Plan for about 60–90 minutes of prep the evening before. The biggest single win: clear surfaces and put clutter away. Editing can clean up small items, but a well-prepared home always beats one that needs heavy post-production.
Residential Homes on Acreage Short-Term Rental Lots & Parcels Farm & Ranch Commercial
Exterior Lawn & landscaping Mow and edge the lawnIdeally the day before, not the morning of, to avoid clipping marks. Rake leaves, clear debris, and remove dead plants or wilted flowers Trim bushes or shrubs that block the facade or windows Blow or sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio Pull visible weeds from beds and hardscape cracks Entry & facade Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front curb Trash and recycling bins, hoses, and yard tools out of view Wipe down the front door and clean exterior light fixtures Remove worn or faded doormats, or swap in a clean one Clean visible windows from outside — smudges show on wide-angle shots Access & logistics Lockbox code or access instructions in your booking notes Gate codes or entry instructions sent to Craig before shoot day Pets secured, crated, or off the property for the shoot
Interior Lighting — the most important interior step Turn on every light: overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet, everything Replace burnt-out bulbs and match color temperature (all warm or all cool) Open blinds and curtains, unless the view outside is unflattering Ceiling fans and TVs off Every room Declutter flat surfaces: counters, tables, shelves, window sills Hide power cords, chargers, and extension cords Remove personal photos if the seller prefers anonymity Pet bowls, beds, toys, and leashes put away Trash cans out of view Close closet and pantry doors unless the space is a selling feature Set the A/C comfortably — doors will be opening and closing Kitchen Clear countertops: small appliances, dish racks, paper towels, soap One or two styled items are fine — fruit bowl, cookbook, small plant Clean the stovetop and wipe appliance fronts (stainless shows fingerprints) Clear the fridge face — magnets, photos, calendars Empty the sink; dish soap, sponges, and drying racks under the sink Bathrooms Clear counters: toothbrushes, soap, razors, hairdryers, personal items Toilet lids down Fresh, neatly folded towels — a matching set looks best Remove worn or mismatched bath mats Clean mirrors and water spots on shower glass Bedrooms Beds made hotel-style: smooth, crisp, centered pillows Nightstands down to one or two items Nothing on the floor — shoes, laundry, boxes Window treatments pulled evenly and symmetrically Living & dining Fluff and arrange sofa and accent pillows Dining table clear; a simple centerpiece is fine Dining chairs pushed in evenly Floors clear of toys, boxes, and extra furniture Gas fireplace on Garage (if photographed) Vehicles out Floor swept; items pushed to the walls or removed Garage lights on
Pool, patio & outdoor living Skim the pool and turn on water features — fountains, waterfalls, spillways Pool and spa lights on if shooting at or near dusk Patio furniture square to tables, loungers parallel Outdoor kitchen clear of personal items, grill covers, and propane tanks Pool toys, floats, cleaning gear, and chemical jugs out of view Pool hoses and vacuum lines rolled up and stored
Floor plan & 3D tour (CubiCasa floor plan, Zillow, or Matterport) Every room unlocked and reachable: closets, laundry, garage, and bonus rooms are all measured for the floor plan Interior doors open, including closets you want in the tour No one moving through the rooms during the scan (the 360 camera captures everyone) Mirrors and glass cleaned; reflective clutter put away Pets fully off-site, not just crated Booked both a Zillow tour and a CubiCasa plan? Allow about 15 more minutes on site
If an onsite twilight or dawn/dusk shoot is booked Every interior light on before dusk — lamps included Blinds and curtains open at dusk so the windows glow Landscape, pool, and spa lights on Vehicles gone from the driveway and curb
Exterior Lawn & landscaping Mow and edge the lawnIdeally the day before, not the morning of, to avoid clipping marks. Rake leaves, clear debris, and remove dead plants or wilted flowers Trim bushes or shrubs that block the facade or windows Blow or sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio Pull visible weeds from beds and hardscape cracks Entry & facade Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front curb Trash and recycling bins, hoses, and yard tools out of view Wipe down the front door and clean exterior light fixtures Remove worn or faded doormats, or swap in a clean one Clean visible windows from outside — smudges show on wide-angle shots Access & logistics Lockbox code or access instructions in your booking notes Gate codes or entry instructions sent to Craig before shoot day Pets secured, crated, or off the property for the shoot
Interior Lighting — the most important interior step Turn on every light: overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet, everything Replace burnt-out bulbs and match color temperature (all warm or all cool) Open blinds and curtains, unless the view outside is unflattering Ceiling fans and TVs off Every room Declutter flat surfaces: counters, tables, shelves, window sills Hide power cords, chargers, and extension cords Remove personal photos if the seller prefers anonymity Pet bowls, beds, toys, and leashes put away Trash cans out of view Close closet and pantry doors unless the space is a selling feature Set the A/C comfortably — doors will be opening and closing Kitchen Clear countertops: small appliances, dish racks, paper towels, soap One or two styled items are fine — fruit bowl, cookbook, small plant Clean the stovetop and wipe appliance fronts (stainless shows fingerprints) Clear the fridge face — magnets, photos, calendars Empty the sink; dish soap, sponges, and drying racks under the sink Bathrooms Clear counters: toothbrushes, soap, razors, hairdryers, personal items Toilet lids down Fresh, neatly folded towels — a matching set looks best Remove worn or mismatched bath mats Clean mirrors and water spots on shower glass Bedrooms Beds made hotel-style: smooth, crisp, centered pillows Nightstands down to one or two items Nothing on the floor — shoes, laundry, boxes Window treatments pulled evenly and symmetrically Living & dining Fluff and arrange sofa and accent pillows Dining table clear; a simple centerpiece is fine Dining chairs pushed in evenly Floors clear of toys, boxes, and extra furniture Gas fireplace on Garage (if photographed) Vehicles out Floor swept; items pushed to the walls or removed Garage lights on
Pool, patio & outdoor living Skim the pool and turn on water features — fountains, waterfalls, spillways Pool and spa lights on if shooting at or near dusk Patio furniture square to tables, loungers parallel Outdoor kitchen clear of personal items, grill covers, and propane tanks Pool toys, floats, cleaning gear, and chemical jugs out of view Pool hoses and vacuum lines rolled up and stored
Homes on Acreage — additional prep Grounds & equipment Tractors, ATVs, farm equipment, and work trucks away from the main shooting areasThey can stay if they're a selling feature — just mention it at booking. Gates open or closed as appropriate for the planned shots Entry codes, combination locks, and key locations confirmed Trailers and livestock transport away from the front of the main house Livestock & animals Decide in advance whether livestock should be in shots or out — either is fine Large feeding or water equipment moved if it blocks the view Outbuildings Barn or shop doors open if the interior is a selling feature Debris and clutter cleared around outbuildings
Floor plan & 3D tour (CubiCasa floor plan, Zillow, or Matterport) Every room unlocked and reachable: closets, laundry, garage, and bonus rooms are all measured for the floor plan Interior doors open, including closets you want in the tour No one moving through the rooms during the scan (the 360 camera captures everyone) Mirrors and glass cleaned; reflective clutter put away Pets fully off-site, not just crated Booked both a Zillow tour and a CubiCasa plan? Allow about 15 more minutes on site
If an onsite twilight or dawn/dusk shoot is booked Every interior light on before dusk — lamps included Blinds and curtains open at dusk so the windows glow Landscape, pool, and spa lights on Vehicles gone from the driveway and curb
Exterior Lawn & landscaping Mow and edge the lawnIdeally the day before, not the morning of, to avoid clipping marks. Rake leaves, clear debris, and remove dead plants or wilted flowers Trim bushes or shrubs that block the facade or windows Blow or sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio Pull visible weeds from beds and hardscape cracks Entry & facade Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front curb Trash and recycling bins, hoses, and yard tools out of view Wipe down the front door and clean exterior light fixtures Remove worn or faded doormats, or swap in a clean one Clean visible windows from outside — smudges show on wide-angle shots Access & logistics Lockbox code or access instructions in your booking notes Gate codes or entry instructions sent to Craig before shoot day Pets secured, crated, or off the property for the shoot
Interior Lighting — the most important interior step Turn on every light: overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet, everything Replace burnt-out bulbs and match color temperature (all warm or all cool) Open blinds and curtains, unless the view outside is unflattering Ceiling fans and TVs off Every room Declutter flat surfaces: counters, tables, shelves, window sills Hide power cords, chargers, and extension cords Remove personal photos if the seller prefers anonymity Pet bowls, beds, toys, and leashes put away Trash cans out of view Close closet and pantry doors unless the space is a selling feature Set the A/C comfortably — doors will be opening and closing Kitchen Clear countertops: small appliances, dish racks, paper towels, soap One or two styled items are fine — fruit bowl, cookbook, small plant Clean the stovetop and wipe appliance fronts (stainless shows fingerprints) Clear the fridge face — magnets, photos, calendars Empty the sink; dish soap, sponges, and drying racks under the sink Bathrooms Clear counters: toothbrushes, soap, razors, hairdryers, personal items Toilet lids down Fresh, neatly folded towels — a matching set looks best Remove worn or mismatched bath mats Clean mirrors and water spots on shower glass Bedrooms Beds made hotel-style: smooth, crisp, centered pillows Nightstands down to one or two items Nothing on the floor — shoes, laundry, boxes Window treatments pulled evenly and symmetrically Living & dining Fluff and arrange sofa and accent pillows Dining table clear; a simple centerpiece is fine Dining chairs pushed in evenly Floors clear of toys, boxes, and extra furniture Gas fireplace on Garage (if photographed) Vehicles out Floor swept; items pushed to the walls or removed Garage lights on
Pool, patio & outdoor living Skim the pool and turn on water features — fountains, waterfalls, spillways Pool and spa lights on if shooting at or near dusk Patio furniture square to tables, loungers parallel Outdoor kitchen clear of personal items, grill covers, and propane tanks Pool toys, floats, cleaning gear, and chemical jugs out of view Pool hoses and vacuum lines rolled up and stored
Short-Term Rental — additional prep Staging for a lifestyle feel Coffee station set as if guests just arrived — carafe visible, mugs out Fresh fruit or flowers on the island or dining table Throw blankets arranged naturally on the sofa Outdoor dining set as if guests are about to eat String lights and accent lighting on Guest-experience details Cleaning supplies, paper towels, and welcome packets off the counters Lockboxes, key containers, and access devices hidden Space clean and ready as if guests check in today
If a CubiCasa floor plan is booked Every room unlocked and reachable, including closets, laundry, and any owner's closet guests can see Interior doors open No one moving through the rooms during the scan
If an onsite twilight or dawn/dusk shoot is booked Every interior light on before dusk — lamps included Blinds and curtains open at dusk so the windows glow Landscape, pool, and spa lights on Vehicles gone from the driveway and curb
Exterior Lawn & landscaping Mow and edge the lawnIdeally the day before, not the morning of, to avoid clipping marks. Rake leaves, clear debris, and remove dead plants or wilted flowers Trim bushes or shrubs that block the facade or windows Blow or sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio Pull visible weeds from beds and hardscape cracks Entry & facade Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front curb Trash and recycling bins, hoses, and yard tools out of view Wipe down the front door and clean exterior light fixtures Remove worn or faded doormats, or swap in a clean one Clean visible windows from outside — smudges show on wide-angle shots Access & logistics Lockbox code or access instructions in your booking notes Gate codes or entry instructions sent to Craig before shoot day Pets secured, crated, or off the property for the shoot
Farm & Ranch — additional prep Before shoot day Parcel or plat map sent at bookingIt plans the flight and keeps boundary overlays honest. CAD maps, survey plats, or MLS plats all work. Ranch transport ready — UTV, truck, or ranch vehicle for the back pasture, far tanks, and fence lines Golden-hour timing agreed with Craig — large ranches are shot to the light Gate combinations and access instructions confirmed On-site contact (manager or rancher) knows the shoot time Grounds & improvements Equipment and work trucks away from the headquarters and main viewsLeave anything that's a selling feature — mention it at booking. Barns, pens, arenas, and shops open and tidy if they're selling features Hunting features — blinds, feeders, tanks, wells — accessible and noted for coverage Decide whether livestock should be in shots or out
Interior Lighting — the most important interior step Turn on every light: overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet, everything Replace burnt-out bulbs and match color temperature (all warm or all cool) Open blinds and curtains, unless the view outside is unflattering Ceiling fans and TVs off Every room Declutter flat surfaces: counters, tables, shelves, window sills Hide power cords, chargers, and extension cords Remove personal photos if the seller prefers anonymity Pet bowls, beds, toys, and leashes put away Trash cans out of view Close closet and pantry doors unless the space is a selling feature Set the A/C comfortably — doors will be opening and closing Kitchen Clear countertops: small appliances, dish racks, paper towels, soap One or two styled items are fine — fruit bowl, cookbook, small plant Clean the stovetop and wipe appliance fronts (stainless shows fingerprints) Clear the fridge face — magnets, photos, calendars Empty the sink; dish soap, sponges, and drying racks under the sink Bathrooms Clear counters: toothbrushes, soap, razors, hairdryers, personal items Toilet lids down Fresh, neatly folded towels — a matching set looks best Remove worn or mismatched bath mats Clean mirrors and water spots on shower glass Bedrooms Beds made hotel-style: smooth, crisp, centered pillows Nightstands down to one or two items Nothing on the floor — shoes, laundry, boxes Window treatments pulled evenly and symmetrically Living & dining Fluff and arrange sofa and accent pillows Dining table clear; a simple centerpiece is fine Dining chairs pushed in evenly Floors clear of toys, boxes, and extra furniture Gas fireplace on Garage (if photographed) Vehicles out Floor swept; items pushed to the walls or removed Garage lights on
Floor plan & 3D tour (CubiCasa floor plan, Zillow, or Matterport) Every room unlocked and reachable: closets, laundry, garage, and bonus rooms are all measured for the floor plan Interior doors open, including closets you want in the tour No one moving through the rooms during the scan (the 360 camera captures everyone) Mirrors and glass cleaned; reflective clutter put away Pets fully off-site, not just crated Booked both a Zillow tour and a CubiCasa plan? Allow about 15 more minutes on site
If an onsite twilight or dawn/dusk shoot is booked Every interior light on before dusk — lamps included Blinds and curtains open at dusk so the windows glow Landscape, pool, and spa lights on Vehicles gone from the driveway and curb
Commercial Access & compliance Building access, escort, and after-hours arrangements confirmed with property management Certificate of insurance requested in advance if the building requires one Tenants notified of the shoot time in occupied spaces Alarm codes or badge access arranged Rooftop, parking-structure, or airspace restrictions flagged at bookingControlled-airspace sites need FAA LAANC authorization, requested with your quote. On-site contact (property manager) knows the shoot time Exterior Frontage and entry parking cleared of vehicles where possible Signage lit and clean Dumpsters and loading areas tidy, gates closed Entry walkways swept, landscaping trimmed Interior All lights on, including suite and hallway fixtures Reception, desks, and counters clear of personal items and paperwork Blinds set to a consistent height across windows Vacant suites swept; boxes and debris removed Screens off or showing neutral content
If a Matterport tour is booked Interior doors open, including offices and suites you want in the tour No one moving through the space during the scan — the camera captures everyone Mirrors and glass cleaned; reflective clutter put away Day of. Craig arrives within 15 minutes of the confirmed start time in your updated calendar invite. If anything changes or access is an issue, call or text (210) 639-7195. Most residential shoots take 1–2 hours; homes on acreage and ranches 2–4 hours; lots and parcels 45–90 minutes; commercial is scoped in your quote.
Need to reschedule? Reschedule or cancel with the link in your confirmation email, or call or text (210) 639-7195 — free up to 24 hours before the shoot. Changes under 24 hours: $75, whether online or by phone. Same-day cancellation or no-show: billed at 50% of the package. Weather on the drone portion reschedules free. If Craig adjusts your time and it doesn't work for you, changing it is free.
Can’t get to everything? The Clean-Up bundle ($79) digitally de-clutters up to 10 images, or de-clutter single images at $9 each — add either at booking or after delivery. Booking a community amenity shoot? The HOA or community manager needs the spaces clean, arranged, and clear of residents at shoot time —
details .