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Getting Ready for Your Shoot

A little prep goes a long way. Here's how to get the most out of your Raleigh3D session.

The Mindset

Think model home — neutral, clean, and every detail attended to. A model home doesn't feel lived-in; it feels like a blank canvas buyers can picture themselves inside. The smell is clean, the light is bright, and nothing distracts from the space itself.

This matters even more for 3D tours than traditional photography. Buyers will navigate through your listing room by room, spending far more time than they would with still photos. Every corner is visible. Every detail counts.

A good rule of thumb: if a knick-knack is smaller than a cantaloupe, put it away. Clean surfaces create clean lines, and clean lines make rooms feel larger on camera.

On Shoot Day

  • Budget at least 90 minutes. A larger home with a full package can take up to 3 hours. Please allow us the time to do it right — or give us a heads-up in advance if your window is limited.
  • Lockbox access works great — and often produces the best results. When we can work at 360° without interruption, we move efficiently and catch every angle.
  • If occupants will be on-site, having them step outside or stay out of the way makes a significant difference. An agent who can help corral is always appreciated.
  • Set a comfortable temperature and make sure all lights are on with working bulbs before we arrive.

The Checklist

Exterior

  • Close garage doors
  • Remove cars from the driveway and front of the home
  • Mow, trim, and rake — tidy up the landscaping
  • Remove visible water hoses, dog leashes, and yard equipment
  • Clean up pet waste and remove any pet bowls or toys from the yard
  • Put trash bins in the garage or out of sight
  • Clean deck and patio furniture; remove any toys or sports equipment
  • Sweep the sidewalk and front walkway
  • Clean pool, remove the cover and hoses
  • Touch up paint on shutters, the front door, or the mailbox if needed — small details signal that the home is well cared for

Interior — General

  • Open all window shades, curtains, and blinds
  • Turn on every light in the home
  • Replace any burned-out bulbs before we arrive
  • Clean windows inside and out where possible
  • Hide shoes from entryways
  • Remove personal photos and anything that strongly identifies the occupants
  • Fresh flowers near the entry make an excellent first impression

Living & Family Rooms

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, and mail
  • Arrange sofa and accent pillows neatly
  • De-clutter the fireplace mantle
  • Remove kid toys, games, and any clutter from floors
  • Ensure the fireplace screen is clean and in good condition

Dining Room

  • Clear and dust the table
  • Straighten all chairs
  • Remove booster seats and children's items
  • Consider a simple table setting — placemats and a centerpiece photograph beautifully

Bedrooms

  • Make all beds; tuck in sheets and straighten comforters
  • Clear nightstands of personal items, remotes, and water glasses
  • Hide phone and computer charging cables
  • Remove clutter from the tops of dressers
  • Check under the bed — anything visible will appear in the tour
  • Remove posters and stickers from walls and doors
  • Organize closets — they will be seen

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops completely
  • Close all cabinet doors
  • Put toilet seats down
  • Empty visible garbage cans
  • Remove scatter rugs to show the flooring
  • Remove shampoo, soap, razors, and personal care items from showers and bathtubs
  • Remove robes and personal towels from hooks and doors
  • Leave out one set of neatly folded, clean or new towels for the photo

Kitchen

  • Clear and clean countertops completely — remove all small appliances
  • Clear the refrigerator of photos, magnets, and notes
  • Put all dishes away
  • Hide the garbage can in a closet or pantry
  • Remove rags, sponges, and dish soap from the sink
  • Remove scatter rugs to show the flooring

Pets

  • Remove food bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys
  • Remove pet hair from furniture where possible
  • We love pets — but for the tour, there should be no evidence of them in the home
  • If pets will be on-site, please arrange for them to be secured or out of the space during the shoot

A Note on Vacant Homes

We shoot vacant homes — no problem at all. For vacant properties, the checklist above is largely simplified: make sure all lights have working bulbs, the space is clean and free of debris, and utilities are on. If you're adding any staging, even minimal furniture and accessories will make a meaningful difference in how the space photographs.

Questions?

Reach out using the contact form and we'll get back to you promptly. We're agents too — we know how these timelines work and we'll do our best to help you hit them.