How to prepare your home for listing photos.

Sellers in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge who invest three to four hours preparing before the photo shoot consistently get better listing photos than those who hand the keys to the photographer and hope for the best. Great real estate photography requires a great subject. Here is how to give your photographer the best possible material to work with.

The morning of: whole-home preparation

• Open all blinds and curtains. Natural light makes every room look larger and more inviting. Close them only where the view is a direct negative (overlooking a parking lot, etc.).
• Turn on every light in the house — overhead fixtures, lamps, under-cabinet lighting. Even in daylight, filled artificial light warms the space in photos.
• Replace any burnt-out bulbs before the day of the shoot. Mixed bulb temperatures show in photos.
• Remove all garbage cans, recycling bins, and compost containers from view — inside and outside.
• Remove all personal photographs and anything with your name, your children's names, or other personal identifiers.
• Tuck away pet beds, bowls, litter boxes, and toys.
• Remove any seasonal decor that dates the photos (holiday items, etc.).

Kitchen

• Clear all counters completely — remove the toaster, coffee maker, knife block, paper towel holder, soap dispenser, and everything else. Leave the counter empty or with one intentional item (a bowl of fresh fruit, a cutting board).
• Clean the sink and faucet until they shine.
• Remove magnets and papers from the refrigerator.
• Wipe down appliances — fingerprints show clearly in real estate photos.
• Put away dish racks, sponges, and anything typically left out around the sink.

Living and dining rooms

• Remove excess throw pillows and blankets — leave one or two, neat and arranged.
• Clear coffee tables and end tables of remote controls, magazines, coasters, and clutter.
• Straighten all furniture and align with walls or each other.
• If the dining table is large enough to feel crowded, remove chairs to make the space feel larger.
• Fresh flowers or a simple centerpiece on the dining table photograph well.

Bedrooms

• Make all beds tightly, with clean, neutral bedding. White or light grey photographs best.
• Clear all nightstands except for one lamp and one small item.
• Close all closet and wardrobe doors.
• Remove clothing from chairs, hooks, and doorknobs.

Bathrooms

• Remove all personal care products from counters and from visible shelf or tub areas.
• Put out clean, folded white or neutral towels.
• Close the toilet lid.
• Clean the mirror until it is streak-free — mirrors are always in photos.
• Put away bathmats or replace with fresh ones that match the towels.

Exterior

• Move all cars out of the driveway and away from in front of the house.
• Remove garbage bins, hoses, garden tools, and any outdoor equipment from view.
• Mow the lawn if weather permits.
• Sweep the front walkway and porch.
• In winter: clear snow and salt the walkway.
• If you have a backyard or deck: arrange furniture neatly, remove clutter, sweep or clear snow.

What the photographer needs from you

Be out of the home during the shoot if possible — photographers work faster and have more flexibility without the owners present. If you must be home, stay in one area and be prepared to move quickly when the photographer reaches that space. Have the home at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold — it affects how long the photographer stays in each space). Have all keys and access codes ready so the photographer can get in without issues.