Seller Prep Guide

Photo-Ready Checklist

A quick checklist for clean, bright listing photos that help buyers picture their life in the home.

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Check items off as you go.

Kitchen Bathrooms Laundry Living Bedrooms Exterior Final Sweep

Best shoot setup: lockbox + an empty home.
Although we love our realtors and homeowners, the smoothest shoots happen when we have lockbox access and an empty home. Fewer people, pets, cars, and movement means cleaner photos, faster work, fewer awkward reflections, and far more flawless shoots.

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Pack it away

If it feels personal, private, distracting, or too lived-in, tuck it away. A box in the garage or the trunk of a car works great.

Personal + private

Family photos, portraits, kids artwork Mail, bills, calendars, sticky notes Medications and medical equipment Religious or political items

Pets + quick wins

Food bowls, beds, crates, toys, litter boxes Clear surfaces and tuck cords Toys, play sets, pack and plays

The kitchen

Clear, bright, and almost bare. One simple plant or fruit bowl is plenty.

Clear countertops to near-empty - aim for the 90% bare look Put away toaster, coffee maker, and small appliances Hide dish soap, sponges, scrubbers, and drying rack Remove fridge magnets, photos, schedules, and papers No dishes, food packaging, or random countertop clutter visible

The bathrooms

Think hotel-clean: simple surfaces, no daily-use products, no mystery bottles.

Clear counters - toothbrushes, toothpaste, makeup, soap, all away If the shower has glass doors, remove shampoo, soap, razors, loofahs, and bottles from inside Decorative soap/lotion in a nice bottle can stay; daily-use stuff goes Close medicine cabinets and tuck away meds Keep it simple: clean surfaces, simple decor, no personal products

Laundry room

This is a sneaky clutter spot. Simple shelves and clear machines make the room feel bigger and cleaner.

Clear the tops of the washer and dryer Remove loose laundry, hampers, baskets, and detergent bottles from view Wire shelves photograph best empty or almost empty - take down the extra supplies Hide ironing boards, mops, brooms, and cleaning supplies when possible

Living spaces

Open, calm, and easy to imagine relaxing in. Styled, not stuffed.

Clear coffee tables and side tables to 1-2 simple items Fluff pillows and fold throw blankets neatly Tidy or hide kids toys and play areas Hide or bundle visible TV/electronics cords Thin overflowing shelves so they feel styled

Bedrooms

Calm, neutral, and guest-room clean - especially the primary bedroom.

Clear nightstands to a lamp and maybe one small item Remove personal photos/posters from walls Clear floors: shoes, laundry baskets, bags Tidy the primary closet - other closets usually stay closed unless requested

Curb appeal

The exterior is often the thumbnail. Clean and simple beats busy every time.

Move vehicles out of the driveway Roll trash/recycling bins out of sight Coil hoses; hide tools and yard equipment Mow, edge, and clear leaves/toys/debris Tidy porch; remove worn mats and clutter Straighten patio/pool furniture and open umbrellas

Shoot Day

Final sweep

This is the quick check right before we arrive. If these are done, you are in great shape.

Lights + windows

Make sure every light is working properly Replace burnt-out bulbs when possible Turn off fans, TVs, and screens

Last-minute reset

Counters are clear Beds made and pillows straight Pet items are gone Trash cans/hampers hidden

Last step: plan your little escape. Coffee run, lunch, errands, a walk, Target - anything that gives the home a quiet minute to shine. We will do our thing, you enjoy the break. Fewer people = smoother shoot, cleaner photos, and fewer awkward reflections. Easy win.

Quick reminder: You do not need to make the home perfect. Focus on the big visible stuff: clear counters, open light, personal items tucked away, pets secured, and cars moved. We will handle the camera magic from there.

Questions before the shoot?

No need to stress over every tiny detail. This guide simply helps everyone walk into the session on the same page so the home is ready to shine.

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