Real Estate Photography Prep Checklist: Before We Arrive

Before the photographer arrives, declutter every surface, turn on every light, open blinds, clear cars from the driveway and move people and pets out. That covers most of what makes or breaks a real estate photo shoot. Below is the room-by-room real estate photography prep checklist we hand to Tampa Bay sellers.

Start with the whole house

• Put away personal photos, mail, magnets, and anything on a refrigerator door.

• Replace burned-out bulbs and make sure all bulbs match in color.

• Run the dishwasher and empty trash cans. Cans go out of sight.

• Straighten rugs, fluff pillows, and make the beds with the tightest sheets you own.

• Open blinds and curtains fully. Natural light does a lot of the work.

• Hide cords, remotes, pet bowls and pet beds.

Kitchen

• Clear counters down to one or two items, such as a bowl of fruit or a cutting board.

• Clean the sink and remove the dish rack, sponges and soap bottles.

• Wipe appliance fronts for fingerprints. Stainless shows everything.

• Keep the stovetop bare.

Living and dining rooms

• Pull furniture a few inches off the walls if the room feels crowded.

• Remove loose throws and extra side tables.

• Turn TVs off. A black screen reads better than a screen saver.

• Set the dining table with nothing, or with a simple centerpiece.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

• Clear nightstands to a lamp and one small item.

• Take everything off bathroom counters, then put back one folded towel set.

• Shower curtains open, toilet lids down, bath mats out of sight.

• Empty the shower and tub of bottles.

Garage, laundry and bonus rooms

• Shut the garage door unless the garage is part of the listing.

• Tidy laundry rooms and hide the hampers.

• Give a home office a clear desk and a closed laptop.

Exterior and curb appeal

• Mow, edge and sweep the walkway. Trim shrubs away from windows.

• Put garbage bins, hoses and toys out of the frame.

• Park cars on the street or in the garage, away from the front of the house.

• Skim the pool, tidy patio furniture and clear the grill.

• Wipe the front door and check house numbers.

Drone and twilight considerations

Drone photos show the roof, yard, driveway and the surrounding street, so the same exterior tidying applies from above. Move boats, trailers and extra cars if you can. Our drone work is flown by FAA Part 107 certified pilots, and drone photos are in every package. Real twilight photography is $200 for 5 photos, while virtual twilight is $15 per image. If you want real twilight, have all exterior lights and pool lights working and switched on before dusk.

The day-of list

• Be finished with cleaning an hour before the appointment.

• Switch on all lights, including lamps, then open blinds.

• Turn fans off so blades aren’t blurred.

• Take pets, and ideally people, out of the house. A 3D tour scan captures anyone in the room.

• Unlock gates, side doors and the garage.

• Leave a key or lockbox code if you won’t be there.

What not to do

• Don’t stage while the photographer is working. Finish first.

• Don’t leave candles lit or fires burning. We can add a fireplace flame in editing for $10.

• Don’t hide clutter in the oven or shower. Closets and cars work better.

• Don’t move into the photo frame mid-shot. Ask us before shifting furniture.

• Don’t skip the exterior because you’re pleased with the interior.

Vacation rentals have a different list, with linens and guest-facing touches. That one is in our Airbnb photo shoot checklist. For sellers there is also a printable home prep guide.

What we handle for you

Some small things are cheaper to fix in editing. Photo touch-ups and item removal are included in our Standard package, which starts at $325, and are a $20 add-on with other packages. Photos come back in 24 hours, with 3D tours and video in 48 to 72. See current prices on the pricing page or book through the contact page.

Questions we get about real estate photography prep

How long does it take to prep a house for photos?

Most homes need a few hours of decluttering and cleaning. Start the day before, so the morning of the shoot is only lights, blinds and last touches.

Should I be home during the shoot?

It is better if you aren’t. We can work faster, and a 3D tour scan captures anyone standing in the room. If you can’t leave, stay in one spot we aren’t shooting.

Do I need to remove everything personal?

Remove photos, mail, and visible personal items. Buyers should picture their own lives there.

Can you remove small items in editing?

Yes. Touch-ups and item removal are included in Standard and cost $20 on other packages, but they are for small things like a cord or a stain, not a messy room.

What time of day is best?

We schedule to the home’s light and are open 7 days a week, 9 AM to 7 PM. Tell us which way the front faces and we will suggest a window.