What to Tell Your Seller About Media Day

You've booked the shoot. The photographer is confirmed. Now comes the part most agents skip — and the part that makes the biggest difference in the final product.

Preparing your seller for media day isn't about micromanaging. It's about setting expectations so the home looks its absolute best and the shoot runs smoothly. A five-minute phone call or a quick text the day before can transform the end result.

Here's what to cover.

The Home Should Be "Show Ready" — Not "Lived In"

Most sellers think their home is clean. And it probably is — by daily living standards. But camera-ready is a different bar.

What to tell them:

"The camera picks up everything we don't see with our eyes. Before the photographer arrives, do a walkthrough and clear anything off countertops, tables, and flat surfaces. Less is more — we want buyers to see the space, not the stuff."

Specific things to mention:

• Kitchen counters should be nearly empty — no dish rack, no mail, no small appliances
• Bathroom counters cleared — no toiletries, no towels draped over the shower
• Beds made with clean, simple bedding
• Personal photos and magnets off the fridge
• Pet bowls, toys, and beds tucked away
• Trash cans emptied or hidden

This isn't about pretending no one lives there. It's about letting every room breathe.

Lights On, Blinds Open

This one's simple but sellers forget it constantly.

What to tell them:

"Before the photographer arrives, turn on every light in the house — even closets and under-cabinet lighting. Open all blinds and curtains. We want the home as bright and inviting as possible."

The photographer will adjust as needed, but starting with everything on saves time and ensures nothing gets missed.

Vehicles and Driveways

The exterior matters just as much as the interior, and nothing kills a great front shot faster than a minivan parked in the driveway.

What to tell them:

"If possible, move all vehicles off the driveway and away from the front of the house before the shoot. The cleaner the approach looks, the better the first impression online."

This includes garbage cans, kids' bikes, and garden hoses. Anything that's not part of the home's permanent landscaping should be temporarily relocated.

The Yard

Sellers don't always think about the lawn on photo day, but buyers absolutely notice.

What to tell them:

"If the lawn is due for a mow, try to get it done a day or two before the shoot. Same with any quick landscaping — pulling weeds from the walkway, cleaning up leaves, putting out a fresh welcome mat. These small things add up in the photos."

Kids and Pets

This is the one sellers push back on, but it matters.

What to tell them:

"If possible, plan to have the kids and pets out of the house during the shoot. It makes the process faster and ensures we get clean, uninterrupted shots of every room. Usually takes about an hour."

Frame it as a time-saver, not a demand. Most sellers are happy to take the dog for a walk once they understand it helps the final product.

Set the Expectation for Timing

Sellers sometimes assume the photographer will be in and out in 15 minutes. That leads to frustration and hovering.

What to tell them:

"The photographer will be there for about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the home. They'll move through each room methodically. You're welcome to be there, but the best thing you can do is step away and let them work."

Why This Conversation Matters

Agents who prep their sellers get better photos. Better photos get more views. More views get more showings. It's a direct line.

The five minutes you spend on this phone call saves everyone time on shoot day and directly impacts how the listing performs online. It also shows the seller that you're organized, thorough, and invested in getting the best result.

That's the kind of experience that earns referrals.

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We also have a full Shoot Prep Checklist you can share directly with your sellers — it covers everything above and more. Send it the day before the shoot and let it do the work for you.

Book your next shoot and we'll make sure every room gets the spotlight it deserves.