Real Estate Photography Staging CheckList
aBOUT Staging for REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHS
Staging is just a decorating style method designed to prepare your property in such a way that it makes the listing present itself in it best and helps to persuade the buyer they want to live here. Its a big part of the selling process! It’s a great way to show clients you’re a professional and you take marketing very serious. Mike O’Neill is a Knoxville real estate photographer with several years experience working with both professional Stagers and professional real estate agents. We all have the same objective — make the home look its very best!
This check list is only suggestions provided by Mike ONeill Photography Knoxville and is only to help you better stage your home. If you have any questions about any of the following please contact your real estate agent or contact me
to request a free printed copy of this real estate photography staging checklist.
WHAT TO DO 60 Minutes Before YOUR REAL ESTATE Photo Shoot:
- Do Not Leave Vehicles in Drive Way at Time of Shoot
- Ensure ALL Weapons are Put and Locked Away!
- Let the Light In, Let Fresh Air In, make home smell Homey turn on your Scented Oil Plug-Ins
- Make sure the temperature is comfortable for visitors
- Set Kitchen Dining Table as for a Family Dinner.
- Place wine glasses and wine bottle on kitchen counter
- Make sure All Picture Frames, etc. are Level.
- Are ALL Seasonal decorations removed?
- Open all blinds flat, We want to see the Outside!
- Ensure paper towels rolls and toilet paper rolls are a FULL roll.
- Turn on ALL lights, check for burned outs!
- Turn off TV, computer screen should have a nice picture on it.
- Ensure pets & children will not be in the way. I love the Pets and Children, just not in the pictures.
Your General Areas
- De-Personalize your home
- De-clutter ALL Areas! Paint Where Needed!
- Remove Seasonal decorations, don’t date your listing!
- Make sure all your pictures, floor lamps, lamp shades and wall hangings are all hanging level.
- Replace all light bulbs burned out and replace with Matching bulbs. Working Lights Are Very Important!
- Clean all windows inside and outside
- Tidy or Hide all electrical cords & cables
- Remove Cob Webs, Dust all Areas, use Scented Oil Plug-Ins
Living Areas
- De-clutter/Remove toys, fans, game consoles, etc.
- Remove Exercise bikes/equipment
- Arrange DVDs, games, books neatly in shelves
- Clean ceiling fans, Light switches, other Wall Plates
- Clean, Polish, Lubricate Sliding Doors
Kitchen and Dining Areas
- Clean and put away all dishes/cutlery
- De-clutter Sink Area, counters and all small appliances
- Remove detergents, dish clothes, dish rack, towels
- Clean Sink Area, and all Back Splashes & Range Hoods Especially if stainless steel!
- Clean Top of Refrigerator
- Ensure Range hood lights are working
- De-Personalize the Fridge Remove all objects from fridge, e.g. magnets, photos
- Remove bins and pet bowls
- Ensure paper towels rolls have a FULL ROLL!
- At Time of Shoot: Set kitchen dinner table to create a At-Home atmosphere.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST: Locations OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE
Bedrooms
- De-clutter and De-Personalize All Bedrooms.
- Clear away all clothes - Remove personal items
- Ensure All Bedroom lamps are working! Working Lights Are Very Important!
- Remove posters/stickers from walls, Make sure All Picture Frames are Level
Bathrooms
- De-clutter Vanity Counter and all appliances
- Remove All soaps, shampoos, face washing cloths, toys, scales, bins, etc
- Ensure All Towels Match and Look Fresh
- Remove All tooth brushes, tooth paste, razors, hair dryers, etc
- Clean/Polish All glass and Mirrors, Mirrors - Shower glass should be spotless!
- Remove toilet cleaning utensils, Seats down
- Replace Shower Curtains that Need To Be Replaced, Clean Shower Grout!
Outside Areas, Pool and Spa and Patio areas
- Clean around the outside area of your home
- Yard Should Look Neat and Well Kept - Give a good impression!
- Remove All gardening equipment from yard & store away - e.g. hoses, rakes, wheel barrows
- Rake/sweep up leaves, sticks, papers, tidy garden (e.g. weeds)
- Clear All Yard Debris - this means Dog Poo
- Don’t forget the side areas
- Replace, Repair, Paint /Varnish any Damaged Areas
- Pressure clean driveway and paved areas. - Makes a great impression!
- Remove washing and clothes pens from clothes line
- Ensure all toys are put away
- Remove All pool cleaners and poles
- Clean Around pool area, remove leaves, debris, etc
- Arrange patio furniture as a Summer-Time Pool Party
- Remove All pool Toys
READY TO SCHEDULE A SESSION?
Want to see the difference professional real estate photography can make? Get in touch with us today to schedule a session.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about our services? We've provided answers below.
Why is Mike Oneill Photography so popular?
Mike Oneill Photography is a local favorite in real estate photography because we consistently deliver striking images that help properties stand out in a competitive market. Our real estate photography approach combines technical expertise with an artistic eye, ensuring each property looks its absolute best. We specialize in real estate photography that highlights a home’s unique features, captures true-to-life colors, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Real estate photography is not just about snapping pictures; it is about presenting your property in a way that attracts buyers and maximizes your selling potential. Our commitment to quality in real estate photography, along with years of experience, has earned us the trust of clients across Knoxville, project after project. If you want to see the difference real estate photography can make, contact us today to schedule your session.
Where can I find the best real estate photography in Knoxville?
For the best real estate photography in Knoxville, your top choice is a specialized local team with proven results. We offer professional real estate photography services that combine creativity, technical skill, and prompt service. High-quality images are essential to capture attention and generate interest in your listings. If you are ready to set your property apart, reach out to us to discuss your needs or request a quote.
Will real estate photography really help my business?
Choosing a professional real estate photographer helps your property stand out with stunning, well-composed images that generate more interest and higher offers. We use advanced equipment and creative techniques to showcase each space in the best possible light. Quality photos and virtual tours also make your listings look more credible and appealing. Let us help you make your next listing irresistible, contact us today to get started.
How does drone real estate photography improve property listings?
Drone real estate photography provides unique aerial perspectives that highlight the layout, surroundings, and overall appeal of a property. These images capture features that ground-level photos simply cannot, such as landscaping, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood context. By adding drone shots to your listings, you attract more attention and convey a sense of scale and beauty. Ask us about our drone photography packages for your next listing.
Do you offer 3D virtual tours for real estate properties?
Yes, we specialize in 3D virtual tours for real estate, giving buyers a fully interactive walkthrough experience from anywhere. Virtual tours help listings gain more traction by letting potential buyers explore each room in detail. This service is perfect for out-of-town buyers or anyone wanting a comprehensive view before visiting in person. Contact our team to learn more about adding a virtual tour to your next listing.
Can you provide commercial real estate photography and residential real estate photography?
Absolutely, we offer both commercial real estate photography and residential real estate photography for clients across the region. Whether you need to capture the best features of a retail space, office, or residential home, we tailor our approach to meet your needs. No matter the size or type of property, we deliver consistent quality and fast turnaround. Reach out now to schedule your commercial or residential session.
How long will the photo shoot take?
Depending on the size of the home and how neat and organized the home is for the photo shoot, I average between 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours in the property. Homes that have special architectural or environmental details obviously may take longer to ensure those details are captured properly.
Is there a travel fee?
A travel fee is not charged for any location local to Knoxville, my standard charge will apply. Additional fees for longer distances, for gas and the time spent driving can vary starting at $35. As part of our discussion of the project we will address additional charges.
Who owns the photos?
Mike ONeill Photography owns the copyright to all real estate photography. We do grant, to who pays for the photography, a shared ownership for use in MLS, and for, purposes however used, marketing purposes only. Photographic image uses are non-transferable and non-exclusive. You are not allowed to give them to other agents or use them other than noted here with out permission from Mike ONeill Photography. Once the listing sells or is quit, all right to use, in any way, expires.
