Preparing Your Home for Listing Photos
First Impressions Count!
General
• Thoroughly clean the whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard-surface floors, clean counter tops)​.
• Clean windows and all mirrors.
• Turn on all interior lighting. Make sure bulbs are same type and replace all burnt out bulbs.
• Turn all ceiling fans OFF.
• Turn all TVs OFF.
• Turn all computer screens OFF.
• Open all blinds & window treatments.
• Remove personal photographs (or replace with general art if possible).
• Make all beds and fluff the pillows. Every wrinkle will show in the photos.
• Remove small floor rugs in kitchen, bathroom and by front & back doors to reveal the flooring.
• Place all clothing items in closets.
• De-clutter rooms that may be excessively furnished. Clutter makes rooms look smaller.
EXTERIOR
• Close garage doors.
• Remove cars from driveway and in front of home.
• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves).
• Remove visible water hoses and garden tools.
• Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables, chairs, cushions, etc.
• Remove all children’s toys.
• Clean swimming pool, fountains etc.
• Hide all trash cans.
KITCHEN
• Clear counter tops completely. No baking supplies, dish soap, mail, sponges etc.
• CLEAN WINDOWS & ALL SHINY SURFACES including all appliances.
• You can leave out one or two small appliances e.g. a coffee maker.
• Remove magnets, papers, photos, etc. from refrigerator.
• Hide garbage/trash cans.
DINING ROOM
• Clear table, dust and polish the table top.
• Use decorative place setting if available.
• Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers.
• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly.
LIVING ROOM & FAMILY ROOM
• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth.
• Clean interior of fireplace.
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows.
• Remove all children’s and pet toys.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available.
• Clear nightstands of all personal items.
• Hide phones, remotes and tablet charging cables.
• Remove all clutter from top of dressers. Hide jewelry and all personal items
• It is suggested to remove family photos from walls.
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.
GUEST OR CHILD'S ROOM
• Remove personalized names and photos from walls.
• Remove wall stickers & posters if possible.
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.
BATHROOMS
• Clear counter tops completely.
• No soap, toothbrushes, perfume, medications, deodorant, etc.
• PLEASE put toilet seats & lids down.
• Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs.
• Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels or no towels.
• Remove all floor mats.
PETS
• Hide pet beds, toys, water, and food bowls.
• Hide pet crates.
• Hide Pets!
• Do not allow your pets to wander loose while photos are being taken. This slows me down significantly!
• Secure pets in hidden crate or outside.
• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair.
• Clear back yard of pet waste & toys.
YOU!