When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter. High-quality real estate photography can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers, but even the best camera can’t fix clutter, messy spaces, or distracting personal items. A well-prepped home allows buyers to focus on the space itself rather than on the things inside. Taking the time to prepare ensures that your home looks its best, making it more inviting and appealing in real estate listing photos. Many local real estate photographers have helpful Shoot Prep Checklists like this. Here are five key steps to follow before your real estate shoot.
1. Minimize Personal Items
A home should feel welcoming and inviting, but too many personal belongings can make it difficult for potential buyers to picture themselves living there. Remove personal items such as excessive knick-knacks, mail, keys and anything else that makes the home feel overly cluttered. Things like stacks of magazines, or excess décor can be distracting in listing photos, taking the focus away from a beautiful home. Don’t forget about entryways, tables, nightstands, and shelves. Keeping surfaces as clear as possible creates a clean and spacious look. If necessary, store excess items in cabinets, closets, or bins that are out of sight. The goal is to present a space that feels open, neutral and ready for a new owner.
2. Straighten Pillows and Blankets
Little details like neatly arranged pillows and folded blankets can make a big difference in how a home is perceived. Straightening up couch pillows, adjusting bedding, and making sure throw blankets are folded or neatly draped help create a clean, polished and appealing environment. Messy or uneven cushions can make a space feel unkempt, even if the rest of the room is clean. Straightened furniture settings also improve the sense of symmetry and balance in photos, making the space look more aesthetically pleasing. Taking just a few minutes to tidy up these soft furnishings can elevate the overall appearance of a room and make it feel more inviting in MLS listing photos and on other online real estate listings.
3. Clear Countertops
Kitchen and bathroom countertops are prone to accumulating small appliances, toiletries, and everyday essentials, but for real estate photos, they should be completely clear. In the kitchen, remove items like coffee makers, toasters and dish racks, to create a sleek and spacious look. The same applies to the bathroom, put away toothbrushes, hair products, soap bottles, and any other personal hygiene items. A clean, minimalist countertop highlights the available surface space and gives the impression of a well-maintained home. Buyers aren’t just looking at the design of a house—they’re envisioning how they will use the space, and an uncluttered kitchen or bathroom makes it easier to imagine themselves living there.
4. Remove Clothes, Towels, and Hygiene Items
Bedrooms and bathrooms should be completely free of any visible clothing, towels, or personal hygiene items before a real estate photography shoot. In bathrooms, this means removing hanging towels, shower products, and used soap bars. In bedrooms, laundry hampers, folded clothes, and any loose items on dressers should be stored away. These everyday items can make a space feel busy or cluttered, distracting from the room’s actual features. Removing them ensures that the home looks fresh, clean, and ready for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
5. Exterior Prep
When it comes to real estate marketing and photography, the outside of a home is just as important as the inside. A clean and well-maintained exterior can instantly boost a home’s curb appeal. Before the shoot, put away toys, bikes, gardening tools, and any other clutter that might be scattered around the yard. Hoses and sprinklers should be neatly coiled or tucked away to avoid a messy look. Trash and recycling bins should be moved out of sight, either into the garage or a hidden storage area. A tidy exterior helps the home look more attractive in listing photos and ensures that buyers focus on the beauty of the property rather than on distractions in the yard.
Prepping a home for real estate photography may take a little effort, but it pays off by creating a polished and professional look that attracts buyers. A clean, clutter-free space allows the best features of a home to shine, making it easier to sell quickly and at a great price. Real estate agents and homeowners who take the time to follow these tips will see better results in their real estate listings, ensuring that your listing will stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
You can download our entire shoot prep checklist here 👇