A little preparation, a much better listing.

Outside

• Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house. Down the street or in the garage is ideal.
• Mow and edge the lawn, pull weeds, pick up leaves.
• Roll up hoses and put garden tools away.
• Move trash and recycling bins out of sight.
• Pool and patio: clean and clear. Take down temporary child fencing and turn on waterfalls or spillways.

Every room

• Open blinds, curtains and drapes. Turn slat blinds to the open position so the light and the view come in.
• Clean the windows, inside and out.
• Turn on every light and replace any bulb that is out. Dust the fixtures.
• Declutter. Clear surfaces, tidy cables, put away mail, magazines and newspapers.
• Put children's toys and pet bowls, beds, litter boxes and toys in a closet or the garage.
• Sweep, vacuum and mop. Floors show more than you think.

Kitchen

• Clear the counters completely: small appliances, dish racks, soap, towels, food.
• Empty the sink. Run the dishwasher.
• Take everything off the refrigerator.

Bathrooms

• Clear counters and shower ledges of toiletries.
• Close the toilet lid, hang fresh towels, hide the plunger and bin.

Bedrooms

• Make the beds. Hang clothes or tuck them out of sight.
• Clear nightstands down to a lamp and one or two objects.

During the shoot

• Keep pets and people out of the rooms being photographed. For 3D tours and Matterport, the home needs to be empty while we scan.
• We photograph the home as we find it and do not move or stage items, so the work above is what appears in the photographs.

If the home is not ready when we arrive, extra time on site is charged, and confirmed appointments cancelled on the day carry a $125 fee. Weather reschedules are always free.