Seller Preparation Guide

Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for Stunning Real Estate Photography.

Follow these steps to ensure your home looks its best for the camera.

Declutter

Remove personal items and unnecessary clutter to create a clean and inviting space.

Deep Clean

Thoroughly clean every room, including floors, windows, and surfaces, to make your home sparkle.

Stage Your Home

Arrange furniture and decor to highlight your home's best features and create a welcoming atmosphere.

From Your Photographer

My name is Brian Banks, and I will be your photographer. My goal is to photograph your home with the highest quality that will wow buyers and attract offers. To ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly and safely, I've put together this preparation checklist of things you should do prior to your scheduled shoot.

— Brian Banks

General Prep

Be shoot-readyCleaning and staging need to be done before the photographer arrives, preferably the day before your photoshoot.

Secure or remove petsDogs must be secured or off the property. Cats should be secured as well.

Plan not to be seenAll occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen.

Use the garage for storageGarages are normally not photographed, so this is a great place to store items you'd like to hide.

Outside Prep

Clear the carsMake sure no cars are in the driveway.

Do NOT wet drivewaysIf a wet look is desired, this can be added in the editing process.

Hide trashcansTrash cans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage.

Hide hosesDo this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement.

Mow and trim the yardDo at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot.

Turn off sprinklersDo not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.

Pick up poopIf you have a dog, make sure that all their droppings are cleared from the yard.

Prep pool and spaPlease have them clean with covers removed.

Prep water featuresIf you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them.

Remove for-sale signThe for-sale sign should be removed from the property or installed after the shoot.

Clean patio furnitureDust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture.

Inside Prep

Declutter kitchenA few items on the counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away.

Declutter bathroomsToothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other personal items should be hidden.

Prep bedroomsAll bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away.

Hide trashcansTrashcans can distract so it's best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.

Hide portable fansCeiling fans are selling items, but portable fans can give the wrong impression.

Hide cords and remotesHide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.

Clear entrywaysRemove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.

Open blinds with viewsYour indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views.

Turn on lightsBefore I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on.

Turn off ceiling fansBefore I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.

Twilight Prep

If you've scheduled a twilight shoot the following are additional items to prepare before I arrive. Note that twilights have tight schedules to ensure optimal lighting, so please make sure all these items are ready before I arrive.

Turn on all interior and exterior lightsAll lights throughout the property need to be turned on.

Turn on spas and remove coversIf you have a spa, remove the cover, and turn it on before I arrive.

Turn on pool lightsIf you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before I arrive.

Turn on water featuresIf you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn them on before I arrive.

For real estate agents

Agent Portal Training

New to ordering with Signal House Real Media? Our agent portal makes it simple to schedule shoots, manage your listings, and download your media — all in one place. Follow the steps below to get set up and place your first order.

Create Your Account

Visit the portal at portal.spiro.media and register with your name, email, and brokerage. Account creation is free and takes less than two minutes.

Place Your Order

Select your service package — Base, Pro, or Pro Plus — enter the property address, choose your preferred shoot date and time, and add any special instructions for the photographer.

Share the Prep Guide

Once your order is confirmed, forward this preparation page to your seller. A well-prepared home means faster delivery and better results for your listing.

Download Your Media

You'll receive an email notification when your photos and video are ready — typically within 24 hours of the shoot. Log in to the portal to download MLS-ready files, share links, and manage your media library.

Training Videos

Watch the 3 videos below to get the most from your Client Center account

Logging In & Placing an Order

Downloading & Media Assets

General & Settings

Access the Agent Portal

Thank you for your time and patience to go through this checklist! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Brian T Banks

214-796-7281 [email protected]

Get Started

Ready to Showcase Your Home?

Schedule a professional real estate photography session with Signal House Real Media today. Let us help you highlight the beauty of your meticulously prepared home and attract more buyers.

Book Your Session Now