Listing photos: what to do before the camera arrives

Start where the first photo will start

Move vehicles out of the driveway when practical. Put bins, hoses and loose yard items away. Clear the entry and check that the door and porch can be seen. Keep the home looking like itself: photos should show the property buyers will actually visit.

Clear surfaces without emptying the house

In the kitchen, keep most counters open. In bathrooms, put toiletries, cleaning supplies and laundry out of sight. Make beds and straighten furniture. A few intentional items are fine; the goal is to help buyers understand the room instead of studying your belongings.

Give the camera a path

• Open doors to rooms being photographed and clear floor space.
• Replace burned-out bulbs and use consistent light colors within a room.
• Discuss blinds, curtains and lighting with the photographer instead of guessing how the light will photograph.
• Plan somewhere comfortable for pets during photography.
• Store personal paperwork, medications, family photos and valuables securely.

Make a ten-minute list, not a shopping list

Take a quick phone photo from the doorway of each room. Look for cords, full bins, crooked bedding, crowded counters and things blocking windows. These are often faster to fix than the upgrades sellers feel pressured to buy. If a room needs more work, ask whether the cost will help it compete before ordering anything.

After photos, keep the showing version manageable

Choose a short reset you can repeat: counters, beds, floors, bins and pets. Let us know which showing windows are workable. Beautiful photos can attract interest, but buyers still need a reasonable way to see the home.