Preparing a Home to be Photographed

Outside:

Remove vehicles, trash cans, recycle bins, etc. from driveway and front of house.
Sweep/shovel driveway, walkways, porches, patios and decks.
Remove hoses, sprinklers, garden tools, children's/pet's toys.
Mow the lawn no earlier than 3 days prior to appointment; trim back shrubs/bushes from walkways and doors; remove weeds from flower beds and around shrubs/bushes; rake leaves.
If applicable, arrange any outdoor furniture; clean pool; turn on water features such as fountains or waterfalls.
If possible, avoid putting up real estate signage until after the photoshoot.

inside:

Turn on all lights – Turn off ceiling fans - moving fan blades blur in the photos. If applicable, turn on all electric fireplaces.
Replace any burnt out bulbs. Make sure all light fixtures have the proper type of bulbs - do not mix fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
Open window coverings (curtains, drapes, sheers, blinds) to let in as much natural light as possible. Of course, if the view out a window isn't pleasing, leave those coverings semi/fully closed.
Eliminate as much clutter as possible, including children's toys, clothing, piles of newspapers/magazines, etc.
Remove toiletries and other personal items from bathroom counters; close toilet lids; remove/replace old or dirty towels, washcloths, etc.; remove all bottles and sponges/towels from showers with glass doors; clean mirrors and glass shower doors
Make all beds neatly (avoid wrinkles, lumps, etc.), clear dressers of personal items, and distracting items such as chargers and other unnecessary clutter.
In your office, stow or unplug dangling cables/wires; clear papers. Straighten up and/or remove items from bookcases.
In the kitchen, remove most, but not all, items from the counters. Items that can be left out might include: decorative canisters, a colorful bowl or platter, no more than one countertop appliance. You want it to be uncluttered, but not sterile. Items to remove or hide from view include: soap dispensers, dish towels, pet dishes, trash cans. Remove everything (magnets, pictures, calendars, etc.) from the outside of the refrigerator.