Make Your Home Shine in Photos - and on the Market
A quick and practical guide for sellers preparing for professional listing photography
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Why Preparation Matters
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Why great photos are a must
Buyers decide in seconds whether to click on a listing — and great photos make all the difference. This lesson shows how small, simple steps can help your home stand out online and make a lasting first impression.
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How well-prepared homes attract more
Clean, well-organized homes stand out in photos and build buyer confidence. This lesson explains how simple prep can make your home look more spacious, cared for, and ready to impress from the very first click.
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The goal: make the space look welcoming
Small details make a big difference. This lesson shows how to create spaces that feel warm, open, and distraction-free — so buyers can focus on the home’s best features and imagine themselves living there.
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Clean for the Camera
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Kitchens bathrooms and floors
Some areas matter more than others in photos. This lesson highlights how to prepare high-impact zones — like kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and reflective surfaces — to make your home look clean, polished, and photo-ready from every angle.
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Make all beds neatly and fluff pillows
A neatly made bed can transform the feel of a bedroom. This lesson shows how smooth bedding, styled pillows, and a clutter-free space help buyers see the room as restful, spacious, and move-in ready.
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Store pet items in the garage or closets
Pet items can distract buyers and clutter listing photos. This lesson covers how to tuck away beds, bowls, and toys so the home feels clean, spacious, and appealing to every potential buyer.
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Declutter and Depersonalize
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Countertops bookshelves and tables
Clear surfaces help buyers focus on the space, not the stuff. This lesson explains how to tidy countertops, vanities, tables, and shelves so each room feels bigger, brighter, and more inviting in photos.
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Personal photos paperwork fridge magnets
Personal photos and notes can distract buyers and clutter listing photos. This lesson shows how removing those items — especially from the fridge — keeps the home feeling neutral, polished, and buyer-friendly.
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Tuck away cords remotes and small clutter
Small items like cords and remotes can distract from the home’s best features. This lesson shows how removing everyday clutter helps each room feel cleaner, more spacious, and easier for buyers to connect with.
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Windows, Lighting, and Lamps
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You don't need to adjust the window coverings
Blinds and curtains don’t need to be wide open — just neat and natural. This lesson explains when to highlight the view and when to keep the focus on the room, helping your space feel clean and inviting in every photo.
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Turn on all interior lights but skip lamps
Turning on all interior lights adds warmth and helps rooms look more inviting in photos. This lesson explains why it matters and which lights to check before your photo session begins.
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Turn off all ceiling fans and are they clean
Fans in motion or sitting out in the open can distract from your photos. This lesson explains why ceiling fans should be turned off and portable fans tucked away to keep each room looking clean and calm.
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Outdoor Spaces and Curb Appeal
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Mow the lawn edge walkways and fences
A freshly mowed lawn and clean edges make a strong first impression. This lesson covers how simple yard prep can boost curb appeal and help your exterior photos stand out.
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Sweep patios porches and driveways
Clean patios, porches, and driveways make your home’s first impression count. This lesson shows how a quick sweep and a little tidying up can make your outdoor spaces shine in listing photos.
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Please do not water the yard on photo day
Skip watering the lawn on photo day to avoid dark spots and muddy footprints. This lesson explains why dry grass and clean surfaces make for better real estate photos.
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Avoid your session on trash/recycling day
Avoid scheduling your real estate photos on trash day — curbside bins and bulk items can distract from a home’s first impression. A clean exterior helps your listing shine.
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Remove all vehicles from the driveway
Clear cars from the driveway and curb before your photo session. An unobstructed view helps the home look clean, open, and more appealing to buyers.
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Hide the hoses toys and bins
Tidy up the yard by removing hoses, tools, toys, and outdoor clutter before your photo session. A clean, open exterior helps buyers focus on the home — not the stuff around it.
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Seasonal touch like a potted plant or wreath
A simple wreath or potted plant can make your entryway feel warm and welcoming — just keep it subtle and neutral to appeal to every buyer.
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One Last Walkthrough
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You're Ready - What to Expect After the Photo Session