.

Bedrooms

  • Beds Made Perfectly: Use neat, neutral linens and arrange pillows nicely.
  • Clear Surfaces: Nightstands and dressers should have minimal decor; hide personal items.
  • Clothes & Storage: Put away clothes; hide hampers; organize closets if photographed.
  • Furniture & Decor: Remove excess furniture; neutralize bold personal decor; open curtains and blinds.
  • Lighting & Final Touches: Lamps and overhead lights on; matching bulbs; blinds open.

Bathrooms

  • Countertops Cleared: Remove all personal items; keep decor minimal.
  • Shower & Tub: Remove all bottles and toys; clean glass and tile thoroughly.
  • Toilet & Hardware: Close toilet lids; hide brushes and plungers; polish fixtures.
  • Linens & Towels: Use fresh, neatly folded neutral towels; remove bath rugs unless essential.
  • Final Clean & Shine: Mirrors streak‑free; lights on; trash cans hidden.

Home Office / Bonus Rooms

  • Desk & Surfaces: Clear paperwork; keep decor minimal; screens off.
  • Shelves: Tidy bookcases; remove personal certificates.
  • Lighting: Open blinds; turn on lamps and overhead lights.
  • Flex Spaces: Declutter and stage clearly—gym gear neatly arranged, playrooms organized, etc.

Final Checklist Before the Photographer Arrives

  • All Lights On: Turn on every light, including closets and accent lighting.
  • Fans & Electronics Off: Ceiling fans stopped; TVs and monitors off.
  • Open Window Treatments: Blinds angled open; curtains open unless view is poor.
  • Temperature & Comfort: Set HVAC for comfort; avoid condensation or foggy windows.
  • Last‑Minute Tidy: Remove stray items; make sure toilet seats are down; trash bins hidden.
  • Secure Home & Leave: Be ready to step out of camera view; secure pets; provide lock‑up instructions if leaving.

By following this comprehensive preparation guide, homeowners and agents can work together to ensure a smooth, stress‑free photoshoot that yields beautiful results. A bit of effort spent on cleaning, organizing, and staging ahead of time will pay off with stunning photos and videos that make your listing stand out. Remember, the goal is to help buyers fall in love with the home through the screen, so every detail you polish now—from a sparkling kitchen sink to a well‑manicured lawn—contributes to that crucial first impression. With a fully prepared home, Summit Media can focus on artistry and capturing the perfect shots, and you’ll be on your way to an eye‑catching listing and a faster sale. Good luck with your shoot!