The 60-Minute Listing Prep Checklist (Before the Photographer Arrives)
The single biggest factor in great listing photos isn't the camera — it's the hour before the shoot. Here's the room-by-room checklist we wish every agent shared with their sellers.
Great listing photos start before we ever lift a camera. A clean, de-cluttered, well-lit home photographs dramatically better than a lived-in one — and no amount of editing fully fixes a messy room. Share this with your sellers a day or two ahead and your gallery will look like it belongs to a home twice the price.
Whole-house, first - Turn on every light in the house — including lamps, under-cabinet, and closet lights. Replace any dead bulbs (matching color temperature looks best). - Open all blinds and curtains for natural light. - Remove cars from the driveway and the front of the house. - Hide trash cans, hoses, and recycling bins. - Take down personal photos, diplomas, and anything with names or faces — buyers should picture themselves here. - Tidy and hide all visible cords and chargers.
Kitchen - Clear the counters down to one or two intentional items (a bowl of fruit, a clean cutting board). - Remove magnets, papers, and calendars from the fridge. - Hide dish soap, sponges, and drying racks; empty the sink. - Stow small appliances you don't use daily.
Bathrooms - Clear counters of toiletries, toothbrushes, and razors. - Hang fresh, matching towels (or remove towels entirely for a clean look). - Close toilet lids. Always. - Remove bath mats and trash cans.
Living & bedrooms - Make every bed crisply; remove laundry and pet beds. - Fluff and square the couch cushions and pillows. - Clear nightstands to a lamp and maybe one book. - Pick up toys, shoes, and floor clutter.
Outside - Mow, edge, and sweep walkways and the porch. - Put away kids' toys, sports equipment, and gardening tools. - Add a clean doormat; a couple of potted plants by the door go a long way.
A good rule of thumb: if it isn't furniture, art, or a deliberate accent, it probably shouldn't be in the photo.
If a listing needs more than a tidy — think vacant rooms or dated furnishings — ask us about virtual staging. It's a fraction of the cost of physical staging and delivered in the same turnaround.
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