Preparing your home for the market can be an exciting yet daunting task. One of the most crucial steps in the selling process is getting your home ready for its photoshoot. This is the moment when your property will be showcased in its best light, literally and figuratively, to attract potential buyers. The day of the photoshoot can be one of the most stressful times during the home-selling process, as everything needs to be picture-perfect by the time the photographer arrives.

As real estate professionals, we understand the pressure our clients feel on photoshoot day. It's not uncommon for sellers to be frantically finishing the last steps as the photographer arrives, adding to an already stressful situation. However, with a little planning and some helpful tips, you can reduce the chaos and ensure that your home is ready to shine in front of the camera.

Why Preparation is Key

Your home's marketing is a critical factor in how buyers perceive your property and, ultimately, the price you'll receive. Professional photography and videography have become indispensable tools in real estate marketing, and for good reason. A skilled real estate photographer can make your home look incredible, highlighting its best features and creating an inviting atmosphere that appeals to buyers.

However, to get the most out of your photographer's expertise, it's essential that your home is fully prepared before they arrive. Here’s how to do it:

Real Estate Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist

1. Clear & Clean Kitchen Counters & Sink

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it's important to make it look as spacious and clean as possible. Remove all small appliances, utensils, and decorations from the countertops. A few decorative items are fine, but less is more. Make sure all surfaces, including the sink and appliances, are spotless.

2. Clear & Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers

Bathrooms should be free of personal items like shampoo bottles, soaps, and razors. Store these items in a bin under the sink or in a closet. The goal is to make the bathroom look as open and clean as possible, with only neatly folded towels on display.

3. Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs

Check all the lights in your home, including lamps and exterior lights, to ensure they are working. Well-lit spaces photograph better, so consider adding extra lighting to darker areas.

4. Turn On All Lights Throughout the Entire House

Lighting is a crucial element in photography. Turn on all the lights in the house, including lamps and exterior lights, to brighten up the space and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

5. Open All Window Treatments

Natural light can enhance the beauty of your home. Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Clean windows will allow that light to flow in without distraction.

6. Remove Unnecessary Furniture & Decorations

Clutter can make rooms look smaller. Remove bulky furniture and excess decorations to open up the space. A professional stager can offer guidance on which items to keep and which to store away.

7. Remove Floor Mats and Runners

Floor mats and runners can make spaces look smaller and can distort the room's proportions in photos. Remove these items to create a cleaner, more expansive look.

8. Turn Off Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens

Moving objects like ceiling fans can create strange effects in photos. Turn off all fans, TVs, and computer screens to prevent motion blur and distractions.

9. Clear Appliance Surfaces of Magnets and Clutter

Remove magnets, notes, and personal items from the refrigerator and other appliances. This helps to keep the focus on your home’s features, not your personal life.

10. Make All of the Beds

A well-made bed can make a room look inviting and well-kept. Use matching bedding that fits the mattress properly, and add decorative pillows to enhance the look.

11. Remove All Personal Photos and Items

Buyers need to envision themselves in your home, so remove personal photos and belongings from view. This step helps potential buyers focus on the home itself rather than on your personal life.

12. Put All Shoes & Jackets in Closets

Shoes and jackets left out can make your home seem cluttered and lacking in storage space. Store these items out of sight to create a cleaner, more organized appearance.

13. Clear All Night Stands and Dressers

Nightstands and dressers can quickly become cluttered with personal items. Clear them off, leaving only a lamp and a small decorative item to create a clean, serene space.

14. Tidy Up the Yard & Landscaping

First impressions are everything, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Ensure that your yard is well-maintained, with trimmed bushes and clean walkways.

15. Sweep up the Porch/Patio/Deck

Outdoor spaces should be clean and inviting. Sweep up any debris, remove unnecessary items, and stage the area with flowers or decorative pieces to create a welcoming environment.

16. Clear All Cars from Road & Driveway

Cars in the driveway can detract from your home's curb appeal. Move all vehicles, including neighbors' cars if possible, to create a clean, unobstructed view of your home.

17. Hide All Garbage Cans & Lawn Equipment

Garbage cans, garden hoses, and lawn equipment can be distracting in photos. Store these items in the garage or another out-of-sight location.

18. Remove Outdoor Cooker Covers

If you have a barbecue grill, remove the cover to showcase it as an amenity. If the grill is old and unsightly, consider removing it entirely.

19. Open Up Patio Umbrellas

If weather permits, open up patio umbrellas to create a staged, inviting outdoor space. Add fresh pillows and flowers to enhance the area’s appeal.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for a real estate photoshoot may seem like a lot of work, but the effort is well worth it. A well-prepared home not only looks better in photos but also attracts more buyers and can lead to a quicker, more profitable sale. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your home is ready to be showcased in the best possible light, allowing your real estate photographer to focus on capturing the beauty of your property without any distractions.

Remember, the goal is to present a home that buyers can see themselves living in—a clean, bright, and welcoming space that invites them to imagine their future there. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and stress-free photoshoot.