Due to COVID-19 we have made some slight adjustments to this blog post in order to ensure that we are in and out of a property as soon as possible.
So please read through this thoroughly, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Also, all persons in a property during a shoot must wear a face mask, and stand 6 feet away from us at all times. This will ensure our safety, along with your safety. While we shoot we will need everyone (including pets) out of any rooms. Consider waiting in the car, garage, or even going out for a quick bite to eat! :)
The emptier and cleaner/decluttered a home is, the faster we will be out of the property!
1. Clear the driveway
Park all cars away from the front of the home. Across the street or in the garage are great options. Keep in mind to only park cars inside of the garage if you don't plan on having it shot. We only shoot garages if there are some really unique features or built in shelving.
2. Hide all trash bins
Trash bins are big and bulky, and can be distracting. Just simply put them on the side of the home, or better yet in the garage! :) Also, be sure to schedule the shoot on a day that isn't trash day. This also goes for trash cans inside your property. Please hide them prior to our arrival.
3. Declutter everything
Decluttering every square inch of the home is ideal. That means removing all random or distracting items from the front of the home, backyard, kitchen, restrooms, showers, laundry rooms, sinks, tubs, hallways, living room, dining areas, and anywhere else that will be visible. A common thing is to one, shove everything in the garage if it isn't going to be shot, putting things in storage, or having a garage sale a week before the shoot.
By removing all of the distracting elements potential buyers have a better idea on the space they have to work with. Also keep in mind, if you can see the clutter the camera can too. And if you think you have decluttered everything, declutter a bit more. :)
4. Minimize furniture. Less is more
Remove furniture that is too big or makes a space look a bit tight/small. Having less furniture in a homes makes the home appear bigger both in person, and in camera.
5. Make the beds
6. Remove personal items
Take down picture frames, and all other signs of someone living there such as shampoos, soaps, towels, toothbrushes, loofahs, laundry baskets, etc.
Having a sort of a blank and clean canvas for potential buyers allows them to visualize their ideas for that home.
7. Remove all signs of animals living in the home
Don't get me wrong, we absolutely love animals! But keep in mind that when people see the photos online, they may get all sorts of ideas on the cleanliness of the home, because of the pets. So, just to be safe, put away all pet toys, food and water dishes, cat towers, and of course your pets. :)
Keep the pets with you in a room with the door shut, while we shoot the rest of the home, or if you have dogs-- take them for a walk or to a dog park! :) Cats usually find a good hiding spot.
8. Clean the floors
Vacuum, mop, and sweep the floors.
9. Wash & put away the dishes
Washing your dishes and putting them away can be a hassle, I know... I can fill a sink by making one meal sometimes! But, keeping the sink and counters clear will elevate the look of the kitchen. Putting them away doesn't mean shoving them in ovens or microwaves though. Put them away all nice and orderly in the kitchen cabinets.
10. Clean all the windows
Windows are a very important element when shooting a home. And in order for us to get photos of the home with windows that look crisp and clear, they need to be spotless. Consider hiring a professional window cleaner if you don't have time for it :) Just be sure to clean them 1-2 days prior to the shoot.
11. Open all blinds and curtains
By opening all the blinds and curtains not only will it make the home look more welcoming, but it also makes the home appear more spacious.
Be sure to open the blinds either all the way up if you have a gorgeous view or very clean windows, or open them slightly, facing downwards.
12. Turn off all ceiling fans
Because of the way we shoot we need everything to be still-- so ceiling fans, and any other moving objects should be turned off by the time we get there.
13. Dust everything
That includes ceiling fan blades
14. Turn on the AC
No matter how cold a day may be here in California, when we shoot a home, we get hot! So, if you can get the AC running before we get there, we will greatly appreciate it :)
15. Make the home smell nice
Turn on candles, plug in air fresheners, throw away trash, and if there are flowers blooming in the front or backyard, add a personal touch to the home by bringing in those fresh flowers.
16. Turn on all lights & replace light bulbs
A day or two before the shoot turn on all lights and replace the ones that are burnt out or that don't match, because when we shoot the home we require that all lights are turned on. Be sure to stay away from light bulbs that have a blue hue, stick to warm light bulbs.
17. Open all doors
Open all the doors for the rooms we will be shooting. If the doors don't stay open consider purchasing some door stoppers :)
We hope this helps! For any booking details and pricing info check out: www.devonvp.com/rep
For our Booking terms click on the link below:
https://www.devonvp.com/re-terms
Thank you so much for reading! :)
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