How to Prep a Home for Real Estate Photos: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Agents: this page is meant to be texted straight to your sellers the day before the shoot. Staging isn't required, but a clean, decluttered, fully lit home photographs noticeably better, and it shortens the shoot.

Outside

Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house. Put trash and recycling bins out of sight. Put away hoses, toys and yard tools. Mow and sweep the walkways if there's time. Open garage doors should be closed.

Throughout the house

Turn on every light, including lamps and under-cabinet lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs. Open blinds and curtains evenly. Turn off ceiling fans and TVs. Put away pet bowls, beds and litter boxes.

Kitchen

Clear the counters almost completely: put away the dish rack, sponges, small appliances, magnets and papers on the fridge. One bowl of fruit or a plant is plenty.

Bathrooms

Remove toiletries, razors, toothbrushes and bath mats from view. Close toilet lids. Hang clean, matching towels or none at all. Remove products from the shower.

Bedrooms and living areas

Make the beds neatly. Clear nightstands to a lamp and maybe one book. Put away laundry, chargers and cords. Tidy throw pillows and blankets. Remove personal photos if the seller prefers privacy.

Occupied homes are fine

Occupied homes are photographed all the time. Small items can be tidied on site, and room cleanup or item removal editing is available afterward when something can't be moved.

Have questions about a specific property? Text 509-828-5568 before the shoot.