Free Pre-Photo Checklist
Getting Your Home Photo-Ready
Getting a home ready to sell is a lot of work, and photo day can feel like one more big thing on the list. Take a breath. It doesn't have to be perfect. These are the small things that make the biggest difference in your listing photos. Every item you check off helps your home look its very best.
Agents: feel free to send this to your sellers before every shoot.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Clear the kitchen counters. Tuck away small appliances, dish racks, sponges and soap. One or two decorative pieces are plenty.
- Clear off the fridge. Magnets, photos, kids' artwork and calendars can go in a drawer for the day.
- Clear bathroom counters, tubs and showers. Shampoo, soap, razors and toothbrushes fit nicely in a small bin under the sink.
- Give mirrors and fixtures a quick wipe, hang a fresh towel or two, and put the toilet lids down.
Lighting
- Replace burned-out bulbs inside and out. One dark lamp stands out more than you'd think.
- Turn on every light before we arrive: ceiling lights, lamps, under-cabinet and porch lights.
- Open blinds and curtains to let in as much daylight as possible.
- Turn off ceiling fans, TVs and computer screens. Moving blades and bright screens blur in photos.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Make every bed, including guest and kids' rooms. A smooth comforter and a couple of pillows go a long way.
- Clear nightstands and dressers down to a lamp and maybe one small decor piece.
- Put away family photos, mail and paperwork so buyers can picture their own life in the home.
- Tuck shoes, jackets and backpacks into closets.
- Pick up floor mats and runners in the kitchen, bathrooms and entry. They make floors look smaller on camera.
- Thin out extra furniture and decor so rooms feel open. Not sure what to move? Your agent can help you decide.
Your Pets
We know they're family. For photo day, the goal is for the house to look like they're away on a little vacation.
- Take pets out of the house during the shoot, or plan for a friend to watch them.
- Put away food and water bowls, beds, toys, crates, cages and litter boxes.
- Clean up pet hair and freshen the spots they love to lounge. We all get used to familiar smells, so a friend's nose can help.
Outside
- Mow, trim and tidy the yard. Coil up hoses and put away kids' toys and tools.
- Sweep the porch, patio and deck and clear away leaves and cobwebs.
- Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house, including the street if you can.
- Hide trash cans, recycling bins and yard equipment in the garage or around the side of the house.
- Take the cover off the grill and open any patio umbrellas.
On Photo Day
- Plan to step out for a bit. Shoots go faster and feel less stressful when we have the house to ourselves. Grab a coffee while we get to work.
- Won't be home? Make sure your agent has lockbox or lock-up instructions, so the house is secure when we leave.
- Do a quick final walk-through to turn on lights and open blinds before you head out.
You've likely spent weeks cleaning, fixing and packing to get here. These last few steps help all that hard work show up in your photos, and your photos are often the very first impression buyers have of your home. Thank you for trusting us with it. Your finished photos will be ready by 10 a.m. the next day.