Seller prep guide

Thirty minutes now. Photos that sell your home later.

Buyers decide in the first few photos whether they’re coming to see your home. This checklist is how we make those photos count — and none of it takes special effort, just a little time before I arrive.

The golden rule: if it isn’t furniture or decoration, it goes out of sight.

Toothbrushes, chargers, dish soap, mail, dog bowls, laundry — none of it is furniture or decoration. Closets, drawers, and the garage are fair game; photos don’t open doors.

Everything on this list is about the house being ready — don’t worry about lights, blinds, or fans. Setting those is my job when I arrive.

Whole home

Replace any burned-out bulbs — every light gets turned on for photos.
Clear floors of shoes, toys, pet beds, and cords.
Hide trash cans, laundry baskets, and diaper pails.
Tuck away phone chargers, remotes, and mail piles.
Wipe down mirrors and glass doors — smudges show in photos.
Plan for pets to be crated, in the garage, or out with you during the shoot.

Kitchen

Clear the counters — small appliances, sponges, soap, and drying racks out of sight.
Remove everything from the refrigerator door (magnets, art, photos).
Hide dish towels, or set out one clean one that matches.
Empty the sink and put dishes away.

Bathrooms

Counters completely clear — toothbrushes, razors, and products in a drawer.
Toilet lids down. Always.
Fresh, straight towels — hanging like they obey gravity, not floating.
Shampoo bottles out of the shower or corralled in a caddy out of view.
Bath mats up off the floor (they photograph better gone).

Bedrooms

Beds made — pulled tight, pillows squared.
Nightstands down to a lamp and one or two decorative items.
Closet doors closed; floors clear.

Outside