Preparing Your Home for Professional Photos
Professional photography is your home’s first showing. In today’s market, most buyers make a decision to step inside or keep scrolling within seconds of viewing your listing online.
The goal here is simple: We want clear lines, bright light, and a neutral environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Use the checklist below to help us present your home at its absolute best.
Inside the Home
- Declutter Countertops: Clear all kitchen and bathroom counters completely. Less clutter creates a sense of space and organization.
- Deep Clean: Dust every surface and vacuum all carpets. HD camera lenses catch details that the naked eye often misses.
- Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Make all beds tight. Fluff your pillows. Remove all personal items (shampoos, loofahs, etc.) from the shower and bathtub. Display fresh, clean guest towels.
- The Fridge: Remove all magnets, notepads, and photos from the exterior of the refrigerator.
- Lighting: Check every lightbulb in the house. Replace any that are burnt out so we can maintain consistent lighting throughout.
- Personalization: Temporarily remove personal family photos and potentially polarizing artwork. We want the buyer to focus on the home, not the current owner.
- Add Warmth: Consider a fresh flower arrangement or two to brighten up common areas.
Outside the Home
- Landscaping: Mow the grass, edge the walkways, and trim back shrubs.
- Clear the Area: Hide all garbage cans, hoses, gardening tools, and children’s toys.
- Pool & Patio: Remove all pool cleaning tools and covers. Open patio umbrellas and uncover the grill.
- Add Color: A pot of bright flowers on the porch or patio creates a welcoming entrance.
- Lights: Ensure all landscape and exterior lights are functioning.
Right Before the Photographer Arrives
This is “Game Day” preparation. Taking these final steps creates the polished, professional look that stands out in online search results.
- Hide the Trash: Move all trash cans out of sight—inside and out. This creates cleaner lines and makes bathrooms look larger.
- The Details: Put all toilet seats and lids down.
- Set the Scene: Turn on all interior lights, including lamps and cabinet lighting. Turn ceiling fans off. Open all blinds, shades, and curtains to let natural light in.
- Ambience: If the weather allows, light fireplaces and candles.
- Clear the View: Remove all cars from the garage, driveway, and the street directly in front of the home. Park down the street to give the photographer a clear, unobstructed angle of your home.
- Pet Management: Plan for all pets, food bowls, beds, and litter boxes to be completely removed from the home during the shoot.
Preparing a home for the market is work, but it is an investment in your final sale price. My job is to guide you through the details, so you can stay focused on your next move.
If you have questions about how a specific room should look or need help with a staging strategy, just ask!
