Real Estate Photography Checklist

Front and backEnsure all exterior areas are neat and presentable.
VehiclesRemove all cars from the driveway and any other areas visible from the house. If you are comfortable doing so, ask neighbors to move their cars off the street.
Personal itemsClear all personal items from patios, porches and garages, including toys, bicycles, garden tools and seasonal décor.
WindowsClose and clean all windows.
SurfacesSweep walkways, driveways, porches and patios.
LandscapingPick up leaves, sticks and branches. Mow the lawn and attend to all landscaping.
HosesRemove all hoses.
Deck and patio furnitureStraighten and arrange all outdoor furniture. Clean patio furniture and open umbrellas.
Pool areaClean the pool area. Clean and remove covers from all pools, ponds and water features.
LightingTurn on all exterior lights.

Personal items and clutterRemove personal photos; visible clutter from floors and horizontal surfaces; wastebaskets and trash cans; cleaning supplies; magazines and books; power cords; and religious or political items.
Lighting and ambianceOpen all shades, blinds and window or door coverings. Replace burned-out bulbs. Turn on all lights. Turn off ceiling fans, computer screens and televisions.
Children's toysTidy up or put away all children's toys.
Pet itemsHide pet dishes, toys and beds.
FlooringVacuum carpets and sweep hard floors.
Newspapers and mailRemove old or tattered newspapers, mail and magazines.
Decorative itemsDisplay attractive books if desired.
FurnitureRemove and store excess or bulky furniture to open up floor space. Roll up and remove floor mats from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. Consult a stager about decorative rugs. Less is more.

Appliance surfacesClear appliance surfaces of magnets, calendars and personal items.
CountersDeclutter counters and stove; stow small appliances.
StorageStore all food in cabinets.
SinkClear dishes from the sink and put away the draining rack.
Cleaning suppliesHide soaps, cleaning items, dish towels and sponges.
PantryClean and organize pantry shelves.
OverallRemove everything but perhaps a few decorative items from countertops. Clean all surfaces, including appliances, sink and backsplash.

CleanlinessMake bathrooms sparkle. Shine windows, glass and counters; clean the mirrors and the toilet; close the toilet lid.
TowelsHang fresh towels.
ToiletriesClear the counters. Place shampoo, soaps, razors and other items in a bin under the sink. Remove everything from the tub and shower so the bathrooms appear vacant.

PreparationThe property will be photographed as-is. Review this checklist and be prepared before the appointment.
LightingEnsure ceiling lights, lamps and exterior lights work and are turned on. Open window treatments before the scheduled arrival; they may be adjusted during shooting for optimal results.
Ceiling fansEnsure all ceiling fans are turned off and clean.
Property tour or instructionsIf needed, provide a short tour or leave written instructions covering home quirks, nonworking switches, property-line specifics and features to highlight or omit. Photo stills are a teaser for the listing; not every nook needs to be shown.
OccupancyPlan to leave for a few hours. Shoots cover the house, yard and garage. Pets or children present during the shoot can be problematic; the best results come from an unoccupied space.
Lock-up instructionsIf you will not be home, leave a key and/or locking instructions. The photographer will message the Realtor, preferred contact or client when the appointment concludes.

Curb appealExterior Areas0/10