Pre-Shoot Checklist | San Jose Real Estate Photos

For agents: Share this page directly with your sellers or tenants so the property is ready on shoot day.

For Sellers & Tenants

Get your home
photo-ready.

Follow this checklist before shoot day and your listing photos will be significantly stronger. It takes 2โ€“3 hours of prep and makes a real difference in how buyers perceive your home.

๐Ÿ“ท Photos delivered next business day by 2pm โ€” prep the night before for best results

Quick Reference โ€” The 30-Second Version

Short on time? Hit these four areas and you're 90% of the way there.

๐Ÿ  Interior

  • All lights on, matching bulbs
  • Clear every counter completely
  • Hide personal photos + items
  • Toilet lids down everywhere
  • Pets + pet items hidden

๐Ÿ— Exterior

  • All cars out of driveway
  • Bins hidden in garage
  • Hoses coiled or hidden
  • Patio furniture uncovered
  • Front door area swept

๐ŸŽฌ For Video Shoots

  • Property empty of people
  • All TVs off
  • Ceiling fans off
  • Blinds at same height per room
  • Gate codes sent in advance

๐Ÿ•“ Day Of

  • Property ready at scheduled time
  • 10-min grace window applies
  • Not ready = $50 reschedule fee
  • Agent reachable by phone

Section 01

General Prep (Night Before)

The most impactful thing you can do is declutter aggressively. Buyers need to see the space, not your belongings.

โ˜… Pro Tip

Grab a laundry basket. Walk through every room and throw all clutter โ€” remotes, mail, toys, chargers โ€” into it. Put the basket in the trunk of your car. Out of sight, out of frame.

  • Declutter all surfaces

    Clear every counter, table, desk, and shelf. Less is more. Buyers need to imagine their life here, not see yours.

  • Hide personal photos & items

    Family photos, diplomas, religious items, and children's artwork should be put away. This helps buyers emotionally claim the space.

  • Replace all light bulbs

    Every lamp and fixture should have a working bulb. Matching color temperature (all warm or all daylight) is ideal โ€” don't mix warm and cool in the same room.

  • Secure pets & hide all pet items

    Hide food bowls, beds, litter boxes, toys, and crates. Have pets secured or off-site during the entire shoot.

  • Make all beds neatly

    Use your best linens and fluff all pillows. Flat, tight bedding photographs far better than rumpled sheets.

  • Turn on every light in the home

    Every light should be on including under-cabinet lighting, closet lights, and exterior lights. We'll adjust as needed on-site.

Clean well-lit living room ready for real estate photography San Jose
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Living Room
Clean kitchen counters ready for real estate photography San Jose
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Kitchen

Section 02

The Kitchen Critical

The kitchen makes or breaks a listing. Buyers form their strongest impression here. It must be completely clear.

โ˜… Pro Tip

Leave only one intentional decorative item on the counter โ€” a fruit bowl, a plant, or a cutting board. One item = styled. Two items = busy. Everything else goes away.

  • Clear all countertops completely

    Remove toasters, blenders, knife blocks, paper towel rolls, mail, and all appliances. Leave only one intentional item.

  • Clear the fridge exterior

    Remove all magnets, calendars, photos, and papers from the front and sides of the refrigerator.

  • Clear the sink area

    Hide sponges, soap dispensers, drying racks, and dish towels. A clean empty sink photographs dramatically better.

  • Hide the garbage can

    Move it into the pantry, garage, or under the sink. Don't leave it visible anywhere in the kitchen.

  • Turn on under-cabinet lights

    If you have under-cabinet lighting make sure it's on. It adds warmth and depth to kitchen photos.

Section 03

Bathrooms

Bathrooms need to look like a hotel โ€” fresh, clean, and completely personal-item-free.

โ˜… Pro Tip

Buy a set of white or matching towels specifically for listing photos. Fold them neatly over the towel bar. Hotel-style presentation photographs beautifully and costs under $20.

  • Put all toilet lids down

    Every toilet in every bathroom. This is non-negotiable for listing photos.

  • Clear the shower & tub

    Remove all shampoo, conditioner, razors, loofahs, and caddies. The shower should be completely empty and clean.

  • Clear bathroom counters

    Put away toothbrushes, toothpaste, makeup, and personal care items. Leave only a soap dispenser or a simple decoration.

  • Hang fresh, matching towels

    Clean folded towels hung neatly on the towel bar. Use matching colors or white/neutral tones.

  • Clean mirrors & glass

    Wipe down all mirrors and glass shower doors. Streaks and water spots show clearly in photos.

Clean bathroom ready for real estate photography San Jose
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Bathroom
Clean home exterior ready for real estate drone photography San Jose
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Exterior + Drone

Section 04

Exterior & Curb Appeal Critical

The exterior is your listing's first impression for both ground photos and drone shots. It must be completely clear.

โ˜… Pro Tip

Do a full exterior walkthrough the morning of the shoot. One car left in the driveway or a garden hose left out can ruin the hero shot that anchors your entire listing.

  • Move ALL cars from driveway & front

    Every car should be gone โ€” driveway, street in front, and any visible side areas. Park around the corner.

  • Hide garbage & recycling bins

    Move all bins into the garage or side yard where they won't be visible from the front or drone shots.

  • Coil or hide garden hoses

    Remove hoses from view or coil them neatly next to the house. Sprawling hoses are a common distraction in wide shots.

  • Set up patio & outdoor areas

    Uncover patio furniture, open umbrellas, and arrange outdoor seating so the patio looks livable and inviting.

  • Sweep entry & front walk

    Clear leaves, debris, and dirt from the front porch and entry path.

  • Close garage door

    The garage door should be closed for exterior photos unless your agent has specifically requested it open.

Section 05

For Video & Drone Shoots

If your package includes cinematic video or drone footage, these extra steps make a significant difference in the final result.

  • Property empty of all people

    For video shoots, all occupants, workers, and visitors should be off-site for the entire duration.

  • Turn off all ceiling fans

    Ceiling fans create visual distortion in video. Turn them all off before we arrive.

  • Turn off all TVs & screens

    All televisions, monitors, and tablets should be off. Turn screens to face a wall if possible.

  • Set all blinds to the same height

    In each room, set all blinds or shades to the same position. Uneven window treatments look disorganized on video.

  • Send gate codes in advance

    If the property has a gate, HOA access, or parking structure code, send it to Thomas before shoot day.

  • Identify the #1 hero feature

    Tell us the single most important feature of the home โ€” the view, kitchen, outdoor space โ€” so we prioritize it.

Drone aerial photography San Jose Real Estate Photos
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Aerial Drone
Real estate photography shoot day San Jose
San Jose Real Estate Photos ยท Shoot Day

Section 06

Shoot Day โ€” What to expect

A few important things to know so everything runs smoothly on the day of your shoot.

โ˜… Important Policy

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

  • Property ready at scheduled time

    All prep should be complete before we arrive. We cannot wait while cleaning or staging is still in progress.

  • Agent or contact reachable by phone

    Your agent or a designated contact should be available by phone during the shoot in case we need to reach them.

  • All access provided in advance

    Lockbox codes, gate codes, and special access instructions should be sent to Thomas before shoot day.

  • Photos delivered next business day by 2pm

    Your complete gallery will be in your Rela portal by 2pm the next business day. Video and 3D tours within 48โ€“72 hours.

After the shoot

What happens next.

01

Next business day by 2pm

Your complete photo gallery is delivered to your Rela listing portal โ€” organized, labeled, and ready to upload to MLS.

02

Video & 3D within 48โ€“72 hrs

If your package includes cinematic video or an iGuide 3D tour, those are delivered within 2โ€“3 days alongside your photos.

03

Your listing website is live

Every package includes a custom listing website. It goes live with all your media, property details, and a shareable link ready for MLS, social, and print.

Ready to book?

Your listing deserves
the best first impression.

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