How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos: 15-Point Checklist

After thousands of listing shoots across Metro Vancouver and the GTA, we can tell you: the difference between good photos and great photos is usually decided before we ring the doorbell. Here’s the exact checklist we send to sellers — feel free to share it with yours.

Whole Home

• 1. Turn on every light — lamps included. Replace any burnt-out bulbs (warm white looks best).
• 2. Open all blinds and curtains — natural light makes rooms feel bigger.
• 3. Hide the daily clutter — mail, chargers, remotes, shoes by the door.
• 4. Remove personal photos where practical — buyers picture themselves living there.
• 5. Put garbage and recycling bins in the garage or out of sight.

Kitchen

• 6. Clear the counters — leave at most one or two nice items (coffee machine, a bowl of fruit).
• 7. Remove fridge magnets and everything pinned to the fridge.
• 8. Hide dish racks, sponges and tea towels.

Bathrooms

• 9. Clear the vanity — toothbrushes, razors and bottles all away.
• 10. Close toilet lids and hang fresh towels.

Bedrooms

• 11. Make every bed — a smooth duvet photographs dramatically better than a lived-in one.
• 12. Clear nightstands down to a lamp and maybe a book.

Outside

• 13. Move cars off the driveway and away from the front of the house.
• 14. Tidy the yard — mow, sweep, coil the hose, hide toys and tools.
• 15. Sweep the entrance and shake out the doormat — the front door shot is often photo #1.

Bonus: if we’re shooting twilight or drone

For twilight shoots, have all exterior and interior lights on before dusk. For drone photography, there’s nothing to prep — we handle flight rules and weather.

How long does the shoot take?

A typical condo takes 30–45 minutes; houses run about an hour. If we’re also measuring for floor plans or scanning a Matterport 3D tour, add another 30–60 minutes. Photos are delivered within 24 hours — prep well and your listing can be live on MLS two days after booking.

Questions about the process? See our FAQ or call (778) 998-6255 (Vancouver) / (647) 893-8667 (Toronto).