Tour Preparation Tips

Our Process:

• We will arrive a few minutes prior to the scheduled time to unload and
  set-up our equipment.
• We will introduce ourselves to the homeowner if present and answer any questions.
• A pre-walk-through of the home will be done at this time if needed by the photographer or requested by the homeowner.

• Our preferred order of shooting is as follows:

  • Shoot interior Panoramas
  • Shoot exterior Panoramas
  • Shoot exterior Stills
  • Shoot interior Stills (occasionally these stills are taken during the pre-walk-through of the home)

Because we are constantly on the go, "moving things out of the way" doesn't work well. Anything in question should be placed in the garage, a closet or a room that will not be included in the tour.

On average we are on the premises for approximately 45 minutes.

Your Checklist:

Outside

• Prior to our arrival, please move vehicles from the driveway and/or in front of the home.
• If possible, please remove the For Sale sign.

Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home.

• Clear the island of clutter and/or “decorations” to allow the viewer to see how much space it offers.

• Small appliances such as: the toaster, toaster over, blenders etc., make the counters feel cluttered and detract from the spaciousness of the room. Please remove them during photography. A few items on the counter such as decorative canisters or other decorations are ok and can even lend to the character of the room. Please keep in mind: A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!

• Clear the refrigerator of ALL attached personal items

  • Including: magnets, schedules, lists, pictures, etc. This will allow the viewers’ eye to focus on the room, not what’s on the fridge.
• Trash cans should be removed from view.
• Empty the sink; remove any soap dispensers, cleaning utensils, drainers etc.

General

• Unless your realtor has advised you otherwise, please open all window blinds and/or drapes and REMOVE from view any Items not included in the sale of the home
• We can “blur” or edit out any artwork or other expensive items you wish to have concealed on the tour but are unable to move. Please let the photographers know of such items prior to photography.
• Window boxes are fine if they do not block the view.
• Remove any furniture from in front of the windows if it blocks the view.
• Turn ALL inside lights ON.
• Please turn ALL ceiling fans OFF.
• Televisions should be turned OFF.
• Please make all beds, close closet doors unless your realtor has asked that they remain open for the tour.
• Open doors between rooms to give an open feeling. If you have chosen room that is not to be included in to the tour for “storage”, this door should be closed.
• Remove all pet products: food bowls, toys, bedding, etc.
• We cannot assume liability for moving furniture, etc.
• Remove small rugs especially from wood floors.
• Conceal cords.
• Baskets of shoes and/or slip on shoe covers should be placed in a closet.
• Open house signs should be out of view (ditto)

Bathrooms

• Please place all Toilet lids in the “down” position.
• Remove all personal items from countertops,
• Any cleaning utensils or trash cans should be cleared from view.
• Shower curtains should be closed.

You only get one chance to make a GREAT first impression. By thoroughly preparing for your Virtual Tour, your home is sure to stand-out above the rest!

These Tour Preparation Tips were developed from professional first hand experiences of
Insight 360° Tours photographers as well as photographers from All About Virtual Tours and many other Real Tour Vision Dealers. We have all seen homes that were not properly staged or prepared for photography. Our goal is to help you “outshine” the rest!

Thank you for choosing Insight 360° Tours!