How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos
The Complete Checklist for Sellers
Professional real estate photos don’t start when the photographer arrives. They start with how the home is prepared.
The difference between average photos and photos that make a home feel bright, spacious, and inviting almost always comes down to preparation — not the camera.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do before photography day so your home looks its absolute best online.
Why Preparation Matters More Than You Think
Buyers don’t view homes in person first anymore. They view them on a screen.
- Every distraction shows
- Clutter looks worse in photos than in real life
- Dark rooms look darker
- Small things become very noticeable
- Buyers and Agents will be influenced more by the negative aspects rather than the positive aspects
A properly prepared home photographs beautifully and attracts more showings.
The Golden Rule
If it’s not decorative or essential, remove it.
Less in a room always looks better in photos.
Whole Home Checklist (Do This First)
- Remove garbage bins from sight
- Hide cords and cables
- Remove personal photos (if wall mounted, replace with a nature or city scape print!)
- Remove magnets and papers from the fridge
- Put away pet bowls, beds, and toys (some cat people aren't dog people and vice versa!)
- Tuck away remotes, tissues, and countertop items
- Open all blinds and curtains
- Replace burnt-out lightbulbs
- Turn on all lights
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the listing. When we do photograph kitchens we often provide various angles of the room and even closeups of the appliances, faucets and cabinet hardware.
Remove everything from the counters except (optional):
- A coffee maker
- A small plant or bowl of fruit
- Put away dish racks, soap bottles, sponges, and paper towels
- Remove knives and towels from oven handles
- Clear the fridge surface completely
Living Room
- Remove extra chairs if the room feels tight
- Hide blankets, toys, and clutter
- Straighten pillows
- Remove stacks of magazines and papers
- Hide visible wires
Make it feel open and breathable.
Bedrooms
- Make beds neatly with simple bedding
- Remove clothing from floors and chairs
- Clear nightstands except for a lamp
- Hide laundry baskets
- Remove personal items and photos
Bathrooms
Bathrooms must look like a hotel. This is the one room that could really affect the impression of the home!
- Remove toothbrushes, soap bottles, and razors
- Remove towels (leave one neatly folded if desired)
- Remove garbage cans and bath mats
- Close toilet lids
Entryway
- Remove shoes and coats
- Clear tables and surfaces
- Clean the door glass
Exterior of the Home
- Move garbage and recycling bins out of sight
- Park cars away from the driveway if possible
- Put away hoses, tools, and toys
- Sweep walkways
- Power wash the front of the house: walls, windows, driveway
- Mow the lawn (season permitting)
Lighting Tips
- Turn on every light in the home
- Open all blinds and curtains
- Replace any burnt bulbs
- As a bonus, "daylight" coloured bulbs (between 5000K and 6500K) will make the light inside feel vibrant and more natural. Yellow coloured bulbs make the home feel aged and sombre.
Bright homes always photograph better.
What Happens If This Isn’t Done?
As part of all our photography packages, we do accont for some digital decluttering using Photoshop and other AI tools. With every photo edit, we will always do our best to declutter and enhance as much as possible!
A little preparation saves a lot of stress.
Ready for Photography Day?
If you’re listing a home in Barrie & the surrounding areas and need professional real estate photography, we’d be happy to help.