Professional Real Estate photography is is one of the most important things you can do when marketing a home. Here are 19 tips to get your home ready:

1.Have the lawn mowed, leaves raked, bushes trimmed.
2.When in season, flowers can add a gorgeous pop of color.
3.Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of the house.
4.Make sure all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools etc. are put away.
5.If you will be doing any twilight photos, be sure to check all outdoor lights and change dim or broken bulbs.
6.Remove any “cute” yard decorations the owner may have put out.
7.Remove any “clutter” inside the home, and put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, etc.
8.Make the beds.
9.The counter tops in the bathrooms and kitchen should be as clean and as empty as possible.
10.Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and all dishes are put away.
11.Hide the trash cans.
12.Hide personal photos.
13.Replace any light bulbs that are out.
14.Remove any decorations or magnets that are on the fridge.
15.Before the photographer arrives, turn on all lights and open all blinds in rooms to be photographed.
16.When necessary, shovel snow from walkways, driveways, patios, decks.
17.Remove/Hide any pet beds, water/food bowels, toys, etc.
18.If there is a pool, take the security gate down, uncover, and clean.
19.This tip was added at a later date, thanks to several savvy agents who pointed out we missed one very important tip:  Put all the toilet seats and lids down.