Did you know…
- Hosts with professional photos tend to earn 40% more than other hosts in their area.
- Airbnb listings with professional photos get booked 24% more often on average.
- Hosts with professional photos are able to raise their nightly price by 26% to put more money back in their own pockets.*
Pre-shoot Checklist
They say a picture says a thousand words. This is especially true in today’s internet-driven world where potential buyers and renters, who may not even live in the area, will form their initial opinion of your property as they browse the photos you post. Because of this, you want your property to look its best.
Here’s a checklist to help you get your property photo shoot ready:
The exterior and interior of the property should be photo ready when the photographer arrives.
Property Interior
Staging is available for an additional cost. Contact me for a customized quote at least a week prior to shoot to maximize your options. Small staging elements available at a faster turnaround. Contact me for available options.
- Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Blinds can also be pulled up, if preferred, especially if showcasing a nice view.
- Turn off all overhead lights and lamps.
- Turn off all fans.
- Clean all rooms, counters, tables, windows, floors, baseboards, mirrors, other surfaces, etc.
- Declutter all rooms, counters, tables, floors, bookcases, coat hangers, other surfaces, etc.
- Hide trash cans, bathroom trash cans, laundry baskets and laundry.
- Clean all bedding.
- Make beds neatly, straightening pillows and centering them with the bed.
- Hide or neatly tuck away as many cords, cables, chargers, etc as possible.
- Clean showers, tubs, mirrors and bathroom counters and remove any products in or on them – shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes, soaps, etc unless in decorative bottles or property is a vacation rental showcasing amenities.
- Hide tissue boxes and toilet paper (unless your personal preference is to showcase that toilet paper is included, as in the case of a a vacation rental).
- Close all toilet lids.
- Hide all plungers, toilet bowl brushes or cleaners, etc.
- Fold and hang only clean towels in a decorative fashion. Hide all dirty towels and clothes.
- Put pets safely away somewhere that will not be photographed, preferably off of the property during photo shoot.
- Remove all signs of pets (toys, pet food, food or water bowls, pet beds, litter boxes, etc).
- Check all lightbulbs, overhead, lamps, porches, etc and replace bulbs if ordering a Twilight Photoshoot.
- Remove magnets, papers, photos, etc from refrigerator.
- For safety purposes, hide all loose papers, mail, photos of yourself and your loved ones or any other personal effects.
Property Exterior
- Clean all windows, doors, porches, sheds, fences and outdoor furniture.
- Consider pressure washing driveways, walkways, exterior walls, etc; give enough time for everything to dry completely before photographer arrives.
- If you there are any pools or hot tubs, clean them; give enough time for spilled and splashed water to dry completely before photographer arrives.
- Move trash cans and recycling bins somewhere that will not be photographed.
- Park vehicles, boats, trailers, etc off of property; preferably away from the front of the home.
- Clean and weed yard.
- Move all yard care tools somewhere that will not be photographed; hoses, shovels, lawn mowers, etc.
- If needed, arrange any outdoor furniture in a way that showcases the outdoor space.
- If there is a carport, clean and declutter it.
- Clean and declutter garage if it’s to be photographed.
*These numbers are based on a 2016 study of more than 100,000 listings with and without professional photography. Please keep in mind that every listing is different and improvements may vary.