When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter—and nothing creates a better first impression than high-quality real estate photos. A well-prepared home can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive a listing, attracting more interest and even leading to faster sales at higher prices.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential home staging tips, real estate photography prep, and a step-by-step checklist to help real estate agents and sellers get a home photo-ready.
Why Preparing a Home for Photos is Crucial
🔹 Homes with professional photos sell 32% faster than those with standard images.
🔹 Listings with high-quality photography receive 118% more online views compared to homes with poor visuals.
🔹 A well-prepared home allows the photographer to capture the best angles, lighting, and details, resulting in a polished, market-ready listing.
By following this real estate photography prep guide, you’ll maximize the home’s visual appeal and increase buyer interest.
Step-by-Step Checklist to Prepare a Home for Real Estate Photos
1. Declutter & Depersonalize the Space
✔️ Remove excess furniture, decor, and personal items to make rooms look spacious.
✔️ Take down family photos, personal memorabilia, and political or religious decor.
✔️ Clear off countertops in the kitchen and bathroom—no soap bottles, toothbrushes, or dishes.
✔️ Organize bookshelves, cabinets, and storage spaces—buyers notice everything!
🏡 Pro Tip: Less is more! A clean, minimalist look allows buyers to visualize themselves in the home.
2. Deep Clean Every Room
✔️ Wipe down surfaces, including countertops, tables, and shelves.
✔️ Vacuum carpets, sweep floors, and mop hardwood/tile surfaces.
✔️ Clean all mirrors and windows to remove streaks and fingerprints.
✔️ Make beds neatly and fluff pillows for a polished look.
✔️ Remove pet beds, toys, and litter boxes (buyers may have allergies).
✨ Pro Tip: A sparkling clean home looks more inviting and luxurious in photos.
3. Enhance Natural & Artificial Lighting
✔️ Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
✔️ Replace burnt-out light bulbs with warm, soft lighting to create a cozy feel.
✔️ Turn on all indoor lights for a bright, inviting atmosphere.
✔️ If possible, schedule the photoshoot during midday for the best natural lighting.
📸 Pro Tip: Lighting is everything! Proper lighting makes rooms look larger, more open, and more inviting in photos.
4. Stage Each Room for Maximum Appeal
Living Room:
✔️ Arrange furniture to highlight the space (avoid blocking windows).
✔️ Add a few tasteful decorations, such as a throw blanket or a fresh plant.
✔️ Turn off the TV and hide remotes, cords, and clutter.
Kitchen & Dining Area:
✔️ Clear the countertops except for one or two decorative pieces (e.g., a bowl of fruit).
✔️ Set the dining table with neutral placemats or a small centerpiece.
✔️ Hide trash cans and any visible cleaning supplies.
Bedrooms:
✔️ Make the beds with neutral, wrinkle-free bedding.
✔️ Remove personal items from nightstands (keep it simple: a lamp and a book).
✔️ Store away excess clothes and ensure closets are tidy.
Bathrooms:
✔️ Remove all personal toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushes, razors, etc.).
✔️ Hang fresh, neutral-colored towels neatly.
✔️ Keep toilet seats closed in all bathrooms.
🏡 Pro Tip: Staging should feel warm and inviting, but not overly personal. Aim for a model-home look.
5. Maximize Curb Appeal for Exterior Shots
✔️ Mow the lawn and trim overgrown hedges.
✔️ Remove any cars, trash bins, or clutter from the driveway.
✔️ Clean up outdoor furniture and arrange it neatly.
✔️ Sweep porches, patios, and walkways.
✔️ If possible, add fresh flowers or potted plants near the entrance.
🌳 Pro Tip: The front of the home is usually the first listing photo—make sure it shines!
6. Special Considerations for Twilight & Drone Photography
✔️ If taking twilight shots, turn on all exterior and interior lights.
✔️ Ensure the pool lights, pathway lights, and landscape lighting are on.
✔️ For drone photography, make sure there are no vehicles, yard clutter, or visible damage.
✨ Pro Tip: Twilight photography adds a dramatic, luxury feel to listings, especially for high-end homes!
Final Check Before the Photographer Arrives
✅ Do a final walkthrough to check for any last-minute clutter or distractions.
✅ Turn on all lights (inside and outside).
✅ Open all doors (so the home looks inviting and spacious).
✅ Take a quick phone photo test—if something looks off, fix it before the photographer arrives.
Why Real Estate Agents & Sellers Should Invest in Professional Photography
🌟 Increased Buyer Interest: Listings with high-quality photos receive more online views and inquiries.
💰 Higher Sale Prices: Homes with professional photography sell for higher prices on average.
⏳ Faster Sales: Professionally photographed homes sell 32% faster than listings with amateur photos.
📈 Better Online Presence: High-resolution, well-lit images perform better on Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google search results.
Final Thoughts: A Picture-Perfect Home Sells Faster!
A well-prepared home leads to stunning listing photos, and stunning listing photos lead to more buyer interest, faster sales, and higher offers.
By following this real estate photography prep guide, sellers and agents can ensure their listings stand out in Fairfield County’s competitive real estate market.
📸 Need Professional Real Estate Photography in Fairfield County, CT?Let’s capture the best version of your home! Contact us today to schedule a photoshoot.
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