Ottawa & Gatineau · Property preparation guide
Prepare your home for real estate photography.
A clean, bright, thoughtfully prepared property gives every photo, video and 3D tour a stronger starting point. Use our checklist to get camera-ready, room by room.
The details make the difference
A smoother shoot starts here.
Whether you are listing a home, marketing a rental or preparing a condo in Ottawa or Gatineau, focus on what the camera will see. Clean surfaces, natural light and a few simple finishing touches help the property feel welcoming.
Your room-by-room checklist
Get every space camera-ready.
Tick off each item as you prepare. Skip anything that does not apply to your property, and use the final check before your appointment.
The whole home
Start with light, clean surfaces and clear sightlines.
Kitchen
Let the worktops and finishes do the talking.
Living & dining rooms
Create an inviting space with a few intentional details.
Bedrooms
A neatly made bed makes an immediate difference.
Bathrooms
Think clean, uncluttered and hotel-ready.
Front yard & driveway
Make the first exterior photograph count.
Backyard & patio
Show buyers how the outdoor space can be enjoyed.
Pets & personal belongings
Keep the property calm and the photographs neutral.
Just before we arrive
One last walk-through helps everything run smoothly.
Checklist ticks are for this visit and may reset when the page reloads. They are not sent to NVISION 3D.
Beyond still photographs
Preparing for your other media?
Video & 3D tours
Prepare the full route through the property. Clear floors and walkways, tidy connected rooms and keep people and pets away from the camera or scanner. A tour can show angles that a single photo does not.
Explore Matterport 3D tours ↗Vacant rooms & exterior media
Empty rooms still need clean surfaces, working lights and tidy windows. For drone or exterior photos, move vehicles, bins and loose equipment away from visible areas. Virtual staging can help viewers picture how an unfurnished room could be used.
Explore virtual staging ↗A little extra guidance
Property preparation questions.
When should I start preparing my home?
Start a few days before the appointment so there is time to clean, declutter and handle the exterior. Leave only lights, curtains and a final walk-through for shoot day.
Should lights be on and blinds open?
Yes. Turn on overhead lights and lamps, replace burned-out bulbs and open window coverings. Our photographer can adjust individual blinds or lights to suit the room.
Do I need to remove every personal item?
Focus on what the camera will see: family photos, toiletries, documents, chargers and everyday clutter. A few neutral decorative pieces can make a space feel welcoming.
How should I prepare for a video or Matterport 3D tour?
Prepare the entire route through the property, rather than only individual photo angles. Keep floors and walkways clear, turn off screens and fans, and move people and pets away from the rooms being captured.
Can I leave seasonal decorations in place?
A neutral presentation usually keeps listing images useful for longer. Put away seasonal decor unless it is an intentional part of the property’s presentation.
What if the property is vacant or not fully ready?
A vacant property still benefits from clean surfaces, working lights and a tidy exterior. If there are access issues or areas you cannot prepare, contact us before the appointment so we can discuss the shoot. Virtual staging can help show the potential of empty rooms.
NVISION 3D · Ottawa & Gatineau
Ready for your next shoot?
Book your real estate media online, or get in touch if you have questions about preparing your property.