Home Prep

When deciding to use professional real estate photography, it’s important to have the home in a presentable manner. Below is an interactive checklist for you that is also viewable as a PDF and print-friendly that will help make the home look its best.

BARE MINIMUM

Replace all burned out light bulbs both inside and outside the house. Try to keep all the bulbs within a room the same type, LED, incandescent.

Hide any clutter.

GENERAL

Remove any excess furnishings and personal items from rooms. These things can make a room look smaller.

Clean the windows and glass. Smudges can show up in photographs.

Pick up rugs to show off the floors.

Clean the floors.

EXTERIOR

Remove all vehicles from the driveways and please do not park directly in front of the house.

Move garbage and recycling cans out of view.

Remove all yard clutter.

Pick up after your pets.

Mow the grass and clean up flower beds.

Sweep debris off concrete.

SWIMMING POOL

Please clean the pool and remove all debris.

Straighten patio furniture.

Remove the cover, chlorine dispenser and toys.

Turn on lights and water features.

LIVING ROOM

Remove newspapers and magazines and put away books.

Tuck the remote controls in a draw to get them out of sight.

Conceal exposed cables and cords as best that you can.

Remove clutter, personal photos, the kids toys, etc. from bookshelves, tables and the floor.

Dust and vacuum. Dust can show in a photograph.

Wash any glass surfaces including table tops, cabinet doors and windows. Smudges and dirt on glass will be noticeable in the photographs.

Straighten pillows and throws.

KITCHEN

Put away countertop appliances, knife blocks, and paper towels holders off the counters. Buyers want to see finishes.

Remove all personal items and magnets off of refrigerator.

Clean all major appliances.

Clean the countertops.

Do all the dishes and hide the sponges and soap.

Move trash cans out of sight.

DINING ROOM

Dust the furniture and clean the floors.

Straighten curio cabinet and set the table.

BEDROOMS

Make the beds and straighten the pillows.

Pick up clutter (including clothes), dust and vacuum.

Remove all personal items from tables.

In the kids’ rooms put toys out of sight, take down any posters, remove clutter.

BATHROOMS

Clear the countertops of personal items.

Remove care products and bath toys from the shower and tub.

Make sure towels are folded neatly on the towel bars.

Close toilet lids.

Clean mirrors and glass shower doors.

Hide any cleaning tools.