Here are a few tips to prepare your home for the shoot:

• Move all cars, boats, and bikes out of the driveway, and keep the curb clear.
• Hide the trash bins. They should not be visible from the front of the home.
• Mow and edge the lawns. Rake any loose leaves. Pull any weeds.
• Vacuum the carpets.
• Make the beds.
• De-clutter each room as much as possible.
• Clear the kitchen and bathroom countertops of all unnecessary items.
• Clean the surfaces of the appliances.
• Bathrooms: Clean the mirrors and glass shower doors. Remove towels, washcloths, floor mats, etc.
• Remove all visible waste baskets.
• Sweep the patios. Clean the patio furniture.
• Wash the windows.
• Open the curtains. Turn on every light.
• If any room has too much furniture, try to remove the extra pieces. Less is more.

If you don't have time to do everything on the list, at least complete the first seven items. The cleaner the house, the better the pictures.

For the best possible pictures, hire a Home Stager. They're experts at decorating your home to look like today's model homes.