FAQs

FAQS

What's the turnaround time for Real Estate Photos? 

2 business days (but we strive for faster).

How do I prepare the house for the photo-shoot?  

See our checklist below - lots to do!

Can you Photoshop out any holes in the walls or unsightly roofs?  

No. Doing so would be misrepresentation to the consumer. That's sort of against the law.

I live near an airport - can I still get some aerial photographs? 

That depends on how close you are to the controlled airspace. Check out this FAA website to see where your home is. If the number is "0" then the answer is likely no (although we can apply for a waiver, it may not be granted). 

Can you take aerial photos in the rain? 

No. To be legally able to take aerial photos, we need the clouds to be at least 500' above our proposed flight plan and we need visibility of at least 3 miles (FAA regulations). Rain restricts visibility (and damages our drones).

What happens if we have to cancel, reschedule, or just aren't ready for the shoot?  

We have a $50.00 fee for rescheduling within 24 hours of the appointment and $75.00 fee for canceling within 24 hours of the appointment. If the photographer drives to the property and finds it inaccessible or not ready to shoot, there is a $100.00 fee.

These fees are to protect our photographer’s abilities to plan their day and for spent time.

Who owns the photographs/videos?

We do. For Real Estate photos/video, feel free to use them if trying to sell real estate, just credit Peet Photography. Otherwise, contact us for any other use. 

Do I have to pay sales tax?

That depends. If you're the end user for any photographs, yes (e.g., AirBnB landlords, showcasing your property, etc.). If you're a Realtor using them to sell the property, then no (that whole "reseller" thing). Videos do not require sales due to the editing process required to make them suitable for viewing.

STAGING YOUR HOUSE CHECKLIST

Our job as photographers is to make your house look as attractive as possible to future buyers. To do that, we need your help. Here's a checklist of things we highly recommend doing before we show up on site. Remember, we're being hired as photographers, not staging experts.  If you need somebody to help you stage your house, please ask your Realtor for some assistance.  Our biggest piece of advice - declutter and tidy up! Any items left out and visible for photographs will be included in the photographs provided. While this checklist may appear long, it's really designed to benefit you.

PROVIDE THE PHOTOGRAPHER

• Realtor contact information (phone number and email)

•  Seller contact information (phone number)

• The physical address and directions if necessary

•  Access code to the house

• Any access codes for alarm systems (preferably a temporary one)

• Any information necessary to make the photoshoot smooth

EXTERIOR - The Simple Version - trim and tidy the yard, remove all vehicles, remove all non-essential items (garbage cans, hoses, toys, pet stuff, etc.).

INTERIOR - The Simple Version - declutter, clean, mop & vacuum the floors, remove personal items, turn on lights, turn off fans, open blinds/shades/curtains.

EXTERIOR - The Longer Version

• • • Remove “For Sale” sign prior to scheduled photo-shoot

    • Mow and trim yard (at least two-three days prior), weed, and rake up any dead leaves/grass – make the yard look good

    • Remove all kid’s toys (other than large built-in play structures)

    • Remove all evidence of pets (other than built-in pet/animal structures)

    • Remove anything that’s not necessary or may appear unsightly

    • Remove all trash cans/recycle bins (place in garage)

    • Remove all vehicles from driveway (put in garage or move elsewhere prior to scheduled photoshoot

    • Clean driveway/walk (sweep or pressure wash if needed)

    • Clean deck/patio

    • Stage outdoor furniture (uncover the grill, or remove it if unsightly)

    • Clean the windows

    • If the shoot is to include the garage, remove all vehicles/vessels/work-out equipment, yard equipment, etc. and declutter. Clean the floor.

    • Try to keep all vehicles away from the front of the house (i.e., keep the street clear, if possible)

    • Remove any personal or political signs

INTERIOR – APPLIES TO ENTIRE HOUSE  - The Longer Versions

• Lightbulbs – replace all burnt out ones, make sure all lights in a room are the same color temperature

• Clean the windows and leave the shades and blinds open. Remove anything that may prevent natural light from getting into the house (e.g., window fans/air conditioners/etc.)

• Turn off all electric and electronic devices (fans/computers/televisions/etc.)

• Clutter – remove as much as possible – this includes family photos, personal items, extra furniture, workout equipment, etc. The house doesn’t need to be spotless, but it should be neat and uncluttered. Remove ALL personal information items.

• Rugs – remove door mats, throw rugs (especially if the floor is hardwood/stone/tile), and bath mats

• Clothing & shoes – remove them (they can be placed in closets)

• Pets – hide all evidence of pets – dog beds, cat towers, litter boxes, etc.

• Straighten all eating stools and dining room chairs to align with the eating surface (i.e., stools at counters all face the counter, chairs at tables pushed in)

• Close all cabinet drawers and doors

• Sweep/mop all hardwood/tile/stone floors

• Vacuum all carpets

• Remove all pets and people

• Put away all clothes, jackets, shoes, sandals, hats, etc.

KITCHEN - The Longer Version

• Clear the countertop of all unnecessary items and appliances (almost all of them). A bowl of fruit and/or a plant or two are okay, as long as the plants are short.

• Clean all remaining appliances

• Remove everything from the face of the refrigerator (no magnets, shopping lists, photos, etc.)

• Remove any calendars

• Clean the countertops and the faces of the stove(s), built-in microwave, and refrigerator

• Mop the floor

• Clean the sinks and ensure they’re empty

• Remove drying racks, soaps, dishtowels

• Remove any visible trash/recycle cans

• Remove any visible compost bins

BEDROOMS - The Longer Version

• Make the bed

• Put away all clothing and personal items

• Declutter dresser tops

• Remove anything from under the bed and clean under the bed

• Take down all unnecessary posters, photos, art (e.g., homemade stitches, quilts, kids drawings, etc.)

• Remove hampers

CLOSETS

Generally, we do not photograph closets. But, if a master bedroom has a large, walk-in closet, and a shot is requested, please do the following:

• All clothes on hangers (ideally, all clothes removed)

• All shoes stacked neatly on the floor under the clothes

• All shelving/wardrobes decluttered

• Remove hampers

BATHROOMS - The Longer Version

• Remove hampers

• Remove trash can

• Remove toilet brush/plunger

• Remove towels (hand and bath) or replace with clean towels.

• Make sure all towel rings are facing down (not sticking out)

• Clean mirrors

• Clean tub/shower

• Open tub/shower curtains/doors

• Remove all toiletries from sinks, countertops, tubs, and showers

• Declutter counter tops

• Declutter shelves

• Put toilet seat down

• Put a fresh roll of toilet paper in the holder

LAUNDRY ROOM - The Longer Version

• All washer/dryer doors closed. No clothing visible

• Take down or fold any fixed drying racks/lines

• Remove any portable drying rack

• Close all cabinet doors