By KDH Productions: serving Gulf-Coast listings from Mobile to Destin.
Why a Checklist Saves Time, Money, and DOM ↓
In the Northwest Florida MLS feed, buyers decide to click or swipe past in under a quarter-second. One cereal box on the counter or a mismatched bulb can slash your click-through rate (CTR) and add days-on-market (DOM). A solid de-clutter checklist:
- Boosts CTR – clean, balanced images draw 11 % more taps in our 2024 data set.
- Cuts re-shoot fees – we charge $95 per return visit; you can avoid that entirely.
- Improves “save” rate – tidy photos average 14 extra saves on Zillow.
Print this guide, hand it to sellers, and hit every box 24 hours before the photographer arrives.
24-Hour Countdown: Whole-House Prep Timeline ↓
| When | Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| T-24 h | Email the Printable PDF (link below) to every occupant | Gets buy-in early |
| T-12 h | Match all visible light-bulbs (color-temp unite) | Prevents mixed amber/blue casts |
| T-6 h | Run vinegar-water over windows to remove salt-air haze | Keeps views crisp |
| T-2 h | Stash pet bowls, litter boxes, toys | Odor + clutter neutralized |
| T-30 m | Open blinds uniformly; switch on every light | Balances exposure & shows room size |
Pro tip: leave strobe clearance at least 2 ft between walls & furniture so our off-camera flashes can work without harsh reflections.
Room-by-Room Actions (Printable Table) ↓
Below is the abridged version. Download the full checklist PDF for a tick-box format you can text to clients.
Curb Appeal & Driveway
- Pull cars, trailers, boats off-site
- Hide trash carts & recycling bins
- Coil garden hoses, remove yard signs
- Sweep pine needles; fresh welcome mat
Entry & Foyer
- Remove wall-mounted key racks, mail piles
- Store shoes, pet leashes
- Bulb match overhead fixture to daylight 5 k
Living Room
- Clear coffee tables (one décor item max)
- Hide TV remotes and cables; power off screens
- Straighten pillows; fold throws uniformly
- Remove personal photos & trophies
Kitchen
- Counter-top purge: toasters, knife blocks, drying racks
- Clear fridge magnets & chore charts
- Tuck trash can into pantry
- Empty sink; polish faucet: chrome “pop” sells
Owner’s Suite
- Hotel-tight bed, neutral duvet
- Hide tissue boxes, chargers, hampers
- Depersonalize artwork; no wedding photos
Bathrooms
- Remove toothbrushes, product bottles
- Fresh white towels only; lids down
- Hide trash cans, bath mats
Patio & Pool
- Stow pool toys, floats, skimmer poles
- Collapse umbrellas, straighten cushions
- Wipe humidity streaks from stainless grills
Garage (if shot)
- Stack tools; floor clear for vertical keystone accuracy
- Hide moving boxes behind single wall
(Full table covers 60+ micro tasks grab it in the PDF.)
Pro Tips for Coastal Homes ↓
- Coastal glare – West-facing windows can blow out Gulf views. Close blinds halfway until the photographer sets exposure.
- Window haze – Salt spray creates streaks invisible to the eye but lethal in HDR brackets. Quick dish-soap rinse works wonders.
- Humidity streaks – Stainless appliances sweat; buff with microfiber 15 min pre-shoot.
- Hurricane shutters – If mounted, retract fully to avoid dungeon vibes.
- Pastel palettes – Pensacola loves beachy teals; make sure all rooms share the same tone family or use neutral accents to balance.
What to Expect on Shoot Day with KDH Productions ↓
- Arrival + Walk through – we scan each room, flag any last-minute fixes (5 min).
- Lighting Style Choice – Flash blend, ambient pull, or Hybrid (see our Flash vs HDR guide).
- Shooting Order – exterior ➜ main living ➜ kitchen ➜ beds ➜ baths ➜ details ➜ drone (weather permitting).
- Vertical correction & single-point perspective our tilt-shift lens keeps walls straight so dimensions look accurate.
- Delivery – MLS Ready JPEGs + full-res masters in 24 hours via branded gallery.
Download the PDF & Book Your Slot ↓
Already photo-ready?
House prepped? Lock in your pro photo date now.
- Real-Estate Photography packages → View Services
- Reserve shoot date → Contact Form
Pensacola Prep FAQ
How early should sellers finish decluttering?
At least 24 hours before. Last-second cleaning raises sweat, which shows as streaks on polished surfaces.
Do pets need to be off-site during photos?
Yes. Even well-behaved pets wander into frames and shed hair that catches flash light. Two-hour dog walk = flawless shots.
Can you Photoshop cords or trash cans later?
Minor edits, yes but may cost extra. Cheaper to stash items first.
House prepped? Lock in your pro photo date now. Call (850) 898-2234 or hit the contact form to secure next-day availability.
