Getting Ready for Photos
A simple guide to help your home feel clean, bright, spacious, and ready to shine online.
Before Photo Day
Professional photos are one of the most important parts of launching your listing. The goal is not to make your home feel empty — it is to help each space feel calm, clean, bright, and easy for buyers to picture themselves in.
Focus on reducing visual clutter, clearing surfaces, tucking away personal items, and making sure each room has a clear purpose.
Quick Prep List
Kitchen
□ Clear counters as much as possible
□ Put away small appliances
□ Remove fridge magnets and papers
□ Hide garbage and recycling bins
□ Wipe counters, sink, and appliances
Bathrooms
□ Clear counters
□ Remove daily-use items
□ Hide shampoo and shower products
□ Use fresh towels
□ Close toilet lids
Bedrooms
□ Make beds neatly
□ Keep bedding smooth and simple
□ Clear bedside tables
□ Put laundry away
□ Remove personal items where possible
Living Areas
□ Tidy pillows and throws
□ Hide remote controls and cords
□ Remove extra baskets and clutter
□ Clear coffee tables
□ Open blinds and curtains
Entry & Storage
□ Put away shoes and coats
□ Tidy closets if they will be photographed
□ Remove excess hooks/items
□ Clear hallways
□ Make entrances feel open and welcoming
Exterior
□ Sweep decks and walkways
□ Tidy outdoor furniture
□ Mow or trim yard areas if needed
□ Hide hoses, tools, and bins
□ Park vehicles away from the front
Small Details That Make a Big Difference
Less is usually more. A few simple touches can help the property feel polished without feeling overly staged.
Keep It Neutral
Simple bedding, fresh towels, and calm surfaces photograph best.
Create Clear Purpose
Each room should clearly show how the space can be used.
Light Matters
Open blinds and curtains, and make sure all light bulbs are working.
Make the Lifestyle Easy to See
If your property has outdoor living areas, gardens, views, lake access, a workshop, garage, dock, patio, deck, or entertaining space, these areas are worth extra attention. They often become key selling features.
□ Set up patio furniture neatly
□ Wipe outdoor tables and railings if needed
□ Remove loose hoses, tools, tarps, and extra storage items
□ Tidy docks, decks, beaches, fire pits, gardens, sheds, and workshop areas
□ Put away extra water toys unless they add to the lifestyle feel
□ Make bars, games rooms, outdoor seating, and entertaining areas feel intentional
□ If weather allows, open clean umbrellas and arrange cushions neatly
Before the Photographer Arrives
Please make sure all spaces we want photographed are unlocked and accessible, including garages, sheds, utility rooms, storage areas, decks, workshops, and any special features.
If there are features you especially want highlighted, please let us know before photo day so we can make sure they are captured properly.
Email Jen with Feature Notes