Get the house ready for photos and video

Paperwork before photo day

I would rather walk you through the forms than have you guess. Have these ready, or close, before we shoot. Ask me about anything that is unclear before you sign.

• Residential Property Condition Disclosure. South Carolina sellers generally complete this. Be thorough and honest about what you know. I walk you through the form. I do not give legal advice.
• Listing documents. I send these for you to sign before we market the home. Read them. Call or text me if a line is not clear.
• Utility notes. Provider names and typical monthly costs help buyers. Estimates are fine if you do not have exact figures.
• Feature notes. Updates, appliances that stay, HOA facts, and anything a buyer will ask so the listing is accurate.

We do not go live until the listing paperwork is signed. Getting it back promptly keeps photo day on the calendar we set.

Exterior, front and back

The first photo is usually the front of the house. Buyers decide whether to click from the curb shot.

• Move cars out of the driveway and off the front of the house.
• Close the windows.
• Sweep walks, the porch, and the stoop.
• Pick up leaves, sticks, and stray branches.
• Put toys, bikes, and sports gear away.
• Store seasonal decorations.
• Stow garden tools, hoses, and watering cans.
• Straighten porch and deck furniture.
• Wipe outdoor glass if you can reach it.
• Tidy a pool deck if you have one.

Living and dining

Wide, calm rooms read better than rooms that still look lived-in in every corner.

• Take down personal photos if you are comfortable doing that.
• Clear visible clutter from tables and floors.
• Clean interior glass and glass doors.
• Open shades and blinds.
• Replace burned-out bulbs. Turn on every working light.
• Put kids' toys away.
• Empty trash cans or tuck them out of the shot.
• Hide pet bowls, beds, and toys.
• Vacuum or sweep.
• Clear mail and newspapers.
• Turn off televisions and fans.
• Push dining chairs in. One simple centerpiece is enough. Skip a full table setting.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Bedrooms should feel like rest. Bathrooms should feel like a hotel, not a morning rush.

• Make every bed. Add the pillows you already have.
• Put clothes and shoes away.
• Clear under the bed if it shows in a wide shot.
• Clear nightstands of chargers, bottles, and stacks of mail.
• Remove laundry baskets from the frame.
• Wipe bathroom counters and mirrors. Hang fresh towels.
• Clear toiletries. Close the toilet lid.
• Remove bottles and toys from the tub and shower.

I usually skip closets unless you have a custom closet that is already tidy. If we are going to photograph one, treat it like the rest of the room.

Kitchen

Buyers linger on kitchen photos. Bare counters with one styled moment beat a counter full of appliances.

• Clear the fridge door, sides, and top.
• Put food away in cabinets, not on the counters.
• De-clutter the counters and the stove.
• Stow small appliances you do not use every day.
• Hide soaps, sponges, and dish towels.
• Clear the sink. Put the drying rack away.
• Straighten open shelves if you have them.
• One bowl of fruit or a small vase on the island is plenty.

How long I am there

Plan on a focused visit for still photos and video, often about 30 to 60 minutes if the house is ready. Lake lots can take longer if we are waiting on light on the water. You do not need to host. A ready house is the help I need.