How to Prepare a Property for Photography Day

The difference between a listing that sells within 30 days and one that lingers well past the average on-market period often comes down to the photos. With 85% of Australian buyers starting their search on realestate.com.au and Domain, 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.