To prepare a home for listing photos: turn on every light, open blinds, clear kitchen and bathroom counters, make beds, hide personal items, move cars from the driveway, and tidy the yard. Put away pet bowls, trash cans and hoses. A prepared home photographs brighter and bigger, and the shoot goes faster.
Room-by-room checklist
- Outside: cars off the driveway, trash cans hidden, lawn mowed, hoses and toys put away.
- Kitchen: clear counters except one or two decor pieces; nothing on the fridge.
- Bathrooms: toilet lids down, toiletries away, fresh towels.
- Bedrooms: beds made, nightstands cleared.
- Living areas: remote controls, cords and clutter out of sight; TVs off.
- Everywhere: lights on, blinds open, ceiling fans off.
- Pets: out of the house or crated during the shoot.
Empty home?
Add AI virtual staging for $35 (4–6 rooms). Questions? Call or text 845-500-0162 or book online.
Common questions
Should the lights be on for real estate photos?
Yes. Turn on every light and open the blinds; we balance the light with HDR editing.
Should I be home during the shoot?
You don’t need to be. Many sellers leave so the photographer can work quickly.
Can you edit out cars or clutter?
Small items can be edited, but it is faster and looks better to remove them before the shoot.
Updated November 2026 by Marty Remo, HVRE Media. See pricing, service areas and listings powered by HVRE Media.
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