The Ultimate Home Prep Checklist for Real Estate Photography

How to Prepare Your Home for Picture-Perfect Listing Photos

When buyers browse online listings, your photos are the very first showing. Homes that look clean, bright, and uncluttered stand out instantly—earning more clicks, more showing requests, and stronger offers. Preparing your home before the photographer arrives ensures every photo tells the best possible story about your property.

This guide walks you through the essential steps room-by-room, helping you present your home clearly, honestly, and attractively while keeping the photo session smooth and efficient.

Exterior & Curb Appeal

Your exterior photo is almost always the first image buyers see. A few quick steps can dramatically improve the impact.

Before the photographer arrives:

• Move cars, trucks, trailers, or RVs out of the driveway and away from the front of the home

• Hide trash cans, recycling bins, hoses, and yard tools

• Sweep porches, decks, and walkways

• Remove clutter from patios (pet bowls, toys, extra furniture, covers, etc.)

• Open blinds and turn on all exterior lights

• Mow grass, rake leaves, or clear walk areas of snow as applicable

• If possible: remove temporary items like political signs, seasonal décor, and yard clutter

A clean, open, well-lit entry sets the tone for the entire photo set.

Kitchen

Kitchens make or break a first impression. Clean, uncluttered spaces photograph the best.

Checklist for kitchen prep:

• Clear countertops entirely—small appliances, dish racks, spices, snacks, etc.

• Remove magnets, calendars, and personal items from the refrigerator

• Hide dish soap, sponges, towels, and cleaning supplies

• Remove trash bags and small bins

• Wipe down all surfaces

• Turn on all kitchen lights (including under-cabinet lighting if available)

• Remove rugs if they visually break up the flooring

Buyers want to see clean surfaces, open counter space, and a kitchen that feels easy to visualize themselves in.

Living Areas

Well-arranged living spaces help buyers understand scale, layout, and flow.

Prepare your living room and family rooms by:

• Removing visible personal items (family photos, piles of books, children’s toys)

• Straightening and fluffing pillows

• Folding blankets neatly or removing them entirely

• Minimizing décor to simple, neutral pieces

• Turning off TVs and hiding remotes

• Opening blinds and curtains for maximum light

• Ensuring walkways and sight lines are clear

A simple, open look photographs larger and more welcoming.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should look restful and spacious, not busy or personalized.

Before the session:

• Use neutral bedding when possible

• Make beds neatly with smooth, clean linens

• Remove personal items from nightstands

• Clear dresser tops (no wallets, keys, perfumes, chargers)

• Hide laundry baskets, piles, or hampers

• Open blinds and ensure lamps work

Neutral, minimal bedrooms help buyers envision their own belongings in the space.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms photograph best when they feel clean, fresh, and hotel-like.

Bathroom prep checklist:

• Remove all toiletries from counters, showers, and tubs

• Hide toothbrushes, razors, and medications

• Close toilet lids

• Use matching towels if possible and fold them neatly

• Remove bath mats unless they are clean, new, and minimal

• Make sure mirrors are streak-free

• Remove cleaning tools (plungers, brushes, trash bins)

Aim for a clean, spa-like feel—simple and bright.

Pets & People

Pets are family, but they should never appear in listing photos.

Before photos begin:

• Remove pet beds, food bowls, toys, and crates

• Vacuum floors and furniture to minimize pet hair

• Keep pets in a vehicle (weather permitting), with a neighbor, or off-site

• Ensure all household members plan to remain out of the way during the session

This speeds up the shoot and ensures clean, distraction-free photos.

Final Tips

• Turn on every light in the house (interior and exterior)

• Replace dead bulbs ahead of time

• Open blinds to let in natural light

• Make sure all ceiling fans are turned off

• Have the home fully prepped before the photographer arrives—this keeps the session efficient and ensures you get the most photos possible

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