How to Prep a House for Listing Photos the Night Before
You booked the photographer for tomorrow morning. Now the house still looks like someone lives there, because someone does. The good news is you do not need a miracle. You need a few focused hours tonight and a solid game plan.
Declutter every horizontal surface
This is the single biggest mistake I see in listing photos. Countertops, coffee tables, kitchen islands, bathroom sinks - if you can put something on it, clear it off. Buyers are looking at those photos trying to imagine their stuff in those spaces, and your stuff is in the way. Take everything off kitchen counters except maybe one decorative item. Pack up the toothbrushes, the hair products, the dish soap. In the bathroom, remove everything from the sink ledge and the tub edge. The shower curtain should be perfectly straight and fully closed or opened depending on what looks cleaner.
- Clear kitchen counters down to one item or zero
- Pack away all bathroom personal products
- Remove papers, magazines, and remote controls from tables
- Take coats and bags off chairs and hooks
Deep clean the floors and windows
A clean floor photographs beautifully. A dirty floor screams neglect. Vacuum every room including closets, and mop if needed. Windows are where listing photos go to die - wipe down the glass on the inside and check the outside if you can reach. Smudges and water spots show up big time in real estate photos. Do this tomorrow morning too if you have time, but tonight you at least want the big stuff handled.
Set the scene for living
Turn on every light in the house. Every single one. It helps the photographer get bright, warm photos without using flash, which can make rooms look flat. Open all the curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Flip the mattress and put fresh sheets on the beds - you want the bedrooms to look inviting, not slept in. Fluff the couch pillows and arrange them so they look intentionally placed, not just thrown there. Turn on the fireplace if you have one, even in summer - a low flame adds warmth to the photo.
- Turn on every light in the house
- Open all curtains and blinds
- Make beds with fresh, neutral bedding
- Arrange pillows instead of piling them
Check the exterior tonight
You will not have time in the morning to deal with a lawn that needs mowing or leaves in the gutter. Walk the perimeter now and note anything that needs attention. Move cars out of the driveway. Hide the trash cans. If you have pets, do not forget to pick up in the yard - you would be surprised how often a dog toy ends up in a listing photo. Trim anything blocking the front of the house. The goal is a clean, welcoming first impression that makes buyers want to click.
One last thing
Pack a small bag tonight so you can leave quickly in the morning. Keys, lockbox code, any HOA rules about photography, your photographer is coming. Actually, speaking of that - I include drone aerials with every shoot and I deliver photos in about 24 hours. If you are not happy with the gallery, you do not pay and you get $20 cash. First shoot is half off too. Book online, no call needed.