Great listing photos start before the photographer arrives. Lighting and editing can do a lot, but they can't hide a counter full of mail or a car parked in the driveway. We shoot listings all over Northeast Indiana, and this is the checklist we recommend agents send to sellers a few days before the shoot.
Agents: feel free to copy this checklist and send it to your sellers.
The Night Before
- Replace any burned-out light bulbs, and try to keep the bulb colors in each room matching.
- Run the dishwasher and put everything away.
- Take out the trash and recycling, and hide the bins.
- Plan where pets, pet beds, bowls and litter boxes will go during the shoot.
Outside & Curb Appeal
- Move all cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
- Mow, edge and blow off the walkways if the weather allows.
- Put away hoses, toys, tools and yard equipment.
- Close the garage doors.
- Stage the patio or deck with clean furniture and cushions. Remove grill covers.
- Turn on all exterior lights, especially if twilight photos are booked.
Kitchen
- Clear the counters almost completely. One or two decorative items is plenty.
- Remove magnets, papers and photos from the fridge.
- Hide dish soap, sponges, towels, paper towel holders and small appliances.
- Wipe down the stainless steel and stovetop.
Living Areas
- Put remotes, chargers, cords and gaming gear out of sight.
- Fluff and straighten pillows, and fold throw blankets neatly.
- Open every blind to the same height, or open them all the way.
- Turn off ceiling fans and TVs.
Bedrooms
- Make the beds with smooth comforters and neatly arranged pillows.
- Clear nightstands down to a lamp and maybe one small item.
- Put away clothes, laundry baskets and shoes. Close the closet doors.
- In kids' rooms, put toys in bins and take down posters and nameplates for privacy.
Bathrooms
- Remove everything from counters and the shower: toothbrushes, razors, bottles and soaps.
- Close the toilet lids.
- Hang one set of matching clean towels, or none at all.
- Remove bath mats and the toilet brush.
Privacy & Security
- Put away family photos, diplomas, mail, and anything with names or addresses.
- Secure valuables, prescriptions and firearms.
- Remove anything on the fridge or walls that shows kids' names or schools.
Right Before the Photographer Arrives
- Turn on every light in the house, including lamps and under-cabinet lights.
- Open all the blinds and curtains.
- Close the toilet lids and do a quick sweep for anything left out.
- Plan to step out, or stay in one area, while we shoot.
What About Vacant Homes?
Empty rooms can look smaller and colder in photos. Virtual staging adds furniture and decor digitally, so buyers can picture the space. Most MLS rules require virtually staged photos to be labeled on the listing, so check your MLS guidelines before publishing.
Rural Homes & Acreage
For properties outside town, like those around Columbia City, Bluffton, Huntington or Kendallville, the land is often a big part of the value. Drone aerials show the acreage, ponds, outbuildings and tree lines in a way ground photos can't. Mow the paths and clear equipment out of the areas you want to feature.
Book a Listing Shoot
Lime City Media shoots listings throughout Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Auburn, Kendallville, Columbia City, Huntington and Bluffton. Listing photography starts at $175, and you can add drone, twilight, video and virtual staging. See our real estate photography & video page for details.