First impressions sell homes — and in today’s market, that first impression happens online. Studies consistently show that listings with professional photography receive more views, more showings, and sell faster than those without. But even the best photographer can only work with what’s in front of them.
That’s why preparing your home before the photographer arrives is just as important as the shoot itself. At HomePics360, we’ve photographed hundreds of properties across Los Angeles — from Granada Hills to Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills to Marina Del Rey — and we’ve seen firsthand how preparation makes the difference between good photos and great ones.
Here’s our complete room-by-room checklist to make sure your property is photo-ready
Start with the Exterior
The exterior shot is the hero image of your listing — it’s what buyers see first on Zillow, Redfin, and MLS. Make it count.
- Mow the lawn and edge the driveway the day before the shoot
- Remove all vehicles from the driveway and in front of the home
- Put away garden hoses, trash bins, and outdoor clutter
- Sweep the front porch and walkway
- Add a fresh doormat or potted plants for a welcoming touch
- Clean windows and remove any visible screens if possible
Living Room
The living room needs to feel spacious, clean, and inviting — like a magazine spread, not a lived-in space.
- Remove all personal photos, mail, and paperwork from surfaces
- Straighten pillows and cushions on sofas and chairs
- Remove excess furniture if the room feels cramped
- Hide TV remotes, cables, and chargers
- Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light
- Turn on all lamps and overhead light
Kitchen
Kitchens sell homes. Buyers pay close attention to this room so it needs to be spotless.
- Clear all countertops completely — remove toasters, coffee makers, dish racks, and knife blocks
- Remove everything from the refrigerator door including magnets and notes
- Clean the stovetop and make sure it shines
- Hide dish soap, sponges, and cleaning supplies under the sink
- Leave only 1-2 decorative items on the counter — a fruit bowl or a plant works well
- Empty and clean the sink
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should look like a serene hotel room — neat, calm, and clutter-free.
- Make all beds with fresh, wrinkle-free linens
- Remove all clothing, shoes, and personal items from view
- Clear nightstands — leave only a lamp and maybe one book
- Close all closet doors
- Remove pet beds, toys, and feeding bowls from the room
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need to look spa-like — clean, minimal, and fresh.
- Remove all personal toiletries from counters and the shower
- Put down a fresh, neatly folded towel for the photo
- Close the toilet lid
- Clean mirrors until streak-free
- Remove bath mats if they look worn — a clean floor photographs better
Lighting Tips
Lighting is everything in real estate photography. Here’s how to maximize it:
- Turn on every light in the house — overhead lights, lamps, under-cabinet lights, everything
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs before the shoot
- Use warm white bulbs (2700-3000K) throughout for a consistent look — avoid mixing cool and warm tones
- Open all window coverings to maximize natural light
On the Day of the Shoot
- Have the home ready 30 minutes before the photographer arrives
- Remove all pets from the property if possible
- Empty all trash cans
- Do a final walkthrough with fresh eyes — imagine you’re a buyer seeing it for the first time
Ready to Book Your Real Estate Photo Shoot?
At HomePics360, we serve real estate agents and homeowners throughout the Greater Los Angeles area — including the San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and beyond.
We offer professional real estate photography, aerial drone photography, 3D virtual tours, twilight photography, floor plans, video walkthroughs, and complete marketing kits — everything you need to make your listing stand out.
Schedule your shoot today at homepics360.com and let us help your listing make the best first impression possible.