How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos: A Room-by-Room Checklist

The whole house

The camera sees everything, and wide lenses make small clutter look bigger. The goal isn't an empty house, it's a calm one where a buyer can picture their own things.

• Turn on every light, including lamps, under-cabinet lights and the range hood. Replace dead bulbs and try to match colours.
• Open every blind and curtain the same amount.
• Turn off ceiling fans and TVs.
• Hide cords, chargers, remotes, mail and anything with your name on it.
• Put away pet bowls, beds, litter boxes and toys.
• Remove family photos if you'd rather not have them online.

Kitchen

The most important room in most listings, and the one that most often needs work.

• Clear the counters almost completely. Leave one or two nice things at most.
• Take everything off the fridge door, front and sides.
• Hide dish soap, sponges, towels and the dish rack.
• Empty the sink and wipe down the stainless.

Bathrooms

• Close toilet lids.
• Clear the counter and the shower ledges of bottles.
• Hang matching, clean towels, or none.
• Remove bath mats and the toilet brush.

Bedrooms and living spaces

• Make the beds properly, with pillows straightened.
• Clear nightstands down to a lamp.
• Close closet doors.
• Straighten sofa cushions and throws; fewer is better.

Outside

The front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see, so it gets the most attention.

• Move cars off the driveway and away from the front of the house.
• Put garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
• Mow, rake, and put away hoses, tools and toys.
• Open the garage only if it's tidy; otherwise close it.
• In winter, shovel the driveway and walks. Western New York listings are photographed year-round, and a cleared path reads as a cared-for house.

Timing

Start the morning of the shoot, not the night before, so the house doesn't drift back. If you're an agent sending this to a seller, send it a few days ahead so there's time for small fixes like bulbs.