Prepping a Home for Listing Photos: A Checklist for Sellers and Agents

Listing photos are the first showing. Most buyers see a home online long before they walk through the door, and the photos decide whether they ever do. The same photographer can produce very different results depending on how the home is prepared. This checklist helps sellers and agents get the house ready, room by room.

A few days before

• [ ] Schedule the shoot for a time when the light is good. Ask your photographer about the best time of day for the home's orientation
• [ ] Deep clean the whole house, including windows, baseboards, and floors
• [ ] Declutter every room and put away what you do not need
• [ ] Make minor repairs: burned-out bulbs, chipped paint, loose handles, leaky faucets
• [ ] Arrange yard work: mow, edge, trim, and clear the beds
• [ ] Ask the photographer if they have specific requests or a shot list
• [ ] Plan for pets and people. Arrange for pets to be elsewhere and for the house to be empty during the shoot

The morning of the shoot

• [ ] Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light
• [ ] Turn on all the lights, and check that bulbs match in color
• [ ] Turn off ceiling fans so blades are not blurred in photos
• [ ] Make beds with tight, neat bedding
• [ ] Do a final sweep of floors and surfaces
• [ ] Take out the trash and hide bins
• [ ] Move cars from the driveway and the street in front of the house

Entryway and living areas

• [ ] Clear the entry of shoes, coats, and clutter
• [ ] Remove excess furniture so rooms feel spacious
• [ ] Straighten pillows and throws
• [ ] Clear coffee tables and surfaces, leaving one or two simple accents
• [ ] Hide cords and remotes
• [ ] Remove personal photos and collections
• [ ] Turn off the TV, or set it to a neutral screen

Kitchen

• [ ] Clear counters of small appliances, mail, dish soap, and sponges
• [ ] Leave a few simple items, such as a bowl of fruit or a plant
• [ ] Wipe appliances and the sink until they shine
• [ ] Clear the refrigerator front of magnets and papers
• [ ] Put away dish towels and clean the stovetop

Bathrooms

• [ ] Clear counters of toiletries
• [ ] Put toilet seats down
• [ ] Hide bath mats, bins, and cleaning supplies
• [ ] Replace old towels with fresh, coordinated ones, neatly folded
• [ ] Clean mirrors and fixtures, and open shower curtains or doors

Bedrooms

• [ ] Make the bed with clean, wrinkle-free linens
• [ ] Clear nightstands and floors
• [ ] Hide laundry and personal items
• [ ] Keep closets tidy, since photographers sometimes show them
• [ ] Remove extra furniture that crowds the room

Home office, flex spaces, and extras

• [ ] Show a clear purpose for each room, such as an office, gym, or playroom
• [ ] Clear desktops and put away toys
• [ ] Tidy garages, basements, and laundry rooms if they will be photographed

Outdoor spaces

• [ ] Sweep patios and decks
• [ ] Arrange outdoor furniture neatly
• [ ] Clean the pool and remove pool toys and equipment
• [ ] Put away hoses, tools, and trash cans
• [ ] Add fresh plants or flowers for color
• [ ] Remove yard signs and decorations that distract

Curb appeal

• [ ] Clean the front door, house numbers, and windows
• [ ] Power wash driveways, walkways, and siding if needed
• [ ] Refresh mulch and trim hedges
• [ ] Put away hoses and garden tools
• [ ] Place a clean, simple welcome mat

What to avoid

• Strong personal items such as religious or political items, family photos, and collections
• Clutter on counters and floors
• Strong odors, since the photographer and later buyers will notice
• Pets in photos, unless requested
• Last-minute decorating changes that do not suit the home

Agent tips

• Give sellers a printed checklist a week ahead
• Walk through the home yourself the day before
• Communicate with your photographer about priorities and special features
• Be present at the shoot, if possible, to help with last-minute adjustments

Why this matters

A few hours of preparation can make the difference between photos that attract showings and ones that get scrolled past. If you are paying for professional media, preparation helps you get the most from it. Our real estate media and marketing service covers photography, drone video, 360 tours, and listing promotion.

Frequently asked questions

What to do next

For a quick look at how your overall marketing stacks up, try our free AI Marketing Scorecard. If you want listing media and promotion, book a free strategy call.