What should I do to prepare my home before the photographer arrives?
Getting your home ready before the photographer arrives is one of the easiest ways to make sure your listing stands out. As someone who works with sellers every week, I can tell you—those little touches make a big difference in how buyers feel when they scroll through your photos.
Here’s a simple, stress‑free checklist to help you get your home photo‑ready.
Declutter like you’re hosting company
You don’t need to empty the house—just remove anything that distracts the eye. Clear off countertops, nightstands, coffee tables, and bathroom vanities. Think “clean, calm, and spacious.”
Hide personal items
Photos should help buyers imagine their life in the home. Tuck away family photos, paperwork, pet items, and anything overly personal.
Do a quick deep clean
A freshly cleaned home photographs beautifully. Dust, vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and give mirrors and windows a quick polish so they sparkle.
Light it up
Open all blinds and curtains. Turn on every light—even lamps. Photographers love bright spaces, and natural light makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.
Stage each room with purpose
You don’t need professional staging, just intentional placement. Fluff pillows, fold throws neatly, straighten chairs, and make beds hotel‑tight. A little styling goes a long way.
Remove seasonal décor
Buyers viewing photos weeks later shouldn’t be able to tell it was taken in December or July. Neutral is timeless.
Tidy up the kitchen
Clear the fridge of magnets, hide dish racks, remove trash bins, and put away small appliances if possible. Kitchens are a major selling point—make yours shine.
Make bathrooms spotless
Put away toiletries, close toilet lids, hang fresh towels, and remove bath mats. Clean bathrooms photograph so much better.
Check the exterior
Sweep walkways, move cars out of the driveway, hide trash barrels, and give the lawn a quick tidy. First impressions start outside.
Do one final walkthrough
Pretend you’re a buyer seeing your home for the first time. Anything that catches your eye will catch theirs too.
Preparing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little effort before the photographer arrives can dramatically improve your listing photos—and better photos often mean more showings and stronger offers.