Property Success Checklist

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In today’s market, your digital first impression is almost always your only first impression. According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, 97% of buyers now start their search online, and they rank professional-quality photos as the single most important feature of a real estate website.

My experience as a former Vermont agent confirms what the numbers show: properties marketed with premium architectural media don't just look better—they perform better. Industry studies reveal that listings with high-quality photos can sell for $3,000 to $11,000 more and spend an average of 32% less time on the market compared to standard listings.

•  Clear the View: Remove all vehicles from the driveway and do not park them directly in front of the house.
• Landscape Cleanup: Hide garden hoses, move trash cans into the garage, and ensure the lawn is mowed or snow is freshly cleared from walkways.
• Drone Readiness: Listings featuring aerial visuals can sell up to 68% faster than those with standard photos alone. As an FAA-certified pilot, I need a clean "canvas." Close all windows, umbrellas, and garage doors to ensure a polished look from the air.

•  De-Clutter Surfaces: Clear all kitchen countertops of appliances (toasters, blenders) and remove all magnets or photos from the refrigerator.
• Hide the "Daily Life": Tuck away remote controls, tissue boxes, magazines, and pet dishes/beds.
• Window Treatments: Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light, ensuring they are all adjusted to the same height/angle.

•  Bulb Check: Turn on every light in the house, including lamps and under-cabinet lights. Ensure all bulbs are working and have a consistent color temperature.
• Ceiling Fans: Turn all fans OFF. Moving blades create a blur that disrupts high-resolution architectural images.
• Fireplaces: If you have a gas fireplace, please have it turned on just before I arrive to add a warm, inviting glow to the living spaces.

•  The "Spa" Look: Remove all personal toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushes, razors) from showers and counters.
• Linens: Ensure beds are neatly made with smoothed-out wrinkles and that toilet lids are closed.

• Estate Staging: Ensure all luxury amenities, such as wine cellars, home theaters, or outdoor kitchens, are fully prepped and staged.
• Grounds Preparation: For large estates, ensure all pathways are clear and any outdoor lighting is fully operational for evening shots.
• High-End Detailing: Polish all stainless steel, marble, and glass surfaces to a mirror finish. High-resolution sensors will pick up even minor smudges on premium finishes.
• Pool & Spa Ready: Ensure pools are uncovered and clean, with water features turned on. Arrange luxury patio furniture to create an inviting outdoor lifestyle narrative.
• Acreage & Privacy: For properties with significant land, ensure all access gates are unlocked and major vistas are clear of temporary obstructions for aerial drone coverage.

• Highlight Amenities: Stage the coffee station, set the dining table, and put out fresh logs by the fireplace to showcase the guest experience.
• Bedroom & Bathroom Prep: Ensure all linens are crisp and wrinkle-free. Remove all personal toiletries from showers and vanities.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: Uncover the hot tub, arrange patio furniture, and clear any debris from decks or fire pit areas to highlight the Vermont mountain lifestyle.
• Kitchen Detail: Remove magnets from the refrigerator and hide dish soaps, sponges, and small appliances like toasters unless they are high-end design features.
• Storage & Closets: Clear out "owner's closets" or storage areas to show guests where they can store their ski gear or luggage.
• Mudroom Readiness: Clear out personal winter gear/boots to show guests exactly where they can drop their ski equipment after a day at Okemo or Killington.

As a former agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a property’s 'digital showing' can make or break a deal. My goal is to use premium architectural media to remove distractions so buyers and guests can immediately envision themselves living in—or vacationing in—your Vermont home.