Listing your home for sale? Make the most of your home's photo shoot.

Less is more. The quick advice is to de-clutter every room.  Put non-essential items in separate boxes to keep out of sight as long as your house is on the market. 

To have your home in “photograph-ready” condition, I suggest the following:

Outside:

• Move cars out of sight
• Close garage doors
• Remove trash cans, gardening tools, etc. from sight
• Stow childrens’ and pets’ toys
• Coil hoses
• Set out patio cushions 
• Uncover bbqs, pools, spas

Interiors:

• Replace all burned out bulbs (photos are taken with most lights on)
• Turn ceiling fans off
• Clean well and de-clutter
• Place aluables and medications out of sight 
• Open window coverings (unless they conceal a less than desirable view)
• Remove most, if not all personal photographs
• Clear kitchen, with the exception of one or two decorative items
• Conceal trash cans
• Remove everything from the top and sides of fridge (pictures, kids’ art, magnets, etc.)
• Remove non-essential throw rugs (foyer, baths, kitchen, hallways)
• Clear the bathroom countertops of all toiletries.  Leave only a few decorative items or a floral or plant arrangement.  Put out best towels
• Empty the shower of shampoos, etc
• Remove all signs of pets (bowls, rugs, pillows, etc)
• Remove any table coverings
• Declutter the fireplace mantel