20 Quick & Effective Ways to Get Your Home Photo-Ready Before Listing

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions start online — long before a potential buyer ever books a showing. Those few seconds when someone scrolls through your listing photos can make all the difference.

The right photos can make your home feel bright, spacious, and inviting — while the wrong ones can make even a beautiful space feel cluttered or dark.
Here’s a simple checklist of 20 ways to get your home ready for professional real estate photos, so it shows off its very best side.

(No actual phones are used when taking photos of your home.)

✨ General Preparation

1. Clean like you mean it.
   A spotless home looks bigger, brighter, and better cared for. Wipe down all surfaces, dust light fixtures, and shine windows and mirrors.

2. Declutter everything.
   Less is more. Remove small decor items, piles of mail, and anything that distracts from your home’s features. Think model home, not lived-in chaos.

3. Hide personal items.
   Family photos, kids’ artwork, and collections are wonderful, but they make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves in the space.

4. Check every lightbulb.
   Replace burned-out bulbs and make sure each room has consistent lighting (soft white or daylight bulbs work best for photos).

5. Open blinds and curtains.
   Natural light makes photos pop. Let that Waterloo sunshine in!

🍳 Kitchen & Dining

1. Clear the counters.
   Tuck away toasters, dish racks, and appliances. A few styled items — like a bowl of fruit or a cutting board — are perfect, but keep it minimal.

2. Hide the dish soap and towels.
   No one wants to see evidence of last night’s dishes. Put away sponges, towels, and dish soap bottles.

3. Empty the sink.
   Even one pot in the sink can ruin a photo.

4. Set the dining table simply.
   A clean runner or a vase of flowers can make it look warm and welcoming.

🛋 Living Areas

1. Fluff pillows and fold throws.
   Make sofas look crisp and cozy — not like someone just finished a nap.

2. Hide cords and remotes.
   Bundle TV and lamp cords behind furniture and clear off coffee tables.

3. Create balance.
   A few well-placed items — plants, books, or a candle — go a long way.

🛏 Bedrooms

1. Make the beds like a hotel.
   Crisp sheets, neatly folded blankets, and fluffed pillows make bedrooms irresistible.

2. Tidy nightstands.
   Remove chargers, tissues, and half-read books. Keep it simple with a lamp or one decor item.

3. Hide laundry baskets and clothing.
   Even in closets — buyers will peek!

🚿 Bathrooms

1. Clear the counters.
   Put away toothbrushes, razors, and personal products. Keep out only what you’d see in a spa.

2. Fresh towels only.
   Fluffy white or neutral towels photograph beautifully.

3. Close toilet lids.
   Trust me on this one. Every. Single. Time.

🌳 Exterior & Curb Appeal

1. Tidy up outside.
   Sweep porches, mow the lawn, clear the driveway, and hide garbage bins and hoses.

2. Make it look alive.
   Add a doormat, a few potted plants, or a wreath. Little touches make a big difference in photos.

💡 Final Thoughts

• Plan around the weather. Early spring and fall offer the most flattering natural light.

• Show seasonal charm. A cozy patio setup or a few pumpkins on the porch (in October!) can add warmth.

• Mind reflections. With so many large windows in local homes, check that you and your photographer aren’t reflected in the glass.

A little prep goes a long way. Taking just a few hours to get photo-ready can mean more showings, more offers, and a faster sale.

And if you’re not sure where to start — that’s where I come in. I help families across the Waterloo Region get their homes ready to shine online, with hands-on advice and a proven process that makes the selling journey smoother (and a lot less stressful).

📸 Ready to list your home?
Let’s make sure your photos tell the best possible story.

👉 Contact Me here to start preparing your home for the market.