How to Prep Your Home for Listing Photos
Most buyers in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco see a home online before they ever see it in person, so an hour of prep before photo day pays off in every listing photo. Great photography shows a home at its best, but it can't hide clutter, burned-out bulbs or a dog bed in the living room.
Here's what we ask sellers to do before we arrive. It's the same list as our free Pre-Photo Checklist, so agents can print it and hand it to sellers at the listing appointment.
Room by room
The goal is simple: clear surfaces, open spaces, and nothing personal that pulls a buyer's eye away from the home itself.
Kitchen
Clear the counters except for one or two decorative pieces.
Put away dish racks, sponges, soap bottles, paper towels and small appliances.
Take magnets, photos and papers off the fridge.
Hide trash cans and pet bowls.
Bathrooms
Remove toiletries, razors and toothbrushes from counters and the shower.
Close toilet lids.
Hang clean, matching towels, or remove towels entirely.
Take bath mats and toilet rugs out of the room.
Bedrooms
Make the beds with smooth, neutral bedding.
Clear nightstands down to a lamp and maybe one book.
Put away clothes, shoes, laundry baskets and anything under the bed that shows.
Living areas
Remove extra throw blankets, toys, remotes and stacks of mail.
Tuck away cords and chargers where you can.
Put away family photos and religious or political items so buyers can picture themselves in the space.
Lighting, pets and the outside
Lighting
Replace burned-out bulbs, and try to match bulb colors within each room.
Open blinds and curtains so natural light comes in.
Turn off ceiling fans so they don't blur in the photos.
Pets
Plan for pets to be out of the house or crated during the shoot.
Put away pet beds, bowls, toys and litter boxes.
Pick up the yard before we arrive.
Outside
Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
Put trash and recycling bins out of sight.
Mow, rake and sweep the walks and porch.
Put away hoses, tools and kids' toys, and close the garage door.
Tidy the patio furniture and take covers off the grill and outdoor furniture.
On photo day
Finish prep before we arrive, so the shoot can start right on time.
Turn on every light in the house, including lamps and under-cabinet lights.
Plan to step out, or stay in one spot we'll photograph last. Most homes take about an hour.
Don't worry about the sky or a dark TV screen. Blue-sky replacement and TV and fireplace touch-ups are included at no extra charge.
Your photos, plus any video, drone, 3D tour or floor plan you ordered, are delivered by 10 a.m. the next day.
Ready to book?
Download the free Pre-Photo Checklist to share with your sellers, then view packages and book online. Listing photos start at $165, and pay-at-close is available for qualified agents.