Before your property shoot

A practical checklist for a photo-ready property.

Work through these steps before the appointment so Chris can focus on photographing the property. Your real estate agent or a professional stager can advise on staging; Chris does not stage the home.

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Outside the property

Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, clear debris, and sweep walkways. Pressure wash concrete if needed.
Front Door: Clean and polish the door. Consider fresh paint if needed, and remove flags or signage.
Lighting: Replace burned-out bulbs and check exterior lights. Use matching bulb colors where practical.
Driveway and Garage: Move vehicles, trailers, bins, sports equipment, and other clutter out of view.
Outdoor Furniture: Arrange and clean furniture; uncover fire pits and set umbrellas or awnings.

Throughout the home

Declutter: Remove knick-knacks and excess furniture to make rooms feel open.
Clean Thoroughly: Dust surfaces, vacuum, mop, and clean windows and mirrors.
Depersonalize: Put away personal photos, memorabilia, and anything showing private information.
Lighting: Turn on lights, replace burned-out bulbs, and use consistent light color in each space.
Repairs: Finish small fixes such as chipped paint or damaged screens. Dust ceiling fans; they will be off for photos.
Rugs: Remove rugs unless they are part of the staging plan.

Kitchen and living spaces

Countertops: Clear temporary appliances and unrelated items.
Sink: Remove dishes, racks, sponges, and soap, then clean the sink.
Refrigerator: Remove magnets and notes from the front.
Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to show the space and keep decor simple and intentional.
Fireplaces: Test the fireplace if it will be shown in photos.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Bedding: Make beds neatly with fresh, neutral bedding.
Closets: Organize them if they will be photographed.
Bathroom Surfaces: Clear countertops and clean all visible surfaces.
Shower and Tub: Remove soaps, shampoos, and other personal items.
Towels: Hang fresh, clean towels.
Bathroom Tools: Hide plungers and toilet brushes, and close toilet lids.

Just before Chris arrives

Pets: Secure pets, remove bowls and toys, and clean up the yard.
Final Walkthrough: Check every room before the scheduled start. Turn on lights, switch off ceiling fans, and close windows.
People: Ask nonessential people to step out during the shoot; wide-angle views can capture reflections and people through windows.

Photo shoot details

Plan the appointment together.

Contractors: Allow enough time for their work to finish before the appointment so the crews and photographer do not interfere with each other.

Real Estate Signs: Install the sign after the shoot. It can block part of the home in the main listing images.

Duration: Allow approximately 60 minutes for still photos, depending on property size. Drone, video, tours, and other services take additional time.

Rooms photographed: All major furnished rooms and bathrooms will be photographed. Garages, unfinished areas, and closets may be excluded according to the owner's preference.

Storage solutions: Use a garage, shed, closet, or unfinished area for items removed before the shoot, provided that space will not be photographed.

Copyright policy: Photo use is limited to the one-time sale of the property and cannot be transferred. Full ownership rights are not included; Chris Scheckla Photography retains ownership of the photos and media. Contact Chris about additional use.

Avoid additional fees

Have the property ready before the appointment.

On-site preparation: If the property is not ready, Chris may photograph it as is or charge $25 to $50 for preparation, depending on the time needed.

Severely unprepared homes: The shoot may need to be cancelled or rescheduled, with a minimum $75 fee for a site revisit.

Late cancellation: A $75 fee applies if the shoot is cancelled within 12 hours of the scheduled time.

Schedule and delivery: Chris works on a strict timeline and often photographs multiple properties in a day. Have the home ready at the scheduled time, and allow 24 hours for editing and photo delivery. Plan ahead for time-sensitive listings, marketing, and open houses to avoid delays.

Following these guidelines helps Chris provide consistent, reliable service and focus on the home's best features. A prepared property is ready to make a strong impression online and at open houses. Thank you for taking the time to prepare. Review the current real estate pricing and confirm your appointment details when booking.