Exterior

Before the shoot, clear all vehicles from the driveway and front of the house to open up the view. Hide trash cans and any loose items that don't belong in the frame. Wipe down the windows to keep them streak-free, then turn your attention to the outdoor living areas: arrange the deck furniture, uncover the grill, and pop open the patio umbrella. Do a final pass through the yard to pick up kids' toys, pet items, and any remaining clutter.

Interior

Start by decluttering every surface and packing away personal items like family photos and knick-knacks — you want the space to feel neutral and welcoming to any buyer or renter. Follow that with a thorough deep clean, paying close attention to baseboards, windows, appliances, and floors. Lighting is everything: open all curtains and blinds, aim for a bright sunny day if you can. Rearrange furniture to create a natural sense of flow, pulling pieces away from walls to open things up. Add a few thoughtful touches — fresh flowers, throw pillows, a piece of artwork — to bring warmth without clutter. Think about who your ideal buyer or renter is and style accordingly. Before the photographer arrives, take care of any minor repairs, like chipped paint or burnt-out bulbs; put away laundry, mail, and pet items; and do a final walk-through to straighten rugs, fluff pillows, and make sure everything looks its best.