Leave a Message

By providing your contact information to The Smith Macdonald Group, your personal information will be processed in accordance with The Smith Macdonald Group's Privacy Policy. By checking the box(es) below, you consent to receive communications regarding your real estate inquiries and related marketing and promotional updates in the manner selected by you. For SMS text messages, message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of receiving further communications from The Smith Macdonald Group at any time. To opt out of receiving SMS text messages, reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Pre Shoot Checklist

Preparing your home for a photographer can be challenging and time-consuming. To make the process easier, we have created a checklist that will help you feel prepared for the big day. Use these tips to maximize your time with the photographer and make your house shine!

General

  • Declutter all services and organize all shelving

  • Remove family photos

  • Remove personal ornaments and Memorabilia
  • Remove animal food bowls, bedding, and toys

Exterior

  • Remove cars from the driveway and front of the home, either in the garage or down the street. Garage doors must remain closed.

  • Hide garbage cans, hoses, and gardening tools.

  • Mow the lawn and remove any leftover debris (twigs, branches, discernable weeds).

  • Remove any toys or sports equipment from the lawn and driveway.

  • Uncover pools and hot tubs if clean; skim leaves. We will turn on lights and hot tub jets. Please put away cleaning equipment.

  • Clean and arrange outside furniture, open patio table umbrella, tidy chairs, and plump cushions.

  • Remove grill cover and hide utensils.

  • Sweep sidewalks, driveway, patio, decks, and pool area.

  • Tidy woodpiles into stacks and clear any bark or kindling piles from view.
  • Remove all flags, hanging ornaments, and home security signs.

Entry

  • Remove clutter and straighten/organize a minimal amount of shoes, bags, jackets, etc.

Lighting

  • Turn on ALL lights in the house; replace burnt-out bulbs.

  • Turn ON ceiling fan lights; please keep fan OFF.

  • If a window has curtains, please open them. If the window has blinds, lower them but keep horizontal slats open.

  • Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF.

  • Any glass door/window/mirror should be clean and free of streaks or fingerprints.

 

Kitchen/Dining Room

  • Recommended: Use standard dining table set up (i.e. plates, napkins, placemats, cutlery. Place bowl of fruit or flowers to add color, if possible).

  • Clean off and wipe down all countertops.

  • Remove appliances, knife blocks, toasters, etc. ONE nice, modern-looking device can stay (i.e., coffee maker or tea kettle on stove).

  • Remove all items from the refrigerator (no magnets, pictures, etc.)

  • Remove throw rugs, hanging towels, and paper towels.

  • Hide garbage can, remove dishes, and drain stopper.

  • Straighten and tidy all chairs.


Bedrooms

  • Make all beds; use decorative pillows if available.

  • Remove ALL clutter from end tables, dressers, and nightstands. This includes personal photos, drinking cups, alarm clocks, etc.).

  • Store away the phone, tablets, charging cords, books, tissues, and other items.

  • If possible, remove all personal photos.

  • Address any clutter under the bed that may show in photos or video.

  • Walk-in closets should be clean and kept.

 

Bathrooms

  • Arrange clean hand and body towels to be orderly.

  • Hide all trash cans, plungers, or toilet scrubbers.

  • Remove floor mats, and be sure to close the toilet seat. Apply fresh toilet paper roll.

  • Remove hygiene products from the counter, including bar soap, medications, and toothbrushes.

  • Remove shampoos, razors, and loofahs from the shower; close the shower curtain or door.

  • Clean streaks from shower glass.


Living Room/Family Room

  • Vacuum, sweep, and mop where appropriate. This includes sweeping/dusting wooden floors.

  • Tidy couches, fluff pillows, and remove clutter from tables/desks. 

  • Remove remotes, magazines, visible electric cords, and pedestal fans.
  • Add a coffee table book or nice homeware to coffee table.
  • Tidy any shelving, placing books, games, and decorations in an orderly fashion. Remove clutter and personal photos. Shelves should be as clear and uncluttered as possible.
  • Dust off any screens.

  • Sweep wooden floors.