Pre-Listing Prep Checklist

📸 Pre-Listing Prep Checklist: How to Get Your Home Ready for Real Estate Photos

Getting ready to sell your home in Tallahassee? First impressions are everything—especially online. Great listing photos can generate more interest, more showings, and ultimately a faster sale at top dollar.

Here’s a room-by-room home staging checklist to help you prepare your property for professional real estate photography. Whether you're selling a house, condo, or townhome, this pre-listing guide will help your home shine.

 
✅ General Interior Prep (All Rooms)
Before your photographer arrives, make sure the entire home is clean, bright, and clutter-free. This sets the tone for every photo.

• Declutter all surfaces (tables, countertops, nightstands, shelves)
• Remove personal items, like family photos and paperwork
• Hide visible cords, charging stations, and remotes
• Clean all floors, mirrors, and windows
• Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs with matching daylight bulbs
• Open all blinds and curtains for natural light
• Turn off ceiling fans and turn on all lights
• Tidy up closets and storage areas—buyers notice everything

 
🛋️ Living Room
This is one of the most viewed areas in listing photos, so aim for a clean and cozy look.

• Fluff throw pillows and neatly fold blankets
• Remove excess furniture to highlight floor space
• Organize TV consoles and shelves
• Hide pet beds, toys, or scratching posts

 
🍽️ Kitchen
Buyers love clean, spacious kitchens. Less is more!

• Clear countertops of appliances, utensils, and clutter
• Remove all fridge magnets, notes, and calendars
• Wipe down cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and surfaces
• Hide soaps, sponges, and trash bins
• Add a bowl of fresh fruit or a small plant for a touch of life

 
🛏️ Bedrooms
A neat, hotel-like look makes a big difference in photos.

• Make beds with crisp, neutral bedding
• Declutter nightstands and dressers
• Tuck away laundry baskets, clothes, and shoes
• Organize closets if they’ll be photographed

 
🛁 Bathrooms
Bathrooms should feel clean, fresh, and spa-like.

• Clear counters of toiletries and personal items
• Remove bath mats, scales, and trash cans
• Hang fresh, neutral towels
• Close toilet lids and clean mirrors

 
🧺 Laundry Room
Often overlooked, but buyers appreciate clean utility spaces.

• Remove laundry baskets and detergents
• Wipe down machines and folding areas
• Keep floors clean and clutter-free

 
🌿 Exterior Curb Appeal
Buyers often judge a home before they even step inside. Make your home’s exterior stand out.

• Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown plants
• Pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, and porches
• Sweep entryways and remove cobwebs
• Hide trash bins, hoses, and tools
• Add potted plants or a welcome mat to create charm

 
🐶 Pet Prep
Even the most lovable pets should stay behind the scenes for photo day.

• Remove pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys
• Have pets offsite or secured during the photo session

 
📸 Final Real Estate Photo Day Tips

• Turn on all interior lights, open window treatments
• Turn off ceiling fans and TVs
• Remove vehicles from driveways and front of the home
• Do a final walk-through to catch anything out of place

 
💡 Why This Matters

As a local Tallahassee real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how professional home staging and preparation lead to better listing photos—and better offers. A well-prepped home stands out online and in person.

If you're preparing to sell and need more guidance on how to stage your home for real estate photos in Tallahassee, I’d love to help!

 
📞 Ready to Sell?
Let’s get your home market-ready!
Contact me today for a free consultation and a personalized pre-listing game plan.