How to Prepare a Property for Photography Day

The difference between a listing that sells within the first month and one that lingers well past the median often comes down to the photos. With roughly three in four Australian property seekers browsing realestate.com.au — most cross-shopping Domain as well — photography is the single most important asset in your campaign. But even the best photographer cannot fix a cluttered room or a dark hallway.

The day before the shoot

• Confirm the time with the vendor and photographer.
• Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms, including grout and splashbacks.
• Remove personal photos, fridge magnets, kids' artwork, and religious items.
• Clear kitchen benchtops except one or two styled items.
• Mow the lawn, sweep the driveway, and remove wheelie bins from sight.
• If the property has a pool, ensure it is clean and the water level is correct.

The morning of the shoot

• Open all blinds and curtains to maximise natural light.
• Turn on every light including lamps, pendants, and feature lighting.
• Make all beds with fresh, neutral-toned linen.
• Remove all toiletries and cleaning products from bathrooms.
• Move cars out of the driveway and off the street frontage.
• Check the pool is clean and outdoor furniture is arranged for lifestyle appeal.
• Hide garden hoses, tools, and any maintenance equipment.

Quick styling touches

• Fresh flowers or Australian natives on the dining table.
• A textured throw on the sofa in a neutral tone.
• Matching cushions in odd numbers, typically three or five.
• Rolled white towels in the bathroom for a hotel feel.

These preparation steps can be the difference between a listing that generates strong early interest and one that needs a price adjustment two weeks in. With ListingsReady, you can add a custom checklist step for property preparation and set the due date for the day before the shoot, so nothing gets missed across your active listings.