Getting Your Home Ready for Photos (Seller Checklist)

Seller checklist for getting a Western New York home ready for listing photos

Preparing your home for listing photos is one of the most important steps before going on the market. The goal is to make a strong first impression online, highlight your home’s best features, and attract serious buyers quickly.

This checklist is used by sellers across Western New York, including Erie and Niagara County. Use this checklist the week before photos, and again the morning of your shoot.

Download the Seller Photo Checklist (PDF)

Curb Appeal Checklist

Curb Appeal

  • Close your garage doors

  • Remove all cars from the driveway (park in garage or street)

  • Hide garbage cans (garage or out of sight)

  • Mow, edge, and pull weeds

  • Pick up leaves

  • Put away toys, empty planters, hoses, and garden tools

  • Mulch around flowerbeds and trees

  • Trim shrubs

  • Paint the front door and/or columns if needed

  • Create an inviting front porch

  • Add colorful plants

  • Remove trash at the curb (unless it’s garbage day)

Photoshoot Checklist (Inside the Home)

General

  • Deep clean (vacuum, mop, dust)

  • Organize open storage areas and bookcases

  • Turn ON all lights (including under cabinet)

  • Replace burned out/mismatched bulbs

  • Turn off TVs and computer screens

  • Pull back window treatments, open blinds halfway evenly

  • Wipe down surfaces (appliances, baseboards, trim)

  • Turn OFF ceiling fans

  • Make beds (check under bed + no sheets hanging out)

  • Remove excessive personal photos

  • Remove cords from dressers

  • Store shoes, jackets, and book bags in closets

Kitchen

  • Wipe down countertops and appliances

  • Clear counters (baking supplies, knife blocks, cutting boards, etc.)

  • Leave only one small item (coffee maker or similar)

  • Remove magnets/papers/photos from refrigerator

  • Remove items from top of refrigerator

  • Conceal or remove garbage can

  • Turn on specialty lighting

  • Clear sink area (no dishes, remove sponges/soap dispensers)

Dining Room

  • Clear off the table

  • Remove tablecloth if it’s in good condition

  • Evenly space chairs + push in

  • Add a simple centerpiece (flowers/vase)

Bathrooms, Pets, and Yard

Bathrooms

  • Clear counters (soap dispensers, toothbrushes, personal items)

  • Remove soap/shampoo from showers with glass doors

  • Remove floor mats

  • Remove used towels/hand towels/washcloths (display only fresh matching ones)

  • Toilet seats down

  • Remove trash cans, toilet brushes, plungers

  • Remove towels/robes behind doors

  • Remove items on back of toilet

Pets

  • Remove food/water bowls, toys, bedding

  • Lint roll furniture and eliminate pet hair

  • Contain pets outside or in a crate

  • Wash doors and glass (paw prints)

  • Clean/remove/hide litter boxes

  • Clear yard of pet waste, toys, bowls, leads

Yard

  • Put away toys and athletic equipment

  • Stage patio/deck

  • If you have a pool: vacuum, skim, clean surrounding area, remove chemicals/supplies, activate water features

  • Eliminate faded/stained cushions and pillows

  • Open umbrella on table

  • Clear yard of pet waste/toys/bowls/leads

 

Want a custom checklist for your home? I’ll walk through it with you before photos.

Download the Seller Photo Checklist (PDF)