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Exterior — All Property Types
Everyone
Lawn & Landscaping
Mow and edge the lawn — ideally the day before, not the day of (to avoid clipping marks)
Rake leaves, clear debris, and remove dead plants or wilted flowers
Trim overgrown bushes or shrubs that block the facade or windows
Blow or sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio surfaces
Pull any visible weeds from planting beds or cracks in hardscape
Entry & Facade
Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the home
Move trash cans, recycling bins, garden hoses, and any yard tools out of view
Wipe down the front door and clean exterior light fixtures
Remove worn or faded doormats — or replace with a clean one
Clean visible windows from the outside — fingerprints and smudges show clearly on wide-angle shots
Coil and store any visible hoses or irrigation lines
Access & Logistics
Confirm lockbox code or access instructions in your booking notes
Gate codes or entry instructions sent to Craig before shoot day
Pets secured, crated, or removed from the property for the shoot
Interior — Residential & Short-Term Rental
Residential · STR
Lighting — the single most important interior prep step
Turn on every light in the home — overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet lights, everything
Replace any burnt-out bulbs, and try to match bulb color temperature throughout (all warm or all cool, not mixed)
Open all blinds and curtains to maximize natural light — unless the view outside is unflattering
General — Every Room
Declutter all flat surfaces — countertops, tables, shelves, window sills
Hide power cords, charging cables, and extension cords behind furniture or out of sight
Remove personal photos and family portraits if the seller prefers anonymity
Tuck away pet items — bowls, beds, toys, leashes
Remove all trash cans from view (or use ones that look clean and intentional)
Close all closet and pantry doors unless the space is a selling feature
Kitchen
Clear all countertops — remove appliances, dish racks, paper towel holders, and soap dispensers
It's okay to leave 1–2 styled items: a bowl of fruit, a cookbook, a small plant
Clean stovetop and wipe down appliance fronts — stainless steel especially shows fingerprints
Hide dish soap, sponges, and drying racks under the sink
Empty and hide the kitchen trash can
Bathrooms
Clear all countertops — remove toothbrushes, soap, razors, hairdryers, and personal items
Close all toilet lids
Hang fresh, neatly folded towels — matching set looks best
Remove bath mats if worn or mismatched — a bare floor often photographs better
Clean mirrors and remove water spots from glass shower doors
Bedrooms
Make all beds hotel-style — crisp, smooth, centered pillows
Clear nightstands down to 1–2 items max (lamp, single book or small plant)
Remove items from the floor — shoes, laundry, boxes
Pull all window treatments evenly and symmetrically
Living & Dining Areas
Fluff and arrange sofa and accent pillows
Clear the dining table — a simple centerpiece (candles, flowers, bowl) is fine
Push in all dining chairs evenly
Remove any items on the floor — toys, boxes, extra furniture that clutters the space
Turn on fireplaces if gas — adds great ambiance without fire hazard
Garage (if being photographed)
Move vehicles out
Sweep floor and push items to walls or remove entirely
Turn on any garage lighting
Pool, Patio & Outdoor Living
Residential · STR · Acreage
Skim the pool and turn on the water features — fountains, waterfalls, spillways
Turn on pool/spa lights if shooting at or near dusk
Arrange patio furniture neatly — chairs square to tables, loungers parallel
Clear the outdoor dining or kitchen area of personal items, grill covers, propane tanks in view
Remove pool toys, floats, cleaning equipment, and chemical jugs from view
Roll up and store pool hoses and vacuum lines
Ranch & Acreage — Additional Prep
Ranch & Acreage
Grounds & Equipment
Move farm equipment, tractors, ATVs, and work trucks away from the primary shooting areasThese can remain if they're a selling feature — just discuss with Craig at booking
Close or open all gates as appropriate for the shots planned
Confirm all entry codes, combination locks, or key locations
Move vehicles, trailers, and livestock transport away from the front of the main house
Livestock & Animals
If livestock are present, confirm whether you want them in shots or out — either way is fine, just decide in advance
Move any large feeding or water equipment that would obscure the property view
Outbuildings & Structures
Open barn or shop doors if the interior is a selling feature
Clear debris or clutter from the immediate area around outbuildings
Short-Term Rental — Additional Prep
STR
Staging for Lifestyle Feel
Set the coffee maker as if guests just arrived — carafe visible, mugs out
Place a bowl of fresh fruit or flowers on the kitchen island or dining table
Arrange throw blankets on the sofa in a natural, relaxed way
Set the outdoor dining area as if guests are about to eat — place settings, centerpiece
Turn on twinkle lights, string lights, or accent lighting for ambiance
Guest Experience Details
Remove all cleaning supplies, paper towels, and guest welcome packets from countertops
Hide any lockboxes, key containers, or access devices that would look out of place
Confirm the space is clean and ready as if guests are checking in today
Lots & Parcels — Shoot Day Prep
Lots & Parcels
Required Before Shoot Day
Parcel map uploaded at booking — required for boundary overlays. If you haven't sent it, email it to craig@craigmac.tv before the shoot.County Appraisal District (CAD) maps, survey plats, or MLS plat maps all work
GPS coordinates provided if the property has no traditional street address
Gate combinations or access instructions confirmed
On-Site Prep
Move any vehicles, trailers, or equipment away from the primary access road and entry
Mark or flag any hazards — sinkholes, soft ground, low-hanging lines — for drone safety
Note any areas that are off-limits or restricted — communicate these at booking