Pre-Shoot Checklist | San Jose Real Estate Photos
Seller Prep Guide

Pre-Shoot Checklist

Get your listing
photo-ready.

The difference between an average listing and a standout listing comes down to preparation. Homes that follow this checklist photograph better, feel more premium online, and create a much stronger first impression with buyers.

View Full Checklist ↓
📷 Photos delivered next business day by 2pm — prep the night before for the best results

For agents: send this page directly to your sellers or tenants so the property is ready before the shoot begins.

Quick Reference — The 30-Second Version

Short on time? Hit these four areas and the home will already feel cleaner, brighter, and more market-ready.

🏠 Interior

  • All lights on, matching bulbs
  • Counters fully cleared
  • Hide personal items + clutter
  • Make all beds neatly
  • Secure pets + pet items

🛁 Bathrooms

  • Toilet lids down
  • Clear counters completely
  • Remove all shower items
  • Fresh matching towels
  • Clean mirrors + glass

🌿 Exterior

  • Move all cars out of view
  • Hide bins and hoses
  • Sweep entry and walkway
  • Set patio areas neatly
  • Close garage door

🎬 Shoot Day

  • Property ready at start time
  • All people out for video shoots
  • TVs + fans off
  • Agent reachable by phone
  • Access info sent ahead of time

Section 01

General Prep (Night Before)

The biggest improvement usually comes from removing clutter. Buyers need to see the space clearly, not the things living in it.

★ Pro Tip

Grab a laundry basket and do one fast walkthrough. Throw in remotes, mail, chargers, toys, paper stacks, and loose items. Put the basket in the trunk of your car.

  • Declutter all visible surfaces

    Clear side tables, desks, dressers, counters, and open shelving. Even a little clutter becomes a lot in photos.

  • Hide personal photos and items

    Family photos, calendars, diplomas, and personal collections should be put away.

  • Replace burned out light bulbs

    Every visible light should work. Matching bulb color helps the home feel more polished.

  • Secure pets and hide pet items

    Remove bowls, beds, crates, litter boxes, toys, and visible pet food from view.

  • Make all beds neatly

    Use clean bedding and smooth out wrinkles. Tight bedding always photographs better.

  • Turn on every light in the home

    Ceiling lights, lamps, under-cabinet lights, vanity lights, and exterior lights where appropriate.

Clean living room ready for listing photos
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Living Room
Kitchen ready for listing photos
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Kitchen

Section 02

The Kitchen Critical

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. If it feels cluttered or busy, the whole listing feels less premium.

★ Pro Tip

One intentional styling piece is enough — a plant, bowl, or cutting board. The goal is polished, not crowded.

  • Clear all countertops completely

    Remove appliances, paper towels, dish racks, mail, and everyday kitchen items.

  • Clear the refrigerator exterior

    Remove magnets, papers, calendars, and photos from the fridge.

  • Clear the sink area

    Hide sponges, soap bottles, brushes, and dish towels. The sink should feel clean and empty.

  • Hide the garbage can

    Move trash cans into the pantry, garage, or another hidden area.

  • Turn on under-cabinet lighting

    If available, under-cabinet lighting adds depth and polish in photos.

Section 03

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should feel like a clean hotel suite — simple, fresh, and free of personal products.

★ Pro Tip

White or neutral towels instantly make a bathroom feel cleaner and more upscale on camera.

  • Put all toilet lids down

    Every toilet in every bathroom. Always.

  • Remove all shower and tub items

    Shampoo, razors, loofahs, and caddies should all be hidden.

  • Clear all bathroom counters

    Put away toothbrushes, toothpaste, skincare, makeup, and toiletries.

  • Hang fresh matching towels

    Clean folded towels on bars or hooks help the room feel styled.

  • Clean mirrors and shower glass

    Water spots and streaks show up clearly, especially in bright bathrooms.

Bathroom ready for listing photos
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Bathroom
Exterior ready for photos and drone
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Exterior + Drone

Section 04

Exterior & Curb Appeal Critical

The exterior is the first impression for buyers and the hero image for the listing. It needs to be clean and distraction-free.

★ Pro Tip

Do one last exterior walk the morning of the shoot. One visible car, hose, or trash bin can weaken the hero shot.

  • Move all cars from driveway and front view

    Cars should be out of the driveway and preferably away from the front of the property.

  • Hide garbage and recycling bins

    Move bins into the garage or out of sight.

  • Coil or hide garden hoses

    Loose hoses pull attention away from the home and yard.

  • Set up patio and outdoor areas

    Arrange furniture neatly and remove covers unless weather requires them.

  • Sweep entry and front walk

    Remove leaves, dirt, cobwebs, and visible debris.

  • Close the garage door

    Unless specifically requested otherwise, the garage door should be closed.

Section 05

For Video & Drone Shoots

If your package includes cinematic video or drone work, a few extra prep steps make the final result much stronger.

  • Property empty of all people

    For video shoots, occupants, workers, and guests should be off-site during filming.

  • Turn off all ceiling fans

    Spinning blades create visual distraction and motion issues in video.

  • Turn off all TVs and screens

    Screens pull attention and often create color and reflection issues.

  • Set blinds at consistent heights

    Matching blind heights within each room looks cleaner and more intentional.

  • Send gate codes and access info in advance

    If the property has a gate, lockbox, HOA entry, or parking structure code, send it beforehand.

  • Identify the hero feature

    Tell us the single most important feature of the home so we can emphasize it properly.

Aerial drone photography
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Aerial Drone
Shoot day preparation
San Jose Real Estate Photos · Shoot Day

Section 06

Shoot Day What to expect

A few final details help the appointment run smoothly and protect the quality of the result.

★ Important Policy

The property must be photo-ready at the scheduled start time. If the home is not ready within 10 minutes of arrival, we will either proceed as-is or a $50 rescheduling fee may apply.

  • Property ready at the scheduled start time

    All prep should be complete before arrival. Cleaning, organizing, or staging should not still be happening.

  • Agent or contact reachable by phone

    Your agent or designated contact should be available if we have a quick question.

  • All access information sent ahead of time

    Lockbox codes, gate codes, and special access instructions should be shared before the appointment.

  • Photos delivered next business day by 2pm

    Your completed photo gallery will be delivered by 2pm the next business day. Video and 3D tours usually follow within 48–72 hours.

After the shoot

What happens next.

01

Next business day by 2pm

Your finished photo gallery is delivered and ready for MLS, marketing, and your listing website.

02

Video and 3D follow

If your package includes cinematic video, Zillow 3D, or iGuide, those are typically delivered within 48–72 hours.

03

Your listing launches stronger

Better prep creates better media, better presentation, and a stronger first impression online.

Ready to book?

Your listing deserves
the best first impression.

Book your shoot online in 2 minutes. Photos delivered next business day by 2pm.

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