Ready, Set, Show! How to Prep Your Home for Photos and Buyers
3 min read
When it’s time to sell your home, first impressions are everything — and in today’s market, those impressions often start online. How your home looks in photos and during showings can make a big difference in attracting buyers, generating offers, and ultimately selling for the best price.
As your agent, I’m here to guide you through every step to ensure your home shines — both in pictures and in person.
Why Preparation Matters
Presentation isn’t just about aesthetics — it directly impacts how quickly your home sells and for how much.
Homes with professional photography sell about 32% faster than those without.
Listings with high-quality photos receive 61% more online views.
About 85% of buyers say photos are the most important factor when deciding which homes to visit.
And well-presented homes can sell for up to 10% more than homes shown in poor condition.
The takeaway? Taking the time to prep your home before the photographer arrives and buyers start walking through is one of the smartest moves you can make as a seller.
Getting Your Home Photo-Ready
Preparing your home for photos and showings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take your time, focus on one step at a time, and remember — you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Ask for help from family, friends, or me, and simply do your best. Every little improvement adds up and makes your home more appealing to buyers.
Here’s a detailed, practical guide to help you get every key area of your home ready for photos and showings:
Kitchen
Clear countertops of appliances and clutter.
Wipe down all surfaces, including cabinets and appliances.
Empty and clean the sink.
Organize pantry/cabinets if open shelving or glass doors are visible.
Add a small decorative touch like a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers.
Turn on all lights to brighten the space.
Living Room / Family Room
Remove personal photos, toys, and clutter.
Fluff pillows, straighten throws, and arrange furniture to maximize space.
Dust shelves, electronics, and surfaces.
Open blinds/curtains for natural light and turn on lamps.
Bedrooms
Make beds with neutral bedding and an accent pillow or throw.
Clear nightstands and dressers of personal items.
Tidy closets and floors — hide laundry, shoes, and bags.
Open curtains to let in natural light.
Bathrooms
Clean sinks, faucets, mirrors, showers, and tubs.
Remove personal items like toothbrushes and toiletries.
Hide trash cans and cleaning supplies.
Neatly fold towels in neutral colors.
Ensure toilet seats are down and floors are spotless.
Dining Room
Clear the table; add a simple centerpiece like a vase of flowers.
Arrange chairs neatly and remove clutter from sideboards or cabinets.
Dust all surfaces, including light fixtures.
Open blinds/curtains for natural light.
Entryway / Hallways
Clear shoes, coats, bags, and other clutter.
Add a small rug or subtle décor.
Clean doors and polish doorknobs.
Exterior / Outdoor Spaces
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and remove weeds.
Sweep patios, walkways, and driveways.
Remove cars, trash bins, hoses, and toys from view.
Stage outdoor seating or add potted plants for visual appeal.
Keeping It Ready for Showings
After the photo session, it’s important to maintain that show-ready look:
Keep lights on and blinds open to maximize natural light.
Maintain clean, clear surfaces and a fresh-smelling home.
Have a basket or tote handy for quick storage of items before buyers arrive.
Remove pet items to keep the focus on your home.
These small touches help buyers emotionally connect with the home, which often leads to stronger offers.
The Payoff
A well-prepared home doesn’t just look better — it performs better in the market:
More online engagement leads to more showings.
More showings lead to more offers.
Better presentation can increase your final sale price.
Taking the time to prepare is an investment that can pay off quickly. Your home will look its best and appeal to the right buyers from day one.
My Role as Your Listing Agent
When you work with me, I’ll:
Walk through your home and point out simple, effective improvements before photography.
Coordinate with a professional real estate photographer to capture every highlight.
Make sure the photo shoot, listing launch, and showings are scheduled for maximum impact.
I’m here to guide you step by step and make selling your home as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Final Thoughts
Getting your home ready for photos and showings may take some effort, but it pays off. A clean, bright, and well-staged home creates a strong first impression and helps buyers picture themselves living there — which often leads to faster sales and higher offers.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to provide a customized checklist and walk you through every step.
If you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Whenever you’re ready to make the next move, I’ll be here for you — take your time.
