Your Go-To Checklist To Prep For Home Photos

Your photos are going to be seen by many people on the MLS, so making your listing stand out is key! Promote your sale in the best light possible by planning ahead of time for professional photography. Use our go-to home checklist below to prepare for your photos.

Why follow our checklist?

• Less last-minute stress for the homeowner and agent

• Faster photoshoot

• Gorgeous home listing photos

• Homeowner will understand how to prepare the home for showings

• A greater impression for potential buyers

Source: ListerAssister

Part 1 - Inside the Home

• Declutter -

  • Toys

  • Clothing closets

  • Cupboards

  • Towel Closet

  • Shoe racks/closets

• Depersonalize - Stash away photos of family and any potentially offensive art

• Remove seasonal decor - Holiday decorations can quickly out-date your photos

• Clean -

  • Dust

  • Vacuum

  • Wipe down windows

  • Wipe down appliances

  • Floors

  • Mirrors

• Bedrooms -

  • Make the bedding

  • Fluff the pillows

  • Check the bed skirts

• Kitchen -

  • Clear all countertops

  • Empty sink

  • Dishes are put away

  • Store away small appliances

  • Remove all magnets and decorations from the refrigerator

• Bathrooms -

  • Clear all countertops

  • Put away all personal items

  • Put all toilet seats and lids down

• Trash - Hide ALL trash cans

• Pets -

  • Hide food/water bowls

  • Store away pet beds and toys

• Replace all burned out light bulbs

• Considerations -

  • Decorate the tables with your prettiest place settings

  • Put out vases of fresh flowers

Part 2 - Outside the Home

• Lawn trimmed

• Leaves raked

• Prune any bushes or trees

• Add splashes of bright colored flowers to the landscape and in pots

• Clean up after any animals

• Put away -

  • All garbage cans

  • Hoses

  • Garden tools

  • Toys

  • Bikes

  • Yard decorations

  • Seasonal/holiday decorations

• Uncover and clean - pool, hot tub, or spa

• Replace any broken lighting on the home, around the landscape, and in the pool

• Open the umbrellas on any patio sets

• Uncover grills

• Wash windows and home siding

Part 3 - Right Before the Photographer Arrives

• Turn on ALL interior lights – even lights in furniture cabinets, lamps, etc.

• Turn OFF all ceiling fans

• Open all blinds, shades, and curtains - let natural light in

• Make sure the pool lights are on

• Keep the pool cleaner in the pool

• Clear all vehicles from the driveway and street

• Secure animals in a safe location - away from all rooms being photographed

Questions about any of the above items or something that we didn’t cover? We’re here to help, so reach out to us at any time if there is anything else that should be added or changed. But, if you’re ready to schedule your home photos, let us know! We’re on it!