Prepare for Photos

General

Tips for all areas in the home

  • Thoroughly Clean the Whole House

    Vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows

  • Turn On All Lights

    Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

  • Replace Burned-Out Light Bulbs

    Replace all burned out light bulbs

  • Use Uniform Bulb Temperature

    Use bulbs of the same temperature, ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent

  • Turn Off Ceiling Fans

    Turn all ceiling fans OFF

  • Use Uniform Bulb Temperature

    Use bulbs of the same temperature, ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent

  • Use Uniform Bulb Temperature

    Use bulbs of the same temperature, ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent

Front Exterior

Online “curb appeal”, usually the first photo buyers see

  • Garage Doors

    Close Garage Doors

  • Driveway and Front

    Remove cars from driveway and front of home

  • Clean Up Landscaping

    Clean up landscaping: mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves

  • Planters

    Remove empty planters

  • Remove Cobwebs

    Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

  • Water Hoses

    Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove Equipment

    Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

Back Yard

The back yard should be an oasis to relax

  • Clean Porch and Outdoor Furniture

    Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

  • Refresh Pillows and Cushions

    Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded

  • Clear Out Toys and Play Items

    Clear out kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

  • Clean Pool

    Clean Pool

  • Remove Pool Vacuum/Cleaner Hose

    Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

  • Pool Cleaning

    Hide pool cleaning supplies

  • Fountains and Water Features

    Turn on pool fountains/water features

  • Trash Cans

    Remove trash cans

Kitchen

Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail

  • Clear Countertops Completely

    Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

  • Limit to One Small Appliance

    Leave out max of one small appliance, such as a coffee maker

  • Clear Refrigerator Exterior

    Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

  • Hide Garbage Cans

    Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

  • Remove Dishes from Sink

    Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

Dining Room / Table

Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal

  • Clear and Polish Table

    Clear table, dust, and polish the tabletop

  • Use Decorative Place Setting

    Use decorative place setting if available

  • Feature a Centerpiece

    Feature one centerpiece, such as a bouquet of flowers

  • Straighten and Evenly Space Chairs

    Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

  • Remove Child Seats and Booster Chairs

    Remove child seats/booster chairs

Living / Family Room

The space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family

  • Remove Stacks of Magazines and Papers

    Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

  • De-Clutter Fireplace Mantel and Hearth

    De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth, leaving no more than 5 items, including art

  • Clean and Repaint Fireplace

    Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

  • Fluff and Arrange Furniture Pillows

    Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

  • Remove Kid’s Toys

    Remove kid’s toys

Master Bedroom

A good nights rest recharges the body and mind

  • Make Bed with Decorative Pillows

    Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

  • Press Bed Linens and Skirts

    Press bed linens and bed skirts

  • Clear Nightstands

    Clear nightstands of all personal items

  • Store Charging Cables

    Store away phone/tablet charging cables

  • Remove Clutter from Dressers

    Remove all clutter from the top of dressers

  • Remove Family Photos from Walls

    Remove family photos from walls

  • Clean Under the Bed

    Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Kid/Guest Bedroom

Don’t forget about guest bedrooms

  • Remove Personalized Names from Walls

    Remove personalized names from walls

  • Remove Wall Stickers and Posters

    Remove wall stickers/posters

  • Remove Diaper Genies

    Remove diaper genies

  • Clean Under the Bed

    Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Bathrooms

To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items

  • Clear Bathroom Countertops

    Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

  • Put Toilet Seats Down

    Put toilet seats down

  • Close Closet Doors

    Close closet doors

  • Remove Items from Showers and Tubs

    Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

  • Remove Dirty Towels

    Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels

  • Remove Floor Mats

    Remove floor mats

Pets

Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized

  • Place Pet Food and Water Bowls in Pantry

    Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

  • Store Pet Beds and Toys

    Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

  • Use Lint Roller on Furniture

    Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

  • Contain Pets

    Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

  • Clear Backyard of Pet Waste and Toys

    Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

We Shoot It All!

Quick Links

Follow Us

Contact Info

Copyright © 2025 idealpropertyimages. All Rights Reserved

Scroll to Top