The first step in preparing for polished listing photos is to declutter the house, especially focusing on the commonly used areas. Kitchens are a focal point in the house, and can often be a “make or break” deal for the buyer. Perform a deep clean throughout the kitchen, paying special attention to cabinets, stoves, ovens, and floors. It is also a good idea to remove appliances, utensils, dinnerware, and cleaning supplies from view. If you want to make your kitchen have a lived-in look while remaining neat, consider staging with decorative hand towels, a table runner, and a table or counter centerpiece. Once the kitchen is polished, start working on the rest of the home. First, remove all clutter in the home by storing clothes, shoes, trinkets, and any other personal use items in areas that will not be photographed. Next, remove all personal memorabilia, such as family photos, from the area to allow the buyer to separate the home from the current owners. Deep clean all areas of the home, including scrubbing tiling and carpet flooring and making sure the existing furniture is free of stains. Don’t forget to dust the lighting fixtures and trim/baseboards, as these are easily overlooked. Finally, stage the home to provide buyers with a space of endless possibilities. This can be done by strategically placing minimal decor and decluttering spaces to allow them to form a mental picture of what the room could be used for. Always remember that less is more when staging a home.