Shoot ready checklist

Now the property market is being driven by owner-occupiers rather than the investor market of 2-3 years ago. People are looking for houses to live in so need to be able to visualise how the spaces will work for them. They are looking at the lifestyle your property can offer. The idea is to create an inviting, comfortable ambience so potential new owners will feel like they could enjoy living there and, the more people who can imagine your house as their home - the higher the price you will achieve.

Repairs - any carpentry or masonry with special attention to dryrot in weatherboards, window sashes / frames and doors. Any exterior masonry cracks.

Painting and cleaning - interior and exterior, major or touchup. Waterblast decks and paths as necessary and pay special attention if selling in winter months.

Garden  - depends on season. Generally ensure that large trees are not overgrown or cutting too much natural light. If leaves are falling, clear them away. Lawns should be recently mowed with the cuttings collected and edges trimmed. Shrubs, roses etc are pruned back so not encroaching on walkways. Garden beds are mostly weeded and mulched. Paved surfaces are not slippery or infested with algae. If a terrace or patio is a feature, a table and chairs setting of appropriate size is important. An umbrella is not so important unless the area is some distance from the house. A swimming pool should be uncovered, clean with surface leaves skimmed. A spa pool, if visible in a terrace frame, should be uncovered, clean and operating. If not in working order, empty and clean the spa. All pool cleaning and covering apparatus needs to be out of frame or at least neatly stowed. A tennis court is more owner friendly if court markings are fresh and the net is well maintained. Minimise moss growth and clear away fallen leaves.  

Garage  - the interior of a standard 2 car garage is not usually shot, however if the  garage is larger, or has extra, visible storage, this is a positive property feature. Vehicles in the garage are OK, but other unallocated household or personal items are not unless able to be neatly stowed. Well designed, accessible storage is on most buyers' checklists. If no such space is available move these items to offsite temporary storage.

Kitchen and bathrooms are the main areas which sell a house - if you can make them look amazing you have added a lot of value.

Kitchen  - this is the room which worries vendors the most. It is important for the kitchen to look spacious, inviting and functional. Make sure it is clean & clear with all lighting and window furnishings in working order. Clutter (household items of 'no fixed abode') should be removed as should any magnets, notes, lists etc attached to the refrigerator door, if this is in plain view. Unless on a dedicated towel rail, remove teatowels and oven mits. Work surfaces do not need to be absolutely clear, with normal benchtop items such as kettle, toaster and expresso machine acceptable. Freestanding bins should be removed for the shoot. Flowers and fruit bowls (a selection of different coloured fruit is best) are excellent props.

Bathrooms - prospective buyers like to look at bathrooms. A stylish bathroom is a strong selling feature. Clear and clean vanity surfaces, fresh colour matched towel sets, either folded on the vanity or draped over heated rails. Shower enclosures should be cleared of all cleaners, sponges etc. We use high resolution Nikon cameras which can show smears and soap scum on glass shower enclosures - a sparkling shower impresses. Check all light fittings.

Use yours, or leased furnishings to demonstrate effective space usage. Not a lot of people can envisage what could be done - they see what is there and can't see past that.

Living & family rooms - decluttering is an important start and offsite temporary storage may need to be considered. Ensure all lamps and light fittings are working. Flower arrangements, sized and colour matched to suit the room, create a cared for, welcoming atmosphere. Blank wall space gives an empty unlived in look - hire some art if necessary. A visitor who is considering purchase, wants to be able to feel that they could live in the house so replacing your family photographs with generic art is best. Furniture size affects the 'feel and look' of a room. If some items are oversized a shortterm rental smaller replacement can instantly create spaciousness. A large, dominating television or entertainment centre is not conducive to a relaxed, inviting ambience. Any exercise equipment should be removed. On a cold autumn or winter's day the warm glow of a gas or open log fire is a special feature. Set these a little in advance of the shoot to allow time for strong flame to develop.

Dining rooms, either separate or combined - a separate dining area gives a feeling of extra space, so don't destroy it with oversized table and chairs. A correctly sized rental might be a good idea. Remove any furniture or item which is unrelated to the room's function. Again, flowers are a colourful and inviting prop. If there are blank walls, hire some art for at least one wall.

Bedrooms - many of 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are small - removing all but essential bedroom furniture maximises size. Main bedrooms / bedroom suites need to be tidy and where necessary, decluttered. Remove most family photographs. If a walkin wardrobe is adjacent don't be tempted to store overflow there as the bedroom will be shot to include a view into the wardrobe and ensuite. A spacious, fully featured ensuite will be shot separately. Fresh, colour matched folded towels, a clear vanity surface and a shower enclosure with no visible cleaners, sponges, facecloths etc is necessary.

Empty houses - are generally univiting, cold and characterless. A full staging can be quite expensive and for a shabby ex rental not necessary. Do consider a partial staging - main bedroom, livingroom, family room/kitchen. Not so many dollars to spend and internet buyers can more easily gauge the room size in relation to their own furniture. Also provides contrast for the photography turning an otherwise featureless space into livable space.

Twilight photography - If your property has strong extra external features such as a swimming pool with underwater and surrounding garden lighting, a lit tennis court with an across court view to the house and / or elevated views with city lights then a night shoot (twilight) is well worth considering. A terrace setting with an external fireplace blazing - even a subtly lit small garden can look amazing in the twilight. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms respond satisfyingly  with stunning reflections from stainless or granite surfaces.

Sunrise - everybody wants to wake to the morning sun, so if your property has this aspect, maximise it's impact with our dawn photography - unique.

Where needed, you can rely on our personal, free, pre shoot advice to help with your preparation. Take advantage of our 'Additional Touch' service for the picture perfect photoshoot result.