THE PHOTO-READY HOME
A little preparation.
A better first impression.
How to prepare your home for real estate photography, one space at a time.
Clear the distractions, let the light in and give every room a thoughtful final look. Use this guide yourself or share it with your seller before photo day.
01 / THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE
Start with these three things.
You don’t need to hide the character of the home. Make its spaces, finishes and natural light easier to see.
Clear the clutter
Start with counters, floors and furniture surfaces. Put away personal photos, toys, paperwork and everyday items. Open up walking paths without moving anything heavy or unsafe.
Clean what catches light
Prioritize windows, mirrors, glass and shiny fixtures. Dust surfaces, accessible light fixtures, fans and vents. Vacuum rugs, mop floors and wipe baseboards, doors and frames.
Finish before photo day
Complete cleaning and any staging in advance. Set aside a place for daily essentials, plan for pets and confirm property access with your agent or Sam.
02 / ROOM BY ROOM
Small details.
Every space.
Work through the areas being photographed. These practical finishing touches keep attention on the property.
Kitchen
Let the surfaces breathe.
- Clear counters of small appliances, dish racks, mail and everyday supplies. Keep a few simple accents if they suit the space.
- Empty the sink and put dishes away. Wipe the sink, faucet, appliances and visible cabinet fronts.
- Remove magnets, papers and family photos from the refrigerator.
- Tuck away trash cans, sponges, dish soap, floor mats and pet bowls.
Living & dining
Show the room, not the routine.
- Straighten furniture, dining chairs and rugs. Keep walking paths open; move only items you can safely handle.
- Tidy coffee tables, shelves and end tables. Reduce stacks of books, toys and personal collections.
- Arrange cushions and fold throws neatly. Remove extra blankets and items stored beneath furniture.
- Turn off televisions and put away remotes, charging cables and visible paperwork.
Bedrooms
Simple, calm and ready.
- Make every bed with clean, smooth bedding. Straighten pillows and tuck away loose blankets.
- Clear clothing, shoes, laundry baskets and items from under beds where they are visible.
- Keep nightstands and dressers simple. Put away chargers, tissues and personal care items.
- Remove family photographs and personal documents you do not want visible in listing photos.
Bathrooms
Clean lines make a difference.
- Clean mirrors, sinks, fixtures, tubs and shower glass. Check reflective surfaces for streaks.
- Clear toiletries, toothbrushes, razors, bath products and cleaning supplies from view.
- Close toilet lids, empty small bins and put away bath mats if they distract from the floor.
- Hang clean, coordinated towels neatly. Keep shower and tub surrounds uncluttered.
Office, laundry & storage
Don’t overlook the supporting spaces.
- Clear desks of paperwork, personal information and loose cables. Turn off computer screens.
- Put laundry away and clear washer and dryer tops. Hide detergent and cleaning products.
- Tidy visible closets or storage areas that are part of your planned coverage.
- Choose a temporary storage spot with your agent, rather than shifting clutter into another room that still needs photos.
Exterior & entry
Start before the front door.
- Mow and tidy the yard, trim overgrown plants and remove weeds where practical.
- Sweep entryways, walkways, patios and decks. Wipe down outdoor furniture and arrange cushions.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway if possible. Put away bins, tools, toys, hoses and loose yard equipment.
- If your property has a pool or spa, tidy the surrounding area and remove floating toys. Keep safety barriers in place.
03 / WHEN PHOTO DAY ARRIVES
Ready for the camera.
A few last adjustments help keep the session smooth and the rooms consistent.
Light & windows
- Turn on interior and exterior lights for the session. Replace burned-out bulbs ahead of time where safely accessible.
- Open curtains and blinds to bring in natural light. Keep window coverings neat and consistent.
- Turn ceiling fans off for still photos, and keep televisions and computer screens off.
People, pets & privacy
- Plan a safe, comfortable place for pets away from the areas being photographed.
- Put pet beds, bowls, toys and litter supplies out of view where practical.
- Secure valuables and put away mail, prescriptions, account information and anything you don’t want shown publicly.
Access & special features
- Make sure the photographer can access the property and any areas included in your appointment.
- Let Sam or your agent know about access restrictions, special features or anything that needs extra care.
- If twilight photography is booked, prepare outdoor spaces and check exterior lighting before the session.
04 / ONE FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Look from the doorway.
Pause at the entrance to each room. The camera may notice the same small distractions you see from there.
If time is tight, prioritize visible clutter, made beds, clean counters, bathrooms and the front entry. Ask your agent which spaces matter most for your listing.
- Counters clear and sinks empty
- Beds made and towels straight
- Toilet lids closed
- Lights on; fans and screens off
- Bins, cords and pet items put away
- Driveway and entry clear where possible
- Personal information out of sight
LET’S GET YOUR HOME READY
A question about your shoot?
Ask Sam about your property or appointment before photo day.