For many buyers, your home's online photos are the first showing. Before they schedule an appointment, they may already have formed an impression based on the photos they see in the MLS and on real estate websites. Good preparation helps the photographer show the property clearly and helps buyers focus on the home rather than everyday clutter.

Start with the whole house

Walk through the property as if you were seeing it for the first time. Look for anything that makes a room feel crowded, dark or overly personal. You do not need to make the home look empty. The objective is to make each room easy to understand and visually calm.

• Finish cleaning and staging before the photographer arrives.
• Remove unnecessary items from visible surfaces.
• Straighten furniture and simplify excess decor.
• Put away personal photographs when practical.
• Empty trash cans and remove cleaning supplies.

Lighting

Consistent lighting can make a significant difference in how a room photographs.

• Replace burned-out bulbs before photo day.
• Use matching bulb color temperatures whenever possible.
• Turn on lamps, under-cabinet lighting and accent lighting.
• Open blinds and curtains to take advantage of natural light.
• Turn ceiling fans off so the blades are stationary in the photographs.

Windows, mirrors and glass

Glass shows more in photographs than many sellers expect. Clean interior windows, sliding glass doors, mirrors and shower doors. Fingerprints, streaks and haze can become especially noticeable when sunlight is coming through a room.

Kitchen

Kitchens tend to photograph best when the counters are mostly clear. The room should still feel lived-in, but buyers should be able to see the counter space and finishes.

• Remove dish racks, cleaning products, paper towels and countertop clutter.
• Remove magnets, papers and miscellaneous items from the refrigerator.
• Empty and clean the sink.
• Limit countertop items to one or two attractive objects, such as a coffee maker, small plant or decorative item.

Bathrooms

A simple hotel-like appearance usually works well. Clear counters, tubs and shower enclosures of toiletries and personal items. Put away toothbrushes, razors, soap bottles, medications, cleaning products and bath toys. Fresh matching towels can provide a clean finishing touch.

Bedrooms and closets

• Make every bed neatly.
• Remove laundry and items from floors and nightstands.
• Organize visible closets so storage areas do not appear overcrowded.
• Pack seasonal or unused items when necessary to create additional visual space.

Furniture and decor

Too much furniture can make a room appear smaller in a photograph. Consider removing pieces that are oversized, worn or unnecessary to the room. Simplifying decor can also help the architecture and features of the home become the focus.

Garage, laundry and storage areas

These areas may also be photographed. Consolidate stored items, organize shelves and bins, sweep floors when needed and keep utility spaces reasonably neat. Buyers pay attention to storage, even when it is not the glamorous part of the property.

Exterior and driveway

Before the photographer arrives, remove vehicles from the driveway when possible. Put away hoses, trash containers, toys and other movable items that distract from the front of the home, lanai, patio or pool area. Straighten outdoor furniture and cushions.

Seller resource from By the Numbers: Florida Sun Coast Real Estate Insights.