Checklist for getting your home ready for a photo shoot:

Like making your favorite recipe, getting great photos of a home doesn't happen without great preparation. Here's a checklist for homeowners to prepare for a photoshoot to make things go well. 

Interiors:

• Number one and main rule, clean and declutter as much as possible! -  Not that you want to stuff everything into closets, but, personal items such as small family photos put out of sight, clothes out of sight, beds made properly, children's toys put away as much as possible, etc, go a long way in helping the potential buyer see the home as theirs.
• Kitchens - have as much counter space available as possible, putting away small appliances, knick knacks off the fridge, etc.
• Baths - Towels straightened, personal items put away and organized
• Lights - check all light bulbs to make sure they're working prior to the shoot.
• Closets - Not likely to be photographed, but if they are, have them tidy, with nicely hung clothing, floors cleared
• Windows - clean dirty ones, open blinds to let in as much exterior light

Exterior:

• Driveway - clear driveway of debris, leaves, vehicles, etc. 
• All yards - clear of debris, leaves, etc.
• Cars - a clean shot of the front of the house, free of cars, is important. Do whatever you can to make sure as few cars are parked out front of the house. 
• Lights - Make sure all light bulbs work. 
• As in interiors, declutter as much as possible (stow away unneeded items such as hoses, gardening equipment, children's toys, etc).