How to Prepare a Home for a Real Estate Photoshoot: A Complete Guide for Sellers & Agents

zach221014
Mar 25, 2025
2 min read

Updated: May 31, 2025

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter, and in today’s market, that first impression often happens online. High-quality photos can make all the difference in attracting buyers, and preparing the home beforehand ensures that the images truly shine.

Whether you're a homeowner getting ready to sell or a real estate agent assisting your client, this guide will walk you through how to prep a home for a real estate photoshoot to help the listing stand out.

General Tips (Applies to All Rooms)

Clean thoroughly – Think "hotel clean." Floors, windows, counters, and appliances should all sparkle.
Declutter – Remove excess items like shoes, toys, remote controls, pet bowls, or stacked mail.
Depersonalize – Take down family photos and personal items. The goal is for buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
Open Blinds & Curtains – Natural light makes rooms feel more inviting and spacious.
Replace burnt-out lightbulbs – Ensure all fixtures are working and consistent in color (e.g., all warm white).
Turn off TVs, fans, and computer screens – They can distract in photos and add unnecessary reflections.
Hide cords – Tuck away phone chargers, cables, and extension cords when possible.

Living Room

Arrange furniture to create open walkways.
Remove throw blankets or excessive pillows unless styled intentionally.
Hide toys, DVDs, game consoles, and remotes.

Kitchen

Clear off countertops, less is more.
Hide trash cans, dish racks, paper towel holders, and soap bottles.
Put away magnets, papers, and photos from the fridge.
Style with one or two tasteful items (e.g., a bowl of lemons or a cutting board with fresh herbs).

Bedrooms

Make all beds neatly and fluff pillows.
Remove personal items from nightstands (books, water bottles, phones).
Hide laundry baskets, clothes, and under-bed storage.
Tidy up closets if they’ll be photographed.

Bathrooms

Remove all toiletries from counters and shower areas.
Close toilet lids and hang fresh, neatly-folded towels.
Tuck away rugs, toilet brushes, plungers, and trash cans.
Use minimal decor, a small plant or a candle is enough.

Exterior

Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and sweep driveways/walkways.
Hide hoses, garden tools, or toys.
Remove cars from the driveway and in front of the home.
Stage patios with clean furniture and simple cushions or plants.

Pets

Remove pet beds, toys, bowls, and litter boxes.
Secure pets during the shoot for safety and to avoid distractions.

Final Checklist

Lights ON, ceiling fans OFF
Blinds and curtains OPEN
TVs and monitors OFF
Counters and floors CLEAR
Personal items OUT OF SIGHT

Bonus Tip: Less Is More

It may feel strange to strip away personal touches, but the goal is to create a neutral, clean canvas that highlights the home’s feature, not the current owner's lifestyle.

Want a Printable Checklist?

We provide our clients with a downloadable Photo Day Prep Checklist to make the process even easier.

Now it’s time to clean like the listing depends on it... because it kinda does!