Photos sell homes. But even the best photographer can’t fix a messy room, wrinkled bedspread, or cluttered counter. Whether you're an agent or a homeowner, proper prep makes your listing look polished — and helps you get the most from your shoot. Here’s the ultimate room-by-room prep checklist we recommend to all our Bay Area clients before we arrive.
· ✔️ Turn on all lights,including lamps and overheads
· ✔️ Replace any burned-outbulbs
· ✔️ Open all windowblinds & curtains
· ✔️ Hide personal items(toothbrushes, shoes, toys, paperwork)
· ✔️ Remove clutterfrom floors, counters, and corners
· ✔️ Clean all mirrors,windows, and shiny surfaces
· ✔️ Hide visible cables,remotes, routers
· ✔ Remove pets and petitems (bowls, beds, litter boxes)
· ✔️ Fluff and straighten pillows
· ✔️ Fold or remove blankets
· ✔️ Remove extra remotecontrols, chargers, paperwork
· ✔️ Align furniture to create aspacious feel
· ✔️ Hide any laundrybaskets, toys, or pet beds
· ✔️ Make all beds hotel-style— smooth, flat, tucked
· ✔️ Use neutral beddingif possible
· ✔️ Clear nightstands (limit to1–2 clean items)
· ✔️ Hide hampers, laundry, orpersonal items
· ✔️ Straighten rugs andcurtains
· ✔️ Clear off counterscompletely
· ✔️ Hide dish soap,sponges, cutting boards
· ✔️ Remove fridgemagnets & calendars
· ✔️ Wipe down stainlesssteel and glass
· ✔️ Add one small plantor fruit bowl for a clean touch
✔️ Close all toiletlids
✔️ Remove toothbrushes,razors, medications
✔️ Hang fresh matchingtowels neatly
✔️ Remove bath mats(unless brand new)
✔️ Clear all counterscompletely
✔️ Park cars off thedriveway/street
✔️ Sweep porch, driveway, andpatios
✔️ Put away hoses,trash bins, yard tools
✔️ Straighten outdoorfurniture
✔️ Turn on poolfeatures, landscape lights (if applicable)
Prepping well = better photos = more buyer interest. We’ve seen listings get more showings and faster offers just because the home looked polished in the photos. Agents: feel free to share this with your sellers! Want a printable version? Let us know — or include this checklist in your next pre-listing packet.
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