The 72-Hour Pre-Listing Checklist

You don't need to renovate a home to get it ready for the market — you need the last 72 hours before your listing photos to be spent on the handful of things that actually move the needle. Here's how we break it down with sellers.

Day 3: Declutter and deep clean

• Clear countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms down to just a few intentional items.
• Pack away personal photos and collections — buyers need to picture themselves in the space, not you in it.
• Deep clean everything, especially windows, baseboards, and anything with visible wear.

Day 2: Small repairs and curb appeal

• Touch up scuffed paint, tighten loose cabinet hardware, replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• Handle the exterior — mow, edge, sweep the walkway, and clear any clutter from the porch or entry.
• Pressure-wash the driveway and front walk if it's been a while — it makes an outsized difference in listing photos.

Day 1: Staging and final touches

• Open every curtain and blind — natural light photographs far better than any staged lamp.
• Set the table, fluff the pillows, and remove pet bowls, litter boxes, and leashes from any photographed rooms.
• Do a final walkthrough an hour before your photographer arrives, room by room, looking at it as a buyer would.

None of this requires a big budget — it requires attention. Homes that get this right consistently photograph better, generate more online engagement, and bring more people through the door in the first weekend.