When you’re ready to sell your home, one of the most crucial steps is to prepare your home for real estate listing photos. These images are often the first impression potential buyers have of your property, so it’s essential to make sure they showcase your home in the best light.
High-quality photos can help your listing stand out, attract more interest, and ultimately lead to a quicker sale. Here are key steps sellers can take to prepare their homes for listing photos.
Table of Contents
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Prepare Your Home Step 1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Before you call the photographer, start by decluttering each room. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and anything that makes the space feel crowded. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home, and this can be hard to do if there’s too much clutter or too many personal photos. Clear off countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, and tidy up shelves and tables throughout the house. Keep things simple and neutral—this will allow potential buyers to focus on the home’s features rather than your personal belongings.
Prepare Your Home Step 2. Deep Clean the Home
A clean home is essential for making a great first impression in photos. Make sure every surface is spotless, from the floors to the windows. Wipe down countertops, clean appliances, and dust light fixtures and baseboards. Pay attention to areas that might not be on your regular cleaning routine, such as the corners of rooms, behind furniture, and the tops of shelves. In the kitchen, clear the counters of small appliances or dishes, and in bathrooms, clean the mirrors and tubs. A pristine environment will make your home look more inviting and well-cared for.
Prepare Your Home Step 3. Stage the Home for the Camera
Home staging is a powerful way to make your property look its best in photos. The goal of staging is to highlight the home’s strengths and make the space feel inviting. Arrange furniture in a way that highlights natural flow and makes rooms look larger. If a room is overcrowded, consider removing a piece or two of furniture to create more space. Keep décor simple and neutral to avoid distractions, and add a few fresh touches, like a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit, to make spaces feel warm and welcoming.
In the bedroom, make the bed the focal point and arrange furniture in a way that allows for easy movement. In the living room, focus on creating cozy, open seating areas. Additionally, in the dining room, set the table with simple, elegant place settings to create a warm atmosphere.
Prepare Your Home Step 4. Maximize Lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in how your home appears in photos. Natural light makes spaces feel larger and more inviting, so open up curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If it’s a cloudy day, consider using additional lamps or light fixtures to brighten up darker areas. Make sure all lights are working and replace any burned-out bulbs before the photographer arrives.
It’s also important to be mindful of the time of day. The best times for indoor photography are usually early morning or late afternoon when natural light is softer and warmer. Avoid shooting in the middle of the day, as harsh sunlight can cast unflattering shadows.
Prepare Your Home Step 5. Focus on Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Curb appeal is the first thing buyers will notice when they view your listing online, so make sure your home’s exterior is clean and inviting. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove any debris from the yard. If you have a porch, sweep it clean and consider adding a few welcoming touches like a doormat or potted plants. Make sure the driveway, walkways, and any outdoor furniture are clean and well-maintained. A well-kept exterior will make your home look more inviting in photos.
Prepare Your Home Step 6. Make Minor Repairs
Before the photographer arrives, take the time to make any minor repairs that might be noticeable in photos. Fix any leaky faucets, patch up small holes in the walls, or touch up scuff marks on the floors. These little details may not seem like a big deal, but they can make your home appear well-maintained and cared for. Don’t forget to check that all doors and windows open and close smoothly, and replace any worn-out hardware like doorknobs or cabinet handles.
Prepare Your Home Step 7. Remove Pets and Their Belongings
While pets are beloved family members, they can be a distraction in real estate photos. Before the photo session, remove pet toys, food bowls, and pet beds from the house. If possible, arrange for your pets to stay with a friend or family member during the photo shoot. Additionally, make sure to vacuum any pet hair that may be on furniture or floors. A pet-free home allows potential buyers to focus entirely on the house itself.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for listing photos requires some effort, but it can significantly impact how your property is perceived by potential buyers. Decluttering, cleaning, staging, and ensuring good lighting are all key steps to making your home look its best. By taking the time to follow these simple tips, you can create a welcoming, attractive environment that will help your home stand out in the competitive real estate market. High-quality listing photos will increase interest in your property, ultimately leading to a faster sale at a better price.
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