📸 Real Estate Photography: How to Prepare Your Home for Picture-Perfect Results

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter—and in today’s digital world, those first impressions happen online. High-quality real estate photos can significantly increase buyer interest and drive more traffic to your listing. But even the best photography equipment and editing can’t replace a well-prepared home.

To help you get the most out of your real estate photography session, here’s a complete Pre-Shoot Checklist to make sure your home is camera-ready!

🧹 General Preparation

Start with the basics—clean and clear!

  • Clean and declutter all rooms, especially high-traffic areas
  • Remove personal items like family photos, toiletries, and visible cords
  • Turn on all interior lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs
  • Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light

🛋️ Living Areas

The living room should feel welcoming and spacious.

  • Fluff and arrange pillows and cushions
  • Hide remote controls, magazines, and pet toys
  • Clear coffee tables and side tables of clutter

🍽️ Kitchen & Dining

Clean countertops sell kitchens—keep it simple and spotless.

  • Remove small appliances, dishes, and cleaning products
  • Wipe down all surfaces for a streak-free finish
  • Either set the dining table simply or leave it clean and empty

🛏️ Bedrooms

A tidy bedroom evokes comfort and relaxation.

  • Make all beds neatly (think hotel-style if possible)
  • Clear nightstands of phones, chargers, and water bottles
  • Hide laundry, shoes, and personal items

🚿 Bathrooms

Keep bathrooms clean, fresh, and free of clutter.

  • Remove all toiletries and personal care products
  • Close toilet lids for a polished appearance
  • Use clean, matching towels—or no towels at all

🌳 Exterior Spaces

Don’t forget the curb appeal—exterior shots are just as important.

  • Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and sweep walkways
  • Remove cars from the driveway and front of the house
  • Hide trash bins, garden tools, hoses, and toys

🐾 Pets

We love pets—but not in real estate photos!

  • Keep pets safely secured and out of sight during the shoot
  • Remove pet beds, bowls, toys, and litter boxes
  • Clean pet hair from furniture and floors
  • Air out rooms to eliminate any pet odors

Final Tip: Less is More

When preparing your home for real estate photography, keep in mind that clutter distracts buyers. Clean, simple, and spacious rooms not only look better in photos—they help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.

Need Professional Real Estate Photos?

If you’re preparing to sell your home and want it to stand out, professional photography can make a huge difference. I specialize in capturing properties at their best—from cozy condos to luxury listings.

📅 Book your session today or reach out with any questions. We are here to help your property shine!

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