How to Prepare a Listing for a Professional Photoshoot: Agent's Guide
Prep is the difference between a good listing and an average one
The photographer controls light, composition and finish. Everything else is decided before anyone arrives. Agents who send a proper prep list to their sellers consistently get better galleries, and it costs nothing.
Send this to the seller two days out
Not the morning of. Sellers need time, and a list that arrives an hour before the shoot produces a rushed house and a wasted appointment.
Whole house
- Every light bulb working, matched in colour within each room.
- All blinds and curtains open. Windows cleaned inside.
- Ceiling fans off so the blades photograph sharp.
- Bins out of every room and out of sight.
- Cables, chargers, remotes and phone docks put away.
- Floors vacuumed, hard floors mopped.
- Pets and pet accessories out of the house for the appointment. Bowls, beds, litter trays, toys.
- All vehicles off the driveway and away from the front elevation.
Kitchen
- Counters cleared entirely, then two or three items back for styling.
- Fridge front completely bare.
- Sink empty and dry, dish rack, soap and sponges hidden.
- Stainless steel wiped for fingerprints.
- Chairs and stools squared and evenly spaced.
Bathrooms
- All personal items off the counters and out of the shower.
- Toilet lids down without exception.
- Fresh matching towels, folded identically.
- Mirrors and chrome polished, shower glass squeegeed.
- Mats and scales off the floor.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Beds made to a hotel standard, bedding ironed, pillows upright.
- Nightstands cleared to a lamp.
- Nothing stored under beds or visible in open wardrobes.
- Cushions squared, throws folded, rugs straight.
- Televisions off.
- Family photos and anything with names or personal details put away.
Outside
- Lawn mowed, edges done, leaves cleared, a day before rather than the morning of.
- Hoses coiled, tools and bins out of sight.
- Patio furniture squared, cushions on.
- Pool skimmed and the filter run within the hour.
- Toys, trampolines and anything seasonal removed if it does not help the listing.
Set expectations on the day
Someone should be there to let the photographer in, then stay out of the frames. A typical single-family listing takes one to two hours on site. Photos come back inside 24 hours in full resolution plus MLS-ready sizes.
Book a shoot or read the mistakes that cost agents listings.