How Should You Prepare a Home for Real Estate Photos?
Photos are often the first impression buyers get — and those images can make or break interest in a listing. Preparing the home properly ensures that the photos highlight its best features. Here’s a practical guide to help sellers get their property photo-ready.
1. Start With a Deep Clean
Think of this as preparing for a high-end open house — every surface should shine. Clean homes not only show better in person, but also photograph beautifully.
Wipe mirrors, glass, countertops, and fixtures
Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors
Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards
Remove pet-related items like bowls, toys, and beds — these can be tucked away in the garage, which usually isn’t photographed
Make all beds and fluff pillows neatly
2. Simplify and Neutralize
You want buyers to focus on the rooms, not what's in them. Decluttering and depersonalizing helps make the space feel more open and inviting.
Remove personal items like family photos or name plaques
Keep countertops, vanities, and shelves as clear as possible
Hide wires, chargers, remote controls, and small electronics
Take magnets, papers, and photos off the fridge
3. Be Strategic About Window Treatments
Michelle doesn’t rely on window light for photos — she brings her own lighting. That means blinds and curtains can usually stay how you keep them every day.
If the view outside is attractive — like a garden, pool, patio, or green space — go ahead and open the blinds
If the view includes a neighbor’s car, trash cans, or fencing, it’s better to keep them closed
Natural light isn’t necessary, but good judgment is
Lamps are not part of the lighting setup — we’re photographing the space, not the furniture store.
4. Create a Polished, Welcoming Feel
You don’t need to fully stage the home, but small touches help make a big impact on camera.
Lay out clean, neutral-colored towels in the bathrooms
Place something simple like a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers in the kitchen
Straighten dining chairs and arrange pillows on sofas
Consider removing rugs that hide attractive flooring, unless they’re a visual highlight
5. Get the Outside Looking Its Best
The exterior often shows up in the first photo on the MLS — and that means it needs attention, too.
Mow the yard and edge walkways
Sweep all patios, porches, and driveways
Skip watering the lawn the day of the shoot — wet surfaces don’t photograph well
Avoid scheduling your session on trash or recycling day to keep bins out of sight
Remove all vehicles from the driveway, and kindly ask neighbors to avoid street parking out front, just for the day
Hide garden tools, hoses, and toys
Add a subtle seasonal accent, like a potted plant, if desired
6. Last-Minute Walkthrough Before Photos Begin
Right before the appointment, take one last look around with a buyer’s eye.
Make sure ceiling fans are off
Put away litter boxes, pet crates, and food dishes
Close all toilet lids
Turn on all light fixtures throughout the home — Michelle will handle the rest with her professional lighting setup
Have questions before your photo session? Michelle is always happy to walk you through the prep or answer any last-minute concerns. The better the home is presented, the better the photos — and that’s what helps listings stand out in a crowded market.