The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression the best one.

Listing photos are the first thing that potential buyers see when it comes to searching for their dream home. In fact, a recent survey found that 86% of home seekers find photos to be the most useful feature online when it comes to real estate.

General Tips for All Areas of the Home

* Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows).

* Turn all overhead lights and lamps on.

* Replace all burned out light bulbs.

* Use bulbs of the same temperature (all incandescent or all compact fluorescent).

* Turn all ceiling fans off.

* Turn all TVs off.

* Turn all computer screens off. Move laptops, routers, cables, etc. from view.

* Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light.

* Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs).

* Make all beds. Purchase new comforters/spreads if possible. It shows a well-kept, excellent home.

* Place all shoes/jackets in closets.

* Remove exercise equipment. 

Front Exterior—The first photo buyers see.

* Close garage doors.

* Remove cars from driveway and front of home.

* Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves).

* Remove empty planters.

* Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames.

* Remove visible water hoses.

* Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

Backyard—Your place to unwind with family and friends.

* Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions.

* Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded.

* Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

* Clean pool.

* Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose. Hide pool cleaning supplies.

* Turn on pool fountains/water features.

* Remove visible water hoses. 

Kitchen—As a focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail.

* Clear countertops completely.

* No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

* Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker).

* Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

* Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet.

* Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher.

Dining Room—Set the mood for a family meal.

* Clear table, dust and polish the table top.

* Use decorative place setting if available.

* Feature a center piece such as a bouquet of flowers. (Fresh flowers are impressive.)

* Straighten all chairs and space them evenly.

* Remove child seats/booster chairs.

Living / Family Rooms-Where the family spends time together

* Declutter fireplace mantle, leaving no more than five items (no family photos).

* Place one decorative coffee table book (or neatly-stacked two or three) on coffee table.

* Fluff and arrange furniture pillows.

* Clean and repaint inside of fireplace, as necessary.

* Remove magazines, books, remote controls, etc. from end tables

Bedrooms—Personal oasis for retreat.

Master Bedroom

* Make bed, include decorative pillows/shams if available.

* Clear nightstands of all personal items.

* Store away phone/tablet charging cables.

* Remove all clutter from top of dressers.

* Remove family photos from walls.

*Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.

* Walk-in closets: remove hampers, straighten shoes perfectly, empty as much as possible to look spacious, use matching hangers.

Child/Guest Bedrooms

* Remove personalized names from walls.

* Remove wall stickers/posters.

* Remove diaper genies.

* Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.

Bathrooms

* Remove ALL personal toiletry items (soap, toothbrushes, shampoos, tissue boxes, etc.)

* Caulk any cracks in shower and / or around vanity.

* Put toilet seats down.

* Remove all bath rugs.

* Hang fresh  towels, straight, and consider tying a ribbon horizontally around each towel.

* Fresh roll of toilet paper.

* Empty visible garbage cans.