​To prepare for professional home photography for listing your home for sale, it's important to make sure your home is clean, decluttered, and well-lit. Remove any personal items like family pictures and knick-knacks, as well as excess furniture and decor that may be distracting.

Focus on highlighting the best features of your home, such as natural light, outdoor spaces, and architectural details.

​Consider staging your home with neutral decor and minimal personal touches to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

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Day Of:
On the day of the photo shoot, make sure to prepare the home by opening all blinds and turning on all lights. Turn off all fans to avoid any potential blur in the photos. It's important to secure pets by keeping them in a separate room or outside during the shoot.
If you're home when the photographer arrives, they may ask you to do a short walk-through of the home and point out its best features, such as a large yard, new appliances, or a spacious pantry. If there's a particular closet or area of the home you want highlighted, make sure it's clean and organized beforehand.

Garage   While it's true that it's okay to store boxes in the garage, it's important to keep in mind that the garage is still part of the home and should be presented in a neat and organized manner. Avoid stacking boxes too high or leaving them haphazardly strewn about. Additionally, if you have bulky items in the garage that make the space look cramped, it may be better to consider temporarily storing them elsewhere or even getting rid of them if you don't plan on taking them with you to your next home.

Exterior

• Please have cars out of the driveway and parked somewhere other than in the front of the house. 
• General yard work: trim overgrown plants, rake leaves, add fresh mulch, mow and edge. 
• General clean up: Arrange furniture, put away toys, sweep patio, deck and walkway, if needed. 
• Hide trash cans and roll up garden hoses
• Close Garage Doors
• Ensure that trash cans are out of sight
• Cars should not be parked in the driveway
• Switch on porch lights (but not flood lights), especially for twilight photography
• Blinds or curtains should be drawn/open
• Remove fallen tree limbs and branches from lawn and driveway
• Ensure that missing shutters are replaced
• and all shutters are securely attached
  
• Clean gutters and downspouts
  
• Clean exterior of windows and screens
  
• Remove any yard debris or clutter
  
• Power wash exterior walls and driveway, if needed
  
• Remove any outdoor furniture that is broken or worn out
  
• Make sure all exterior lights are working and replace any burnt-out bulbs
  
• Ensure that the address is visible from the street
  
• Remove any holiday decorations or flags that are not appropriate for the current season
  

Interior

• Make sure all rooms are clean and tidy, including closets and cabinets.
  
• Make beds and fluff pillows.
  
• Remove any unnecessary furniture or clutter that may make rooms look smaller.
  
• Arrange furniture to create an inviting and spacious feel.
  
• Make sure all surfaces are cleared of clutter and are dusted and clean.
  
• Clean all mirrors and glass surfaces.
  
• Remove any personal items such as family photos or memorabilia.
• Hide any visible cords or cables.
  
• Turn off all TVs and computer screens.
• Ensure that all light fixtures have working light bulbs and are turned on.
  
• If you have any unique or special features in your home, such as a fireplace or built-in shelving, make sure they are clean and highlighted.
  
• Ensure that all doors are closed, and any pets are secured in another area of the home.

Kitchen

• LESS IS BEST: Remove items from counters - dish towels, food, dishes, small appliances, etc.
• Put away dishes.
• Make sure table is cleared and push in chairs around table
• Remove trash cans from view
• Remove loose items from counter tops
• Remove pictures magnets from refrigerator door
• Set or place a centerpiece on kitchen table
• Make sure sink is clean and free of dishes, sponges, etc.
• Switch on stove light

Bedrooms

• Remove any clutter or unnecessary items from the room.
• Use neutral bedding and decorative pillows to make the room look inviting and comfortable.
• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and create an airy feel.
• Ensure that there is adequate lighting in the room.
• If possible, remove any posters or artwork that may be considered controversial or unappealing.
• If you have pets, make sure their bedding and toys are neatly stored away.
• If you have a closet, tidy it up and remove any excess items that make it look cramped or cluttered.

Bathrooms

• Clean
• Remove personal items such as soaps, toothbrushes, brushes and combs, etc.
• Put toilet seats down.
• Hang towels neatly on pegs or towel bars, but not over shower rod.
• Clean off counters. Leave nothing except decorative items and a hand towel.
• Clean shower- no shampoo bottles, face cloths, etc.
• Remove trash cans
• Remove cleaning instruments​
• Remove rugs and floor mats
• Ensure that towels are fresh and presented properly

Living Rooms

• Minimize the space (LESS IS BEST) by leaving only essential furniture
• Fluff and arrange pillows and cushions on the sofa and chairs
  
• Remove toys, personal items, and clutter from the room
  
• Remove magazines, books, and other items from the coffee table except for a few decorative items
  
• Arrange furniture in a way that highlights the room's best features
  
• Open the blinds or curtains to let natural light in
  
• Turn on lamps or other lighting fixtures to add warmth to the room If there are any plants in the room, make sure they are healthy and well-maintained
  
• Hide any exposed cords or wires

Dining Room  

• Set table or place a centerpiece
• If equipped, switch on light in china cabinet
• Straighten chairs
• Open curtains and let light in
• Make it look as if you were having guests over for dinner
• A nicely decorated dining room is inviting

Yard, Deck, Porch, Etc.

• Arrange furniture, including cushions, pillows, etc.
• If there is an umbrella, open it
• Remove grill covers; hide propane tanks
• Blow away or rake leaves, cut the lawn, prune and trim shrubbery
• Stow away toys, etc.
• This space looks ready for entertaining friends and family!​

Laundry Room  

• Ensure that it is clear of all dirty laundry and laundry baskets
• Close all cabinets
• Remove all items from countertops
• Clean the appliances to ensure they are free of fingerprints, soaps, etc.

Also: See Staging Tips That Sell
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