Hawkeye Aerial Imaging Solutions
Real estate agents are exceedingly aware of what is necessary for a successful sale of a home they are commissioned to sell. One of the most important items that agents need are photographs and/or video of the property (and surrounding environment) that promotes not only the home, but also its location. Photographs and videos not only promote the property for sale, but, if done properly, will arouse prospective buyers to take action by contacting the agent for further inquiry or a site visit.
For any given image, the photographer has a plethora of tasks and details to be concerned with. Camera angle, composition, white balance, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, lighting…and in the case of aerial shots, the remote pilot in command (who may also be taking the aerial photos and videos) must tend to all the demanding aspects of flight as well as those associated with the aerial imagery . With so many critical details to attend, it is easy to miss little things associated with having the property ready to be photographed.
A well laid out Pre-shoot Checklist is an invaluable tool because it will work to cure many repeat issues when photographing or videoing a property. The real estate agent should ensure that the home owner has received a pre-shoot checklist and agents should hold off on the engagement until all items on the list can be completed. The most frustrating thing for real estate photographers is showing up and neither the agent nor the home owner has ensured the property is ready to be photographed. The goal of both the agent and the home owner is to sell the property at as close to the asking price as possible. Presenting the property in a pristine condition enhances the chances that the parties will be successful in that endeavor. Having the property ready for the photographer will reduce the costs associated with repeat shoots and will enable him/her to concentrate solely on the photo shoot. Although not all inclusive, the following checklist (compiled by 360-Media) has been provided as a guideline for agents and home owners in preparation for having their property/home ready to be photographed.
Preparation Checklist for Photographing a Home for Sale
EXTERIOR
- Scheduling – The Exterior should be photographed when the sun is directly hitting the front of the home (morning for an east facing home, afternoon for a west facing home)
- Move vehicles from driveway and away from the front of the home (with aerial shots, vehicles may have to be moved entirely from the property during the shoot)
- Place trash barrels, and anything that is not attached to the home in the Garage or out of sight
- Cut grass and remove all weeds from cracks in concrete
- Remove the Yard Sign
- If possible, water the grass 4-5 hours prior to the shoot
- Ensure all exterior light fixtures are working
- Turn on all lights for twilight shoots
- Clean the windows
- Driveways, porches and sidewalks should be swept
INTERIOR
- Remove all evidence of pets
- Open all drapes and blinds on windows with a good view except baths and some bedrooms
- Turn all ceiling fans OFF (turning fans will cause unwanted light reflections)
- Replace any burnt out light bulbs
- Turn all inside lights ON
- Turn all televisions OFF and clean them very well
- Declutter the floor and horizontal surfaces
- Shine all windows, glass and horizontal surfaces
- Remove rugs
- Remove any furniture that obstructs windows
- Tidy closets
- Make beds and close closets
- Open doors between rooms
- Conceal cords. Unplug from the wall if necessary (except lights)
- No shoes by doors or anywhere…place them in a closet
- Put away any medicines normally kept on counters
- For security, remove any expensive artwork and firearms from view
KITCHENS
- Remove any calendars
- Clear all counter tops (no scrubbies, soap, knives or cutting boards)
- It is okay to leave 1-2 small appliances for size perception…any more distract
- Clear the refrigerator COMPLETELY…no magnets, pictures, etc.
- Clean shiny appliances very well
- Remove trashcan from kitchen
BATHROOMS
- Toilet lids must be down
- Clear counter-tops from every item considered to be personal
- Remove cleaning brushes and trashcans
- Close shower curtains…half open if there is a custom tiled bath
- Remove toilet paper from holder, or use a full roll (no partial rolls)
- Place fresh towels on towel bars
- Remove rugs
- Clear showers/baths of personal items if they are to be showcased
Hawkeye Aerial Imaging Solutions
