Free tool · Prep

Printable listing photo prep checklist.

Every step that makes listing photos look better before the camera even comes out, grouped by room, with extra lists for drone, twilight and video shoots. Tick items off as you go, then print a clean copy for the sellers.

Ticks are saved in this browser only, so a seller can come back to it. Nothing is sent to us.

47 steps across 10 lists. Skip what doesn't apply.

A week out

Book the shoot and tell the photographer about anything that won't be ready
Schedule lawn mowing and edging two days before, so the stripes settle
Order any burned-out bulb replacements, all in one color temperature
Pick one closet or the garage as the "skip room" for everything you clear out
Ask your agent which rooms will lead the listing

Kitchen

Counters cleared except one or two deliberate items
Fridge front empty: magnets, art, calendars and menus
Dish rack, sponges, soap and towels put away
Sink empty and faucet wiped dry
Small appliances you don't use daily stored in cabinets
Pet bowls and mats out of sight

Living and dining

Pillows squared, throws folded or removed
Remotes, chargers, games and mail put away
Table cleared or set with one simple centerpiece
Ceiling fans switched off
Blinds open to the same height on every window

Bedrooms

Beds made tight with light bedding
Nightstands down to a lamp
Floors clear: shoes, laundry baskets and bags
Closet doors closed unless the closet is a feature

Bathrooms

Tub and shower ledges empty
Counters clear of toiletries and hair tools
Toilet lid down
One set of matching towels, or none
Rugs, plungers and bins hidden

Outside

Cars off the driveway and away from the curb
Trash and recycling bins in the garage
Garage door down
Hoses coiled out of view, toys and tools put away
Patio furniture straightened, grill covered or cleaned

If drone is booked

Roof and gutters free of visible debris
Pool covered neatly or uncovered and clean
Nothing on the roof of the shed or the deck you wouldn't want seen from above
Let neighbors know a drone will be overhead for a few minutes (optional, but kind)

If twilight is booked

Every interior bulb working, warm and matching
Landscape, porch and pool lights tested
Gas fireplace ready to switch on
Driveway clear before sunset

If video is booked

Leave the house during filming: footsteps and voices carry
Turn off the HVAC fan, dishwasher and anything that hums
Silence phones and smart speakers
Keep pets out of the house

The morning of

All lights on, including lamps and under-cabinet lights
TVs and screens off
Family photos, mail and prescriptions put away
A last walk-through with a laundry basket
Lockbox code or key confirmed with your agent

Tool questions.

Can I send this to my sellers?

Yes, that's what it's for. Send the link, or print it and leave it on the kitchen counter at the listing appointment. It's free to share.

How long does prep take?

For a lived-in home, plan on an evening for the big clear-out a few days before and about an hour the morning of the shoot.

What will the editor fix, and what won't they?

Our editors straighten lines, balance window light, brighten rooms, and replace a gray sky with a blue one. They don't move furniture or erase everyday clutter for free; item removal is a paid per-photo edit, and anything that changes the home itself has to be disclosed. Clearing it before we arrive is faster and honest.

Should the sellers stay for the shoot?

It's usually better if they don't. A photographer moves faster in an empty home, and nobody has to hide in the backyard.

Do you have a longer explanation?

Yes: how to prepare a home for listing photos walks through the why behind each step.

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