Our Process
How we prepare a property for sale.
A structured, considered approach that transforms lived-in spaces into properties that create genuine emotional connection at first sight — online and in person.
A structured, considered approach that transforms lived-in spaces into properties that create genuine emotional connection at first sight — online and in person.
Every engagement begins with a conversation. You contact us with details about your property — its size, current condition, your timeline, and your sale objectives. We ask specific questions about the property's layout, current furnishing, and what has already been done to prepare it.
This initial exchange allows us to understand whether the property is suited to our services and to give you a realistic sense of what preparation will involve. We do not offer one-size packages — every property is assessed on its own terms.
We visit the property in person before any preparation begins. During this visit, we walk through every room systematically — noting what works, what doesn't, what needs to be removed, what can be repositioned, and what we will bring from our own inventory.
We pay particular attention to how each space reads from the angles most commonly used in property photography. A room that feels comfortable to live in may read very differently through a wide-angle lens — we account for that from the beginning.
Following the assessment visit, we prepare a detailed preparation brief outlining our recommendations and a proposed timeline for the preparation day and photography session.
The preparation day is where the transformation happens. Our team arrives with our inventory — soft furnishings, accessories, decorative elements, and lighting equipment — and works systematically through the property according to the preparation brief.
Existing furniture is repositioned to create better flow, proportion, and photographic angles. We work with what is there — supplementing where necessary.
Personal items, excess objects, and visual noise are removed from view. We create space for the buyer's imagination.
Carefully selected neutral accessories and soft furnishings from our inventory are introduced to add warmth and visual interest without personalising the space.
Every room's lighting is assessed and adjusted. Natural light is maximised. Artificial lighting is balanced to create warmth without harshness.
We coordinate the photography session directly and are present throughout. This is a critical part of our service — the photographs are the primary deliverable that reaches buyers, and we ensure the environment is managed properly during the shoot.
We work with professional property photographers and manage the session environment: adjusting elements between shots, managing light, and ensuring each room is captured at its best. The photographer focuses on their craft; we manage everything else.
After the photography session, the property is handed back to the owner and their agent in presentation condition. We provide guidance on how to maintain the staged presentation between viewings — which elements to keep in place, how to prepare for each appointment, and what to do if the property is being lived in during the sale process.
Our role ends here. We do not sell or broker real estate. The agent takes over with a property that is positioned to attract engaged buyers and serious offers.
Crystal Indexarium is not a real estate agency and does not hold or seek any brokerage licence. We do not advise on pricing, negotiate with buyers, or manage the sale process. These responsibilities belong to the agent.
Our role is specific and bounded: we prepare the physical property so that it presents at its best in photographs and at viewings. That clarity of role is what allows us to do it well.
We are available to assess properties across Lisbon and Porto. Contact us to begin the conversation.
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