As a local real estate photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best agents in Clarksville and throughout Middle Tennessee. I’ve also seen a lot of listings—some that sold in a single day and others that sat on the market for months.
What’s the difference? It’s often the little things.
I know how much work goes into a listing. You’re coordinating with sellers, managing expectations, and trying to get every detail right. The last thing you need is a stressful photoshoot because the home wasn’t quite ready. My goal is to make your job easier, so you can focus on getting the best offer for your clients.
I put this checklist together based on my experience shooting hundreds of homes and listening to what my top-performing agents do. Think of this as a resource for you and your sellers. It’s a simple plan that ensures we get the best possible photos, helping you achieve maximum success.
Part 1: First Impressions Matter – Prepping the Exterior
The first photo of a listing is often a potential buyer’s very first impression. We only get one shot at this, so let’s make it count.
Mow the Lawn & Tend to the Landscape: Freshly cut grass and trimmed bushes make a home look cared for. I’ve found that a little effort here makes a huge difference in the final shots.
Tidy the Porch & Driveway: Clear away all clutter like toys, bikes, gardening tools, and trash cans. Make sure the driveway is free of cars—I can do some magic to remove them, but it’s always better to start with a clean slate.
Power Wash & Clean: If possible, a quick power wash of the home’s exterior, driveway, and walkways can brighten everything up. Clean windows and doors also help the home sparkle.
Store Personal Items: I always recommend storing things like water hoses, yard decorations, and any stray items. If it doesn’t belong there, it shouldn’t be in the photos.
Part 2: Inside Matters – The General Interior Checklist
This is where we transform the home from “lived in” to “market ready.” The goal is to help a buyer envision themselves living in the space, not the current owner.
De-Clutter Everything: Less is more! Remove as many items as possible from countertops, tables, and floors. Clutter can make a home feel smaller and distract the buyer.
Depersonalize: Remove family photos, personal keepsakes, and any unique decor that might not appeal to a broad audience. We want a clean canvas.
Deep Clean: A spotless home photographs beautifully. A quick vacuum, a sparkling kitchen counter, and clean floors make a world of difference.
Turn on ALL the Lights: Every light should be on, even in a bright room. This adds a welcoming glow and ensures a consistent, warm color throughout the photos.
Open Blinds and Curtains: Natural light is an agent’s best friend. Let it pour in! Opening all blinds and curtains helps fill the room with light and makes it feel more open and spacious.
Part 3: The Room-by-Room Guide
This is my go-to guide for a quick walkthrough before every shoot.
Kitchen: Clear every item from the countertops except for one or two decorative pieces. Put away dish towels, sponges, and any food items. Don’t forget to remove magnets and notes from the refrigerator.
Bathrooms: Put all toilet lids down. Hide all personal items, including shampoo bottles, toothbrushes, and razors. Hang a set of fresh, clean towels. A simple, clean look works best.
Bedrooms: Make all beds neatly. Clear nightstands and dressers of any personal items. Tidy up the closet if it will be photographed.
Living Rooms: Fluff pillows and arrange blankets neatly on the couch. Hide all remote controls and put away children’s toys and pet accessories.
The Best Part of My Job
My favorite part of a shoot is seeing an agent’s face light up when they see the final photos. We’ve taken the time to get every detail right, and the result is a listing that stands out, gets more clicks, and generates more interest.
When you take these steps, it makes my job easier, and it makes your listing that much more powerful. You’re not just getting photos; you’re setting your listing up for maximum success. And that’s a partnership I’m committed to.
Ready to make your next listing your best one yet?