Professional Home Preparation Checklist for Real Estate Photography

Before Your Appointment

The goal of preparing your home is not to make it look like you do not live there. The goal is to create a clean, spacious, and inviting environment where buyers can imagine themselves living.

Before your appointment, focus on these important areas:

• Remove unnecessary clutter from counters, tables, and shelves.

• Put away personal photographs and highly personal items.

• Remove garbage bins and cleaning supplies from visible areas.

• Hide cords, chargers, pet supplies, and everyday items.

• Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.

• Complete all cleaning before the appointment.

Kitchen Preparation

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home and often receives significant attention from buyers.

Before photography:

• Clear countertops as much as possible.

• Store small appliances that are not used for decoration.

• Remove dish soap, sponges, and drying racks.

• Clean stainless steel appliances.

• Remove magnets, notes, and artwork from the refrigerator.

• Ensure the sink is empty and clean.

Living Rooms & Family Areas

Living spaces should feel comfortable, bright, and spacious.

Before photography:

• Arrange pillows and straighten furniture.

• Remove remote controls, papers, toys, and clutter.

• Organize bookshelves and entertainment areas.

• Vacuum floors and clean visible surfaces.

• Remove excessive decorations that make the space feel crowded.

Dining Areas

Create a clean and welcoming space for buyers to imagine gathering with family and friends.

Before photography:

• Clear unnecessary items from the dining table.

• Straighten chairs and table settings.

• Remove children's items, paperwork, and clutter nearby.

• Add simple decorative touches if appropriate.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should feel calm, spacious, and inviting.

Before photography:

• Make all beds neatly.

• Remove clothing, laundry baskets, and personal items.

• Clear nightstands and dressers.

• Hide chargers, tissues, and everyday items.

• Ensure closets are reasonably organized if they may be photographed.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should feel like a clean, spa-like retreat.

Before photography:

• Remove toiletries, toothbrushes, and personal care products.

• Remove bath mats if they make the space feel smaller.

• Hang fresh, neatly folded towels.

• Close toilet lids.

• Clean mirrors, glass, and fixtures.

Laundry Room, Storage Areas & Garage

These areas may also be photographed, especially if they are finished or offer valuable storage space.

Before photography:

• Remove cleaning supplies and clutter.

• Organize shelves and storage areas.

• Put away tools, equipment, and loose items.

• Sweep floors and tidy visible surfaces.

Exterior Preparation

The outside of your home creates the first impression for potential buyers.

Before photography:

• Move vehicles away from the driveway and in front of the home.

• Remove garbage and recycling bins.

• Store garden hoses, tools, and outdoor equipment.

• Sweep sidewalks, decks, and patios.

• Arrange outdoor furniture.

• Mow the lawn and remove seasonal debris when possible.

Pets & Family Preparation

I love pets, but they can sometimes make photography more difficult.

Before the appointment:

• Remove pet beds, food dishes, toys, and litter boxes.

• Arrange for pets to be outside the home or in a room that has already been photographed if possible.

• Plan for children to avoid rooms while they are being photographed.