Photo Day Checklist
Group the work into two areas: exterior and interior.
Exterior Prep
- Cut the grass and trim landscaping before the appointment.
- Move trash cans into the garage or out of view.
- Put away garden hoses, sprinklers, tools, toys, and loose yard items.
- Clean the front porch, entryway, cobwebs, and visible outdoor surfaces.
- Remove dead plants or refresh planters near the entry.
- Set patio furniture neatly and clean cushions when possible.
- Uncover the grill if it is clean and presentable.
- Open patio umbrellas if they are in good condition.
- Clean pools and remove floats, toys, and vacuum hoses.
- Park cars away from the front of the property and driveway when possible.
Interior Prep
- Turn on all lights, lamps, under-cabinet lights, and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Turn ceiling fans and portable fans off.
- Open blinds to a clean, consistent angle unless otherwise directed.
- Vacuum and clean floors throughout the home.
- Remove small throw rugs from kitchens, bathrooms, halls, and entryways.
- Remove throw blankets from couches, chairs, and beds.
- Clear kitchen countertops, towels, magnets, dishes, and small appliances.
- Declutter desks, work areas, mail piles, printers, files, and visible cords.
- Hide pet bowls, beds, toys, litter boxes, and keep pets out of photos.
- Put toilet lids down and clear bathroom counters, showers, rugs, scales, trash cans, and personal items.
- Make beds, clear nightstands and dressers, and organize kids’ rooms as much as possible.
- Tidy basements and lower levels, especially toys, clutter, pool tables, and theater rooms.
Best Light
If possible, schedule photos when the front of the home has good natural light. It is helpful, but not required. We can still photograph the home well in most conditions.
Keep It Simple
You do not need to over-stage every room. Clean, open, and uncluttered usually photographs better than busy or overly decorated spaces.
Final Walkthrough
Before we arrive, walk through the home as if you are a buyer seeing it online. Remove anything distracting from the main living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
