PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

For many buyers, the first showing happens online. Professional photography may be their first opportunity to experience your home, making thoughtful preparation an important part of presenting the property.

A clean, bright and simplified space allows buyers to focus on the architecture, room proportions and distinctive features of the home rather than everyday belongings.

  • Vacuum carpeting and clean hard-surface flooring
  • Clean windows, mirrors and visible glass
  • Clear countertops and heavily used surfaces
  • Dust furniture, fixtures and ceiling fan blades
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs
  • Open blinds and window treatments when appropriate
  • Turn off televisions, computer monitors and ceiling fans
  • Store shoes, jackets, bags and everyday clutter
  • Remove small rugs and floor mats when appropriate
  • Simplify crowded décor and shelving
  • Remove seasonal or holiday decorations when they distract from the home

The goal isn't to make your home feel empty. It's to create enough visual calm that the property itself becomes the focus.

KITCHEN & DINING

Kitchens are among the most closely viewed areas of a listing. Clean surfaces and restrained styling allow buyers to appreciate the cabinetry, countertops, appliances and layout.

  • Clear countertops as much as practical
  • Remove dishes from sinks and counters
  • Remove magnets, photographs, notes and calendars from the refrigerator
  • Put away paper towels, soaps and everyday countertop items
  • Clean and polish appliances and fixtures
  • Store garbage and recycling containers out of view
  • Keep islands largely clear with a simple accent if desired
  • Remove paperwork and miscellaneous items from dining surfaces
  • Straighten and evenly space dining chairs
  • Consider a simple centerpiece or understated table setting
  • Remove high chairs and booster seats when practical

Beautiful kitchens rarely need much decoration for photography. Clean surfaces and a few intentional details are usually enough.

LIVING AREAS

Living spaces should feel comfortable and inviting while still allowing buyers to clearly understand the size, layout and flow of the room.

  • Arrange furniture neatly and maintain natural pathways
  • Straighten and fluff pillows
  • Fold or arrange throws neatly
  • Simplify coffee tables, side tables and shelving
  • Organize fireplace mantels
  • Remove magazines, mail and paperwork
  • Store remote controls
  • Hide visible cords and chargers when possible
  • Put away children's toys and everyday household items
  • Remove unnecessary décor if the room feels visually crowded

A few carefully edited details can make a room appear calmer, more spacious and easier for buyers to imagine as their own.

BEDROOMS

Bedrooms should feel peaceful, comfortable and uncluttered. Simple preparation can help the room appear larger and allow buyers to focus on the space itself.

  • Make beds carefully and smooth bedding
  • Straighten pillows and keep bedding simple
  • Clear or simplify nightstands
  • Minimize items on dressers and bedroom furniture
  • Store clothing, shoes and laundry
  • Hide charging cables and visible cords
  • Make sure anything stored beneath beds isn't visible
  • Remove unnecessary furniture if a room feels crowded
  • Simplify children's rooms and put away excess toys
  • Consider minimizing personal photographs when they dominate the space

The objective is to create a restful room that feels spacious, orderly and easy for a buyer to imagine as their own.

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms generally photograph best when they feel especially clean, bright and uncluttered. Removing everyday personal items can make even a smaller bathroom appear more polished.

  • Clear bathroom countertops
  • Store toiletries, medications and personal-care products
  • Clean mirrors, sinks and fixtures
  • Clean shower doors and glass thoroughly
  • Remove shampoo bottles and bath accessories from showers and tubs
  • Close toilet lids
  • Remove toilet brushes, plungers and cleaning supplies
  • Remove laundry baskets and used towels
  • Use simple, clean towels if towels will remain visible
  • Remove bathroom floor mats when appropriate
  • Keep decorative items minimal and intentional

In bathrooms, less is usually more. Clean surfaces and simple details create a fresher and more spacious appearance.

EXTERIOR, BACKYARD, POOL & WATERFRONT

Exterior photographs often create a buyer's very first impression. The front entry, landscaping and outdoor lifestyle spaces deserve the same attention as the interior.

  • Mow lawns and trim landscaping as needed
  • Remove leaves and debris from walkways, patios and driveways
  • Close garage doors
  • Move vehicles away from the driveway and front of the home when possible
  • Store garbage and recycling containers out of sight
  • Put away garden hoses, tools, toys and sports equipment
  • Remove cobwebs and clean the front entry
  • Straighten and clean outdoor furniture
  • Remove empty or damaged planters
  • Arrange patios and decks as inviting outdoor living spaces
  • Clean pools and remove cleaning equipment, floats and supplies
  • Open pool umbrellas and arrange lounge furniture when appropriate
  • Turn on fountains and water features when appropriate
  • For waterfront homes, tidy docks and shoreline areas
  • Organize boats, paddleboards, kayaks and recreational equipment
  • Remove unnecessary covers, hoses and maintenance equipment from view

Outdoor areas should help communicate the lifestyle of the property—not simply document the yard.

PETS

Pets are an important part of the home, but their everyday belongings can create visual clutter in photographs. A little preparation helps keep attention on the property while still making the process comfortable for your pets.

  • Store food and water bowls during photography
  • Put away pet beds when practical
  • Remove crates and carriers when they can be easily moved
  • Store leashes, toys, scratching posts and pet accessories
  • Remove visible pet hair from furniture, rugs and flooring
  • Clean nose prints from windows and glass doors
  • Clean litter-box areas and keep litter boxes out of photographs when possible
  • Clean pet areas in the backyard
  • Pick up pet waste before exterior photography
  • Repair or minimize visible pet damage where practical
  • Plan for pets to be safely away from rooms while photography is underway

The idea isn't to hide the fact that pets live in the home. It's simply to keep the photography clean and focused on the property.

LET'S GET YOUR HOME READY FOR MARKET

I'll walk through your home with you and help identify the preparation that can make the greatest difference in how your property is presented to buyers.

DISCUSS MY HOME