Exterior:

1. Clear the Driveway: Remove all vehicles from the driveway and the front of the house to provide a clear view of the property.

2. Conceal Unsightly Items: Hide trash cans and any unattached items from view.

3. Maintain the Landscape: Cut, rake, water the grass, and remove any unsightly weeds or vegetation from the yard.

4. Clean Windows: Ensure windows are clean and free of streaks or smudges.

5. Enhance Outdoor Spaces: Arrange deck furniture neatly, uncover the grill, and open the patio umbrella to showcase outdoor living areas.

6. Driveway Appeal: Sweep or pressure wash the driveway if needed for a clean appearance.

7. Tidy the Yard: Remove kids' toys, pet evidence, and unnecessary clutter from the yard.

Interior:

General:

1. Illuminate Spaces: Replace burnt lightbulbs and ensure consistent color temperature throughout the home.

2. Minimize Clutter: Declutter as much as possible, especially personal items not included in the sale. A tidy space is more appealing than perfection.

3. Flooring Visibility: Remove unsightly door mats and area rugs to showcase attractive flooring like hardwood or tile.

4. Pet-Free Zone: Eliminate all signs of pets, including bedding, toys, and odors.

5. Maximize Natural Light: Open blinds and remove any fixed window coverings that block natural light.

6. Power Cord Control: Conceal power cords and consider unplugging them (except for lights).

7. Organize Living Spaces: Tuck away shoes, make beds, align picture frames and artwork, and arrange pillows neatly.

8. Hide Personal Information: Ensure sensitive personal information is not visible in photographs.

Kitchen:

1. Clear Countertops: Remove clutter from countertops; a few small appliances or decorative items are fine.

2. Fridge Clean-Up: Clear the fridge of magnets, photos, and notes for a clean and modern look.

3. Appliance Maintenance: Clean appliances thoroughly, removing fingerprints and smudges.

4. Hide Trash: Conceal the trash can out of sight.

5. Sink and Dishes: Ensure the sink is clean and free of dishes.

6. Minimize Visual Clutter: Put away dish soap, cloths, and calendars that can date the listing.

7. Seating Area: Straighten bar stools and table chairs for a polished appearance.

Bathrooms:

1. Toilet Etiquette: Close toilet lids for a tidy look.

2. Clear Counters: Remove personal items from bathroom counters.

3. Reflective Surfaces: Clean mirrors to enhance the space.

4. Shower Presentation: Open shower curtains and remove toiletries for a clean shower area.

5. Toilet Essentials: Place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder and remove the toilet brush and trash can.

Best Practices:

1. Photographer Collaboration: Offer a walkthrough to the photographer upon arrival, but avoid trailing them during the shoot.

2. Secondary Storage: If space is limited, designate a temporary storage room in advance to avoid moving items around during the shoot.

3. Pet Arrangements: Ensure pets are out of the home or safely kenneled during the photography session.

4. Staging Coordination: Arrange for staging with your Realtor or a professional stager before the shoot, as photographers won't handle staging.

5. Photographer Patience: Allow the photographer ample time to capture great images, as high-quality photos are crucial for effective marketing.

By following these steps, you can prepare your home for real estate photography and create a visually appealing listing that will attract the attention of potential buyers browsing online.