House Preparation

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Your Home's First Impression Is Everything -
Let's Make It Count

Want to sell fast and get top dollar? Then let’s be real about what it takes. A killer photo shoot doesn’t happen by accident – it’s all about preparation.
Here’s the truth: We’re really good at what we do, but we can’t work miracles with a home that’s not ready. YOUR job is to get your house camera-ready. OUR job is to capture it in the best possible light once you do.

The Ground Rules

Please don’t move items around while our photographer is working. It throws off the flow and wastes valuable time.
Get everything staged and ready BEFORE we arrive. Inside and outside. Everything should be photo-ready when we walk through the door.
Look, today’s buyers are scrolling through dozens of listings. They’ll skip right past mediocre photos without a second thought. You want their attention? You want serious offers? Then the prep work matters.
We’ll bring the professional expertise and equipment. You bring a home that’s ready for its close-up.

Let’s work together and get this done right.

BEFORE WE ARRIVE

Interior Prep:

  • Declutter Every Surface – Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, nightstands, coffee tables. If it’s sitting out, it’s in the photo. Less is more.
  • Clean All Glass and Mirrors – Streaks, smudges, and fingerprints show up prominently in professional photography. Windows, mirrors, glass tables—make them spotless.
  • Turn On Every Light – All interior lights should be on with working bulbs. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Avoid yellow/warm bulbs if possible—daylight/bright white works best.
  • Manage Window Treatments – Open blinds for rooms with great views. Close them for windows facing neighboring properties or less attractive views. We’ll adjust as needed for lighting.
  • Turn Off Ceiling Fans – They create motion blur in photos. Dust them first, then turn them off before we arrive.
  • Hide Personal Items – Family photos, medicines, toiletries, mail, paperwork. Remove or minimize anything that identifies you or dates the property.
  • Pet Prep – Put away food bowls, beds, toys, litter boxes, and kennels. Pets should be secured in a separate area or removed from the property during the shoot.
  • Turn Off Screens – TVs, computer monitors, tablets. Black screens photograph better than whatever’s displayed.

Exterior Prep:

  • Clear the Driveway – Move all vehicles off the property or park them down the street. We need clear shots of the home’s exterior.
  • Close Garage Doors – Unless the garage is a feature worth showing, keep doors closed for cleaner exterior shots.
  • Tidy Outdoor Spaces – Put away hoses, children’s toys, lawn equipment, trash cans. Arrange patio furniture neatly.
  • Quick Curb Appeal Check – Sweep walkways, remove visible weeds, straighten doormats. First impressions start at the curb.

KITCHEN & DINING ROOMS

Kitchens sell homes. A cluttered kitchen suggests a small, dysfunctional space. A clean, clear kitchen looks spacious and move-in ready.

Countertops & Surfaces

  • Clear ALL Countertops – Put away small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, blenders, knife blocks).
  • Only leave out 1-2 decorative items maximum. Empty counters photograph as larger, more functional spaces.
  • Wipe Down All Surfaces – Counters, stovetops, backsplashes. Crumbs, water spots, and grease show prominently in professional photos.
  • Empty and Clean the Sink – Spotless sink, no dishes, no dish rack. Remove sponges, soap dispensers, and scrub brushes. Polish the faucet.

Appliances

  • Polish Stainless Steel – Use stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloth.
  • Remove fingerprints, streaks, and smudges from refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave doors. These surfaces reflect light and show every mark.
  • Clean Refrigerator Front – Remove all magnets, photos, papers, shopping lists, and children’s artwork. A blank refrigerator looks cleaner and more modern.
  • Check Oven/Stovetop – Wipe down stovetop. If the oven window is visible, clean it. Remove any pots, pans, or cookware from the stovetop.

Dining Areas

  • Clear and Clean Tables – Remove everything from dining tables, breakfast nooks, and kitchen islands. Wipe surfaces until spotless. You can add one simple centerpiece (small vase, bowl of fruit) but nothing else.
  • Straighten Chairs – Push dining chairs in neatly or arrange symmetrically. Uneven, pulled-out chairs look messy in photos.
  • Clear Visible Shelving – Open shelves should be organized with minimal items. Remove 50% of what’s currently displayed. Less clutter = more spacious appearance.

Small Details That Matter

  • Hide Trash Cans – Move trash and recycling bins to the garage or out of frame during the shoot.
  • Remove Kitchen Towels – Hanging dish towels often look worn or dated. Remove them or replace with fresh, neutral-colored ones hung evenly.
  • Check Floors – Sweep/vacuum thoroughly. Kitchen floors show dirt and debris in photos more than you’d expect.
  • Bar Stools/Counter Seating – Arrange neatly, all facing the same direction. Push under counter or position symmetrically.
THE GOAL: Your kitchen should look like a staged model home, not a lived-in space. Clean, clear, and ready for its close-up.

BEDROOMS

Bedrooms need to feel like peaceful retreats, not storage spaces. Clean lines, minimal clutter, and hotel-like presentation make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Beds & Bedding

  • Make All Beds Perfectly – Smooth comforters with no wrinkles. Fluff pillows and arrange them symmetrically. Tuck in sheets completely. The bed is the focal point—it should look like a luxury hotel, not a weekday morning.
  • Use Neutral Bedding If Possible – Bright patterns, sports teams, or character bedding can be distracting. If you have neutral alternatives (white, gray, beige), use them for the shoot.
  • Remove Decorative Overload – Limit decorative pillows to 2-4 per bed. Too many pillows look cluttered. Remove stuffed animals, extra blankets piled at the foot, or anything that doesn’t contribute to a clean look.

Surfaces & Clutter

  • Clear Nightstands Completely – Remove alarm clocks, glasses, books, medications, chargers, and personal items. You can leave one simple lamp and perhaps one small decorative object (small plant, single book). That’s it.
  • Clear Dressers and Bureaus – Remove all personal items, jewelry boxes, perfumes, lotions, and clutter. Like nightstands, keep it minimal—one mirror or one small decorative item maximum.
  • Empty Visible Storage – If you have open shelving or furniture with visible storage, remove 75% of items. Buyers need to see storage capacity, not how much stuff you own.

Closets

  • Organize Closets – We may shoot closet interiors to show storage space. Remove items from closet floors. Organize hanging clothes neatly (ideally grouped by color). Remove overstuffed areas—half-empty closets look more spacious than packed ones.
  • Close Closet Doors – Unless the closet is a selling feature (walk-in, custom built-in), keep doors closed during the shoot for cleaner photos.

Children’s Rooms

  • Remove or Minimize Toys – Store toys in bins inside the closet or remove them entirely. A few books on a shelf is fine; 50 stuffed animals on the bed is not.
  • Hide Cribs and Baby Gear – Cribs, changing tables, and baby equipment make rooms look smaller and dated to the current owner. If possible, temporarily remove them or push them to one side and keep them out of primary shots.
  • Tone Down Themed Rooms – While you can’t repaint for a photo shoot, minimize character bedding, posters, and décor that scream “child’s room.” Buyers want to envision the space for their own use.

Walls & Décor

  • Remove Personal Photos – Family photos, children’s artwork, and personal memorabilia should come down. Keep walls simple with neutral art or mirrors only.
  • Check Wall Décor – Straighten all artwork and ensure nothing is crooked. Remove anything damaged, taped up, or overly personal. Small Details
  • Floors – Vacuum carpets thoroughly. Remove shoes, laundry baskets, and anything sitting on the floor. Clear floors photograph as larger spaces.
  • Lighting – Turn on all bedside lamps and overhead lights. Replace burnt-out bulbs. Bright rooms photograph better and feel more inviting.
  • Windows – Adjust curtains or blinds. Open for nice views, close for privacy or less attractive views. Make sure curtains hang evenly.
  • Check Under the Bed – If anything is visible under the bed in photos, it looks messy. Store items elsewhere or use bed skirts.
THE GOAL: Bedrooms should feel like a boutique hotel—clean, serene, and spacious. Remove anything that personalizes the space or makes it feel cluttered.

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms sell cleanliness and luxury. A spotless, spa-like bathroom suggests the home is well-maintained. Clutter and personal items make these small spaces feel even smaller.

Counters & Surfaces

  • Clear All Countertops Completely – Remove toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, lotions, makeup, razors, medications, and personal care items. Store everything in drawers or cabinets. Empty counters look larger and cleaner.
  • Hide All Toiletries – Shampoo bottles, body wash, razors, and loofahs should be removed from showers and tub edges. Store them in a cabinet or take them out of the bathroom entirely during the shoot.
  • Clean Soap Dispensers or Remove Them – If you have permanent soap dispensers, clean them thoroughly. Otherwise, remove all hand soap and dish soap from view.

Deep Cleaning

  • Scrub Everything – Sinks, faucets, toilets, tubs, showers, and tile should be spotless. Water spots, soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains photograph prominently. Use appropriate cleaners and make surfaces shine.
  • Polish Chrome and Fixtures – Wipe down all faucets, handles, towel bars, and fixtures with a microfiber cloth. They should gleam, not show fingerprints or water spots.
  • Clean Mirrors and Glass – Bathroom mirrors and shower doors must be streak-free. Toothpaste splatters, water spots, and smudges show clearly in photos. Use glass cleaner and inspect closely.
  • Grout and Caulking – If grout is stained or caulking is moldy, clean or replace it if possible. Dark, stained grout makes bathrooms look old and poorly maintained.

Toilet

  • Close the Toilet Lid – Always. Toilet lids should be down for photos. It’s cleaner, more tasteful, and makes the bathroom look more put-together.
  • Hide Cleaning Supplies – Toilet brushes, plungers, and cleaning products should be stored in cabinets or removed from the bathroom. Never visible in photos.
  • Check Toilet Base – Wipe around the base and ensure there are no dust bunnies, stains, or visible cleaning issues.

Towels & Linens

  • Use Fresh, Matching Towels Only – Hang 1-2 clean, neutral-colored towels per towel bar. White, gray, or beige work best. Towels should be free of stains, fraying, or wear.
  • Fold or Hang Evenly – If folded, make them crisp and even. If hung, ensure they’re straight and not bunched up. Remove all other towels, washcloths, and bathmats that aren’t part of the staged look.
  • Remove Bathmats During Shoot – Unless the bathmat is brand new and complements the space, remove it. Worn, stained, or mismatched bathmats detract from the spa-like feeling.

Storage & Organization

  • Clear Shower Caddies and Shelving – Remove all shampoo bottles, razors, and bath toys. Storage areas should be empty and clean, not packed with products.
  • Organize Visible Cabinets – If medicine cabinets or under-sink storage will be photographed (to show storage space), organize neatly. Remove 50-75% of items so it doesn’t look cluttered.
  • Remove Trash Cans – Bathroom trash cans should be emptied and removed from sight during the shoot, or at minimum, placed in a cabinet.

Small Details

  • Check the Shower Curtain – If you use a shower curtain, ensure it’s clean, mold-free, and hangs evenly. A liner showing mildew ruins an otherwise clean bathroom. Consider replacing it if worn. Remove Personal Items – Scales, bath toys, robes, laundry hampers, and magazines don’t belong in photos. Store them elsewhere during the shoot.
  • Check Lighting – Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Turn on all lights and exhaust fans off (they create noise and blur). Bright, well-lit bathrooms photograph better.
  • Floors – Sweep or vacuum, then mop if needed. Hair, dust, and debris are magnified in professional photos. Check corners and baseboards.
THE GOAL: Bathrooms should look like a high-end spa or hotel—pristine, clutter-free, and inviting. If it’s not part of the décor, it shouldn’t be visible.

OUTDOOR SPACES

Curb appeal and outdoor living areas are make-or-break factors for many buyers. First impressions start before they even enter the home. Clean, well-maintained exteriors suggest the entire property is cared for.

Lawn & Landscaping

  • Mow and Edge the Lawn – Freshly cut grass with clean edges looks maintained and cared for. Remove any visible weeds from flower beds and walkways.
  • Trim Bushes and Trees – Overgrown landscaping makes properties look neglected. Trim bushes away from windows and walkways. Remove dead plants or branches.
  • Clean Up Debris – Remove fallen leaves, branches, pinecones, and lawn clippings. Rake garden beds and mulch if needed. Clear gutters if visibly full.
  • Fresh Mulch (If Possible) – A thin layer of fresh mulch in garden beds makes a huge visual difference. It’s inexpensive and signals recent maintenance.

Driveways & Walkways

  • Clear the Driveway Completely – Move all vehicles off the property or park them down the street. We need clean shots of the home’s exterior without cars blocking the view.
  • Sweep All Hard Surfaces – Driveways, walkways, patios, and steps should be swept clean of dirt, leaves, and debris.
  • Power Wash If Needed – Stained, dirty, or mildewed concrete, brick, or pavers benefit enormously from power washing. If you have the time and equipment, this makes a dramatic difference.

Decks, Patios & Porches

  • Clean and Inspect Decks Thoroughly – Remove mold, algae, mildew, and dirt. Power washing is highly recommended—it transforms weathered decks instantly.
  • Address Peeling Paint or Stains – If deck railings or trim are peeling or stained, touch up or repaint if possible. Buyers notice deteriorating surfaces.
  • Arrange Outdoor Furniture Neatly – Straighten patio furniture, center umbrellas, fluff cushions. Remove worn, broken, or mismatched pieces. Less is more—a few nice pieces look better than crowded patios.
  • Clear Clutter – Remove garden tools, hoses (coiled and stored), watering cans, kids’ toys, pool equipment, and anything that doesn’t contribute to a clean, inviting outdoor space.

Fire Pits & Outdoor Features

  • Clean Fire Pits and Fireplaces – Remove all ash, charred wood, and burnt debris. The interior should be completely clean. You can add a few fresh, unburned logs for a styled look, but no evidence of recent use.
  • Pool and Hot Tub Maintenance – If you have a pool or hot tub, ensure the water is crystal clear, covers are removed, and surrounding areas are clean. Pool toys and floats should be stored out of sight.
  • Water Features – If you have fountains or ponds, ensure they’re clean, functioning, and free of algae or debris.

Storage & Utilities

  • Hide Trash and Recycling Bins – Move all garbage cans, recycling bins, and compost containers to the garage or behind a fence where they won’t appear in photos.
  • Store Garden Tools and Equipment – Rakes, shovels, lawn mowers, and hoses should be stored in the garage or shed. Coil and hide any visible hoses behind bushes or in storage.
  • Conceal Utility Items – AC units, propane tanks, and electrical boxes can’t be moved, but try to minimize their visibility. Remove any temporary or movable equipment from view.

Fencing & Gates

  • Repair or Clean Fences – Fix any broken boards, sagging gates, or peeling paint. Power wash dirty fences if possible. A well-maintained fence suggests overall property care.
  • Secure Gates – Close and latch all gates. Open gates look unfinished in photos.

Signage & Seasonal Items

  • Remove Realtor Signage – Yard signs, directional signs, and lock boxes should be removed during the shoot. They date photos and clutter the frame. Replace them immediately after we finish.
  • Remove Seasonal Decorations – Holiday lights, wreaths, flags, and seasonal décor should be removed unless you want photos limited to that specific season. Neutral photos have longer shelf life.
  • Check House Numbers – Ensure address numbers are clean, straight, and clearly visible. These small details matter.

Garage

  • Close Garage Doors – Unless the garage is a major selling feature (custom built-in storage, immaculate organization), keep doors closed for exterior photos. Open garages often look cluttered.
  • If Photographing Inside Garage – Clear the floor, organize tools on wall mounts, remove trash cans and recycling, and sweep thoroughly. Show off storage capacity, not clutter.</li

Final Walkthrough

  • Check from the Street – Stand at the curb and look at your property as a buyer would. What catches your eye negatively? Address those items first.
  • Remove Pet Evidence – Clean up pet waste from the yard. Remove outdoor pet bowls, toys, tie-outs, and kennels.
  • Lighting Check – If we’re shooting twilight exteriors, ensure all outdoor lights work (porch lights, landscape lighting, path lights). Replace burnt-out bulbs.

THE GOAL: Your outdoor spaces should look like a model home or a lifestyle magazine. Well-maintained, inviting, and free of clutter. Buyers should envision relaxing and entertaining, not seeing your storage overflow.

GARAGES

Garages are valuable selling features—but only when they showcase storage capacity and organization, not clutter and chaos. A messy garage tells buyers the home lacks adequate storage.

The Decision: To Photograph or Not? Photograph the Garage IF:

  • It’s organized and relatively clean
  • It has built-in storage systems or workbenches
  • It’s oversized (3-car, workshop space, etc.)
  • The finished space or organization is a selling feature

Skip Photographing the Garage IF:

  • It’s packed with boxes, seasonal items, and clutter
  • There’s no clear floor space visible
  • It would take hours to organize properly
  • The exterior shot already shows you have a garage
  • Our exterior photos will show the garage exists.
  • We only shoot interiors when they add value to the listing.

If We’re Photographing Your Garage Floor & Space

  • Clear the Entire Floor – Remove everything possible from the garage floor. Bikes, tools, storage bins, sports equipment—if it can be hung or stored elsewhere temporarily, do it. Empty floors = spacious appearance.
  • Park Cars Elsewhere – Move all vehicles out of the garage and off the driveway. We need to show the full garage capacity, not how your cars fit.
  • Sweep Thoroughly – Remove dirt, leaves, oil stains (if possible), and debris. A clean floor suggests maintained space.

Organization & Storage

  • Organize Wall Storage – If you have pegboards, shelving, or wall-mounted systems, organize them neatly. Group similar items together. Remove anything rusty, broken, or visibly damaged.
  • Use Storage Bins – If you must store items in the garage, use matching storage bins with lids instead of open boxes and piles. Uniform containers look intentional, not cluttered.
  • Show Off Built-Ins – If you have custom cabinets, workbenches, or storage systems, make them the star. Clear them partially to show capacity, not how much stuff you’ve crammed in. What to Hide or Remove
  • Hide All Trash and Recycling – Garbage cans, recycling bins, and yard waste containers should be pushed to the far back corner or removed from the garage entirely during the shoot.
  • Remove Hazardous Materials – Paint cans, chemicals, gasoline, and pesticides should be stored safely out of view or removed temporarily.
  • Minimize Seasonal Clutter – Holiday decorations, seasonal sports equipment, and rarely-used items should be consolidated or temporarily relocated if possible.

Garage Doors

  • Close Garage Doors for Exterior Shots – Unless the garage interior is a feature worth highlighting, we’ll photograph exteriors with doors closed for a cleaner look.
  • Open Doors Only If Shooting Interior – If we’re photographing inside the garage, we’ll open doors for natural light and context. Otherwise, they stay closed.
  • Turn On All Lights – Garages are often dark. Turn on overhead lights, work lights, and any other lighting to brighten the space.
  • Check for Cobwebs – Corners, rafters, and ceiling areas often collect cobwebs. Remove them for cleaner photos.
  • Oil Stains – If you have significant oil stains on the floor, consider using a degreaser or oil stain remover. Fresh stains suggest maintenance issues.

If We’re NOT Photographing Your Garage

Simply close the doors and don’t worry about it. Exterior photos will show the garage exists, and buyers will see the interior during showings if they’re interested. Many sellers choose not to photograph garages because the prep time isn’t worth it—and that’s completely fine. Focus your energy on the interior living spaces that will be featured prominently in the listing. THE GOAL: If photographed, garages should demonstrate storage capacity and organization. If not photographed, exterior shots prove the garage exists. Either approach works—just don’t show a cluttered, chaotic garage that makes the property look poorly maintained.
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