How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos: A Room-by-Room Guide
Great listing photos start before the photographer arrives. A well-prepared home photographs faster, looks better, and helps your property stand out on MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com. Whether you're selling in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, or anywhere in Hampton Roads, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do before your shoot.
General Rules
Turn on every light. Overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet lights — all of them. Replace any burned-out bulbs beforehand and try to match bulb color temperatures (all warm or all cool).
Open curtains and blinds. Let natural light in. If you have horizontal blinds, tilt them flat so the camera can see outside.
Turn off ceiling fans and TVs. Spinning blades blur in photos, and TV screens create distracting reflections.
Hide cords, cables, and chargers. Tuck them behind furniture or remove them from sight.
Remove personal items. Family photos, kids' artwork on the fridge, and personal collections make it harder for buyers to picture themselves in the space.
Kitchen
Clear all countertops. Remove small appliances, dish racks, soap dispensers, and paper towel holders. Leave one or two simple decorative items at most.
Clean the sink — no dishes, no sponges.
Wipe down appliances to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Remove everything from the front of the refrigerator — magnets, notes, photos.
Organize open shelves if you have them; remove excess items.
Bathrooms
Remove all personal items: shampoo, soap, razors, toothbrushes, medications.
Close toilet lids.
Clear the countertop completely — aim for a clean, hotel-like look.
Polish mirrors and chrome fixtures.
Hide trash cans, plungers, and cleaning brushes.
Fold or hang one set of fresh, neutral-colored towels.
Bedrooms
Make beds with clean, smooth linens. Fluff and arrange pillows neatly.
Remove clothes, shoes, and laundry baskets from sight.
Clear nightstands — leave only a lamp or one simple item.
If anything is stored under the bed and visible, move it out of the room.
Living Room and Common Areas
Straighten furniture and fluff cushions.
Remove excess decor, magazines, and remote controls.
Organize bookshelves — less is more.
Remove throw rugs from entryways and high-traffic areas (clean floors photograph better).
Exterior
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, pull weeds, and rake leaves.
Sweep the driveway, walkways, and patio.
Move all cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
Hide trash cans, garden hoses, tools, and toys.
Straighten outdoor furniture; add cushions if you have them.
If you have a pool, make sure it's clean and uncovered.
Turn on exterior lights (porch lights, landscape lights) — except spotlights.
The Final Hour Before the Shoot
A quick walkthrough 30–60 minutes before the photographer arrives:
All lights on.
All blinds and curtains open.
Fans and TVs off.
Pets and pet supplies out of sight.
Cars moved.
Trash cans hidden.
One last look at countertops, beds, and floors.
Why It Matters
Homes with professional, well-prepared photos get up to 61% more views online and can sell up to 32% faster. A little preparation goes a long way — and it helps your photographer focus on capturing the best angles instead of moving things around.
If you're listing a property in Hampton Roads or Virginia Beach and need professional real estate photography, request a quote or view our recent work.