Help the property look ready before the appointment.
Your Realtor sent you this guide to make preparation easier. Work through the highest-impact details first, then use the room-by-room checklist for a calm, organized photography day.
For sellers and Realtors · Clear priorities · Easy to print or share
Start with what buyers notice first.
The home does not need to look empty or staged beyond recognition. Clean surfaces, open pathways and fewer everyday distractions let the property—not the clutter—lead the photographs.
Your complete preparation checklist.
Use the boxes for a final walkthrough. Your Realtor can confirm which rooms and exterior features are included in the appointment.
The day before
Complete the work that is difficult to finish while the photographer is waiting.
- Finish cleaning, minor repairs and touch-ups.
- Clean floors, mirrors, windows and visible surfaces.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs; use consistent light colour where practical.
- Remove excess items from counters, tables, shelves and floors.
- Put away paperwork, medications and sensitive personal items.
- Plan where people, pets and vehicles will be.
The morning of
Give the property one calm reset shortly before the scheduled time.
- Make every bed; straighten pillows, throws, rugs and furniture.
- Put away dishes, toiletries, laundry and last-minute clutter.
- Empty visible garbage bins.
- Open blinds and curtains where helpful.
- Turn on lights; turn off televisions, monitors and ceiling fans.
- Move vehicles and confirm clear, on-time access.
Exterior preparation
Remove avoidable distractions from the front approach and outdoor living areas.
- Move vehicles, trailers and portable equipment away from the front.
- Store garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
- Put away hoses, tools, toys and loose garden items.
- Sweep steps, walkways, decks and patios.
- Arrange outdoor furniture and straighten umbrellas.
- Make gates, garages and key outdoor features accessible.
Kitchen & dining
Keep counters and tables simple so cabinetry, fixtures and circulation read clearly.
- Clear counters except for a few intentional decorative items.
- Store small appliances that add visual clutter.
- Remove dish soap, sponges, drying racks and cleaning products.
- Empty and clean the sink; wipe appliance fronts.
- Remove magnets, notes and calendars from the refrigerator.
- Clear the table and straighten chairs.
Make the space easy to understand.
Preparation should support a clear, attractive and truthful view of the home. It is about reducing distractions—not disguising the property or erasing the reality of living there.
Living spaces
Aim for comfortable, open rooms with a clear purpose.
- Straighten furniture, cushions and throws.
- Remove remotes, cables, papers, toys and everyday clutter.
- Organize bookshelves and entertainment areas.
- Reduce excess décor if the room feels crowded.
- Clean fireplace glass and tidy tools or ash.
- Open clear pathways around furniture and between rooms.
Bedrooms
Let the room size, storage and function remain easy to read.
- Make beds neatly and smooth the bedding.
- Remove clothing, laundry baskets, luggage and loose items.
- Clear nightstands of chargers, tissues, bottles and medications.
- Put away visible items stored under or beside beds.
- Organize feature closets if they may be photographed.
- Tidy children's rooms enough for their function to read clearly.
Bathrooms
Reflective surfaces and tight spaces show clutter quickly.
- Remove toothbrushes, toiletries, medications and care products.
- Clear tubs and showers of bottles, razors and cleaning items.
- Close toilet lids.
- Clean mirrors, glass, counters, fixtures and sinks.
- Hang fresh, neatly arranged towels.
- Empty waste bins; hide brushes, plungers and scales.
Offices, basements & utility areas
These rooms help buyers understand how the property functions.
- Clear desks of private documents, cables and excess equipment.
- Prepare finished basement rooms like main living areas.
- Give multipurpose rooms one easy-to-read function.
- Organize storage, shelving and garages enough to show space.
- Keep panels, furnaces and water heaters safely accessible.
- Do not block entrances or mechanical features.
Pets, people & access
A quiet, accessible property keeps the session safe and efficient.
- Arrange for pets to be off-site when possible, or securely contained.
- Remove pet bowls, beds, toys, cages and litter boxes.
- Keep occupants clear of rooms while photography is underway.
- Confirm address, unit, parking and entry details with the Realtor.
- Disarm alarms and unlock approved gates, garages and rooms.
- Flag tenants, restrictions or access concerns in advance.
Seasonal & winter
Weather affects both presentation and safe access.
- Clear snow and ice from the driveway, walkway and entrance.
- Create safe access to decks, patios, garages and exterior features.
- Move shovels, ice melt, boots and wet mats from the main view.
- Remove dead planters, leaves and windblown debris when practical.
- Prepare pools, hot tubs and outdoor kitchens only if they will be shown.
- Tell the Realtor if weather has hidden an important feature.
What not to hide or misrepresent
Reduce distractions without creating a misleading picture of the property.
- Do not cover visible damage, defects or permanent features just for photographs.
- Do not use temporary furniture or objects to conceal room limitations or building components.
- Do not request removal of permanent fixtures, neighbouring structures or material property conditions.
- Keep room use and scale believable, and tell the Realtor about anything requiring disclosure or special handling.
Keep the concise checklist with you.
Download the printable guide for the final walkthrough, or share this page directly with anyone helping prepare the property.
Frequently asked questions.
Does every room need to be photographed?
The Realtor and selected media plan determine which spaces are needed. Prepare every accessible finished room unless the Realtor has confirmed otherwise.
Should the home be empty during the appointment?
It is usually easiest when occupants and pets are away or remain clear of the rooms being photographed. This avoids interruptions and people appearing in images or reflections.
Should all lights be turned on?
Turn on interior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs before the appointment. Scott may adjust lighting, blinds or curtains as needed for individual rooms.
What if the property is not fully ready?
Prioritize cleaning, clearing counters and floors, making beds, preparing bathrooms, moving vehicles and securing pets. Tell the Realtor before the appointment if preparation or access could delay the session.
Will the photographer move furniture or clean rooms?
Scott may make small adjustments where practical, but the appointment is not scheduled for cleaning, staging or moving heavy furniture. Please have the property ready before arrival.
What should remain in the home?
Keep furnishings and décor that help explain each room, but remove everyday clutter and sensitive personal items. Do not conceal defects or alter the property in a way that could mislead a buyer.
How early should preparation begin?
Start cleaning, repairs, decluttering and exterior work the day before. Use the morning checklist for final details so the property is ready at the scheduled time.
Ready to plan the listing media?
Choose photography and supporting media that fit the property and the launch.