Real Estate Prep

Most of these tips are common sense, but a checklist can be a helpful reminder. When preparing for listing photos, remember that your home is becoming a product.

At a minimum, the property should be clean and organized. Decluttering countertops and tidying up can make a home feel more open and inviting.

INTERIOR:

A blue two-seater sofa with wide armrests and wooden legs.

  • Depersonalize home by removing photos, names, and seasonal decor

  • Remove excess furnishings, knick-knacks, and visible bins (trash, recycling, laundry)

  • Store portable fans, heaters, and AC units

  • Turn off screens and put away remotes, chargers, and electronics

LIVING SPACES

Colorful cartoon-style window with blue frame and four glass panes.

LIGHTING | WINDOWS

  • Replace burned-out bulbs with matching color temperature

  • Turn on all interior lights and turn off ceiling fans

  • Open blinds and shutters evenly; fully open vertical blinds

  • Clean windows for a clear view

A simple digital illustration of a kitchen stove with an oven, four drawers, and a range hood above.

  • Put away all dishes, cookware, and food

  • Clear countertops and dining surfaces

  • Remove all photos and magnets from the refrigerator

  • Hide soaps, towels, drying racks, and rugs

KITCHEN

Icon of a bed with a headboard and two pillows, drawn in blue on a black background.

  • Make beds and remove visible items under them

  • Put away clothing, laundry, and shoes.

  • Declutter bedside tables (no drinks, meds, or personal items)

  • Tidy any walk-in closets

  • Put away all toys, books, and games

BEDROOMS

Icon of a bathtub with a showerhead spraying water.

  • Put toilet seat lids down

  • Clean mirrors and shower doors

  • Remove personal toiletries from countertops

  • Hide toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets

BATHROOMS

Blue paw print on black background.

  • Temporarily hide pet bowls, toys, beds, litter boxes

  • Crate pets out of sight or take them for a walk during the shoot

  • Ensure fish tanks are clean

  • Clean up all pet waste from the yard

Pets

EXTERIOR:

A stylized graphic of a blue cactus with multiple branches behind a blue picket fence, set against a black background.

  • Trim plants and clean flower beds

  • Sweep walkways

  • Store refuse bins out of site (in the garage works well)

  • Put away tools, lawn equipment, toys, bikes, etc

  • Remove any seasonal decor

  • Clean BBQ grill and store accessories

  • Uncover fire pits

YARD

Line drawing of a blue sofa.

  • Ensure the entry mat is clean and in good condition

  • Clean and straighten outdoor furniture

  • Remove decorations from the door

  • Sweep the porch and entryway

FRONT DOOR | PORCH

Simple blue line drawing of a car's front view with headlights, windshield, and side mirrors.

  • Close the garage door

  • DO NOT wet the driveway

  • Park vehicles away from the house or inside the garage

  • Ensure house numbers are in good condition

VEHICLES | GARAGE

Illustration of two palm trees at the edges of a swimming pool with water in the center, set against a black background.

  • Ensure the pool and spa are clean

  • Remove covers, floating chlorine dispensers, and pool sweeps

  • Put away pool toys and accessories

  • Turn on pool light(s), waterfalls, and spa bubbles

  • Arrange patio furniture neatly around the pool area

  • Open any umbrellas

POOL | SPA

NOTES:

  • We do not photograph inside closets, unfinished areas, garages, or storage sheds unless specifically requested by the agent. These spaces can be used to store personal items out of sight during the shoot.

  • The inside of the oven and microwave are great temporary storage spots for kitchen items to keep them out of sight for listing photos.

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