A clean home will produce the best photos and video which will produce more potential buyers and more money for you! It might seem like a lot of work but the payoff could be thousands in your pocket. So take the time and think of it as an investment.

The following list of cleaning tips are suggestions that we have put together from our experiences of shooting thousands of listings. It is best to hide as many personal items as possible. Potential buyers would rather imagine their own items on the shelves. We normally photograph every room of the home except for garages or a room you don’t want photographed.

 General Tips For Every Room

• Clean windows and all reflective or glass surfaces
• Replace all burned out light bulbs and replace with same color bulbs
• Remove cobwebs from wall/ceiling corners
• Fix/straighten/open blinds and shutters (to emphasize natural light and views outside)
• Make sure cabinet doors and dressers drawers close all the way
• Make sure framed artwork and mirrors are not hanging crooked
• Remove any small rugs that are not in great condition
• Vacuum rugs, mop and sweep floors

Kitchen and Dining Areas

• Wipe down countertops
• Remove magnets, artwork, photos from refrigerator
• Remove any items from the top of the refrigerator
• Put away all unnecessary appliances, dish racks, etc.
• Make sure towels are clean and neatly folded
• Clean stovetop and put away any pots and pans
• Neatly organize any visible hanging kitchen utensils
• Make sure the sink is empty, put all dishes and sponges away
• Move calendars, mail, phone chargers, etc. out of view
• Move paper towels, trash cans, pet dishes out of view
• Remove booster seats from dining room chairs

Living and Family Rooms

• Move any pet toys, beds, food dishes, etc. out of view
• Hide TV remotes and game controllers
• Hide exposed A/V or electrical cables, if possible
• Straighten/organize books and DVDs on bookshelves
• Place fresh unburned logs in the fireplace, if possible
• Organize/remove pillows and blankets from couch and chairs
• Remove any unnecessary furniture or exercise equipment (extra furniture will make rooms appear smaller in photos)

Office/Den

• Remove as much as possible from desktop areas
• Neatly organize any paperwork or items that can’t be removed
• Organize or hide computer cables under or around desk
• Straighten/organize items on bookshelves
• Move trash cans and shredders out of view

Bedrooms

• Make beds, be sure all loose sheets are tucked in
• Make sure any items under bed are hidden from view
• Remove as much as possible from dresser and bedside tables
• Make sure frames, posters etc. are not crooked
• Consider removing children’s names from the walls, if possible
• Remove excessive stuffed animals and arrange or hide kid’s toys
• Move laundry basket out of view
• Remove any temporary fans or space heaters

Bathrooms

• Make sure towels are clean and neatly folded
• Remove any used shower towels
• Hide toothbrushes and other items from counter
• Clean all spots and streaks from the mirror
• Put a small potted flower on the counter, if possible
• Move plunger, cleaning supplies, air freshener, etc. out of view
• Move shower supplies out of view
• Move trash cans and diaper disposal out of view

Exterior – Front and Back Yards

• Be prepared to move any cars or trailers from driveway
• Hide garbage cans out of view from street
• Put colorful flowers near the front door, patios and walkways
• Move pet toys, crates, beds, dishes etc. out of view
• Move shoes, kids toys, sporting equipment out of view
• Neatly coil or remove hoses and temporary sprinklers
• Neatly arrange patio furniture and BBQ equipment
• Trim and remove dead or discolored branches and leaves
• Remove leaves from pool, walkways and patio areas
• Remove pool sweep before appointment, if possible
• Remove temporary fence around pool, if possible
• Turn on waterfall ahead of time and clean leaves from pool