A prepped home photographs noticeably better, and prep is a seller job, not a photographer job. Everything on this page is optional. Anything already done when we arrive means more of the visit goes into the photos themselves.
Your photographer handles all the camera-side work: angles, lighting, and a blue sky. This list is the part only you can do.
Whole House
Every light on, including lamps and under-cabinet lights
Every blind and curtain open
Ceiling fans off (moving blades blur)
TVs off, remotes and cords out of sight
Floors clear: shoes, baskets, boxes put away
Trash cans out of every room
Kitchen
Counters bare: small appliances, dish racks, sponges away
Nothing on the fridge (magnets, photos, calendars)
Sink empty, towels straightened or removed
Bar stools pushed in
Bathrooms
Toilet lids down
Counters clear: toothbrushes, soap, razors away
Towels matched and hung neatly, or removed
Shower glass wiped, personal products tucked away
Bedrooms & Living
Beds made, pillows straightened
Nightstands down to a lamp and one or two items
Personal photos down in the main rooms
Pet beds, bowls, crates, and litter boxes out of sight
Outside
Cars out of the driveway (and not at the curb in front)
Bins, hoses, and tools out of sight
Patio cushions on, umbrellas up, seating set
Pool skimmed, cleaner robot out of the water
Sprinklers off that morning (wet concrete photographs as a stain)
Day Of The Shoot
Garage door closed
Pets secured or out of the house during the shoot
Access arranged: lockbox, garage code, or someone home
Sellers are welcome to step out. Most shoots take about an hour