How to Prepare Your Listing for Media Day
Property Prep Guide
The more ready a home is, the better it looks on camera. Clean, uncluttered, well-lit spaces not only photograph better… They also help buyers picture the lifestyle.
This guide shows you exactly how to get things set before we arrive.
Prefer it on paper? [Download as PDF]
Clean & Clear
General
Clear counters, tables, and nightstands.
Hide trash bins, laundry baskets, and cleaning supplies.
Put away personal items like toothbrushes, toys, purses, and mail.
Wipe down mirrors, windows, and glass.
Store valuables and medications out of sight.
Living Areas
Straighten furniture, fluff pillows.
Tuck away cords, remotes, and chargers.
Remove pet beds, toys, and bowls.
Bedrooms
Beds made neatly with smooth linens.
No clutter on nightstands or chairs.
Hide items under the bed or in closets.
Kitchen
No dishes in the sink or on counters.
Clear soaps, towels, and sponges.
Wipe appliances and counters clean.
Remove fridge magnets and papers.
Optional: add one simple touch like a fruit bowl or coffee setup.
Bathrooms
Counters clear of toiletries.
Toilet lids closed.
No floor mats or used towels out.
Dining Room
Table clear and chairs spaced evenly.
Centerpiece or simple décor encouraged.
Remove child seats if not needed.
2. Lights & Atmosphere
Turn on all lights inside and outside (lamps too).
Replace burnt-out bulbs before the shoot.
Open blinds and curtains consistently.
Use warm white bulbs, avoid colored LEDs.
Switch on ceiling fans, fireplaces, and fire pits if available.
If there are under-cabinet lights, pools, spas, or water features, turn them on.
TVs on, tuned to a neutral channel (HGTV, Travel, Food Network, Golf, ESPN).
3. Outside & Access
Exterior
Sweep porches and walkways.
Move cars from the driveway and avoid parking directly in front of the house.
Put away hoses, toys, flags, and signs.
Pool/spa should be clean and uncovered.
Tidy landscaping and trim overgrowth.
Straighten patio furniture.
Turn off sprinklers during the shoot.
Keep garage doors closed unless it’s part of the shoot
Please have any cleaners, landscapers, or pool techs finish at least 2 hours before your appointment to avoid delays.
Access
Share clear entry details (codes, lockbox, alarms, gates).
Double-check codes/keys before the appointment.
Pause any service providers (cleaners, landscapers, contractors) until after the shoot.
If you’ll be on-site, you’re welcome to relax in another room while we work.
4. Timing
The home should be 100% ready when we arrive.
Most shoots take 1-3 hours depending on services provided.
We’ll usually walk through first to plan key angles and lighting.
5. Smart Features & Extras
Test smart systems (lights, shades, pocket doors, A/V, fountains) in advance.
Make sure pools, spas, and hot tubs are running smoothly before we arrive.
If fireplaces or fire pits produce condensation, start them ahead of time
6. People & Pets
Best results come when no one is in the space unless arranged in advance.
Pets should be secured in an area not visible on camera.
Remove food bowls, litter boxes, and pet gear.
If possible, ask neighbors to keep garages closed and vehicles tucked away.
Prefer it on paper? [Download as PDF]
Follow these steps and your listing will look its absolute best on camera — polished, inviting, and ready to impress.
Disclaimer:
For safety reasons, we don’t clean, move furniture, or handle personal items. Everything should already be set the way you’d like it shown.
If the space isn’t ready or safe to shoot, we may need to reschedule or cancel.
