Written by 
Getting your home ready for real estate photos is a crucial step in selling your property. Professional photos can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers. We’ll share some tips to help you prepare for the photographer’s arrival.
A well-prepared home can lead to better photos, more interest from buyers, and potentially a quicker sale. It’s important to clean, declutter, and stage your home before the photographer shows up. This includes both the interior and exterior of your property.
Preparing your home for real estate photography involves more than just tidying up. We’ll cover key areas to focus on, from curb appeal to room staging. By following our advice, you’ll be ready to showcase your home in its best light.
Key Takeaways
- Clean, declutter, and stage your home before the photographer arrives
- Focus on both interior and exterior preparation
- Follow a pre-shoot checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked
Preparing the Home for Sale
Getting a home ready for sale involves key steps to make it appealing to buyers. We’ll cover the initial tasks and staging practices that can help showcase your property in the best light.
Initial Steps
Cleaning is crucial when preparing a home for sale. We recommend deep cleaning every room, including floors, windows, and light fixtures. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
Decluttering is equally important. Remove personal items and excess furniture to make spaces feel larger. This helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the home.
Organize closets and storage areas. Buyers often look in these spaces, so neat, tidy storage can be a big plus.
Make necessary repairs. Fix leaky faucets, patch holes in walls, and touch up paint where needed. These small details can make a big difference in buyer perception.
Staging Best Practices
Neutral colors work best for walls and decor. They create a blank canvas for buyers to envision their own style.
Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Good lighting makes rooms feel more spacious and inviting.
Add some decorative elements:
- Fresh flowers in vases
- A bowl of fruit in the kitchen
- Decorative pillows on sofas and beds
Keep bedrooms simple and inviting. Make beds with crisp linens and remove personal items from nightstands.
Consider hiring a professional stager. They can bring in furniture and decor that highlights your home’s best features.
Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers. A well-prepared home can lead to faster sales and better offers.
Exterior Preparation
Getting the outside of a home ready for photos is key. We’ll cover how to spruce up the yard and make outdoor spaces look their best.
Landscaping and Driveway
A tidy yard makes a great first impression. Mow and trim the grass at least 24 hours before the shoot. Pull weeds and add fresh mulch to garden beds.
Remove cars from the driveway. Hide trash cans, garden hoses, and lawn tools in the garage. Sweep the driveway and walkways.
Make sure sprinklers are off on photo day to avoid puddles. Rake leaves and clean up any pet waste in the yard.
Outdoor Living Areas
Clean and arrange patio furniture neatly. Open umbrellas to show off outdoor living spaces. Remove pool covers and skim the water’s surface.
Put away kids’ toys, gardening supplies, and BBQ tools. Make sure the grill is clean if it will be in photos.
Sweep decks and patios. Wipe down outdoor tables and chairs. Set the scene with a few colorful potted plants or fresh flowers.
Turn on landscape lighting or pool lights for twilight shots. These touches help buyers picture themselves enjoying the outdoor spaces.
Interior Preparation
Getting the inside of a home ready for photos is crucial. We’ll cover key steps for living spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms to ensure stunning interior shots.
Living Spaces
We start with living areas. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Turn on lamps and overhead lights to brighten rooms. Remove clutter from surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
Fluff pillows and straighten throw blankets on sofas and chairs. Vacuum carpets and rugs. Wipe down mirrors to remove smudges.
Hide cords and electronics when possible. A few decorative items can add warmth, but keep it minimal. Make sure artwork is straight on walls.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
In the kitchen, clear countertops of small appliances and clutter. Leave out a few decorative items like a fruit bowl or vase of flowers. Clean the sink and make sure it’s empty.
For bathrooms, remove personal items from counters. Hang fresh towels neatly. Close toilet lids. Clean mirrors and shower doors thoroughly.
In both spaces, wipe down all surfaces so they shine. Hide trash cans and cleaning supplies. Ensure window coverings are even. Turn on all lights, including under-cabinet lighting in kitchens.
Pre-Photoshoot Checklist
A well-prepared home is key for stunning real estate photos. We’ll cover essential steps to take before the photographer arrives, focusing on final touches and managing personal belongings.
Final Touches Before Arrival
Start by decluttering every room. Remove unnecessary furniture to make spaces look larger. Clean thoroughly, paying extra attention to windows and mirrors.
Make beds neatly and fluff pillows. Close toilet lids and put away toiletries. Ensure all light bulbs work and turn on lights for a bright atmosphere.
Clear kitchen counters of appliances and personal items. Hide trash cans and laundry baskets.
Outside, tidy up the yard. Put away garden hoses, toys, and remove vehicles from the driveway. Mow the lawn and trim bushes for curb appeal.
Handling Personal Items
Remove family photos, calendars, and anything with personal information. These can be distracting in photos and pose privacy concerns.
Store away visible clutter like shoes, books, and magazines. Clear refrigerator doors of magnets and notes.
Hide pet items such as food bowls and toys. If possible, arrange for pets to be out of the house during the photoshoot.
Turn off computer screens and put away laptops. Remove any valuable or sentimental items from view.
On the Day of the Photoshoot
Getting ready for the real estate photographer‘s arrival is crucial. We’ll cover key steps to prepare your home and handle any weather issues that may arise.
Preparing for the Photographer
We recommend doing a final walkthrough before the real estate photographer arrives. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Turn on all lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lighting. This helps create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Clean windows and mirrors one last time to remove any streaks. Put away personal items like toothbrushes, soap dispensers, and trash cans. Fluff pillows and straighten bedspreads.
Make sure pets are secured and pet items are out of sight. Move cars from the driveway. Mow the lawn if needed and put away garden tools.
Adjusting to Weather Conditions
Weather can impact a real estate photoshoot. On sunny days, we open all blinds to let in natural light. For overcast weather, we turn on more interior lights to brighten spaces.
If it’s raining, we focus on indoor shots first. We may need to reschedule exterior photos for a clearer day. Strong winds can be tricky for outdoor shots, so we may adjust the schedule.
In extreme heat or cold, we work quickly to maintain comfort. We keep doors closed to regulate temperature. Good planning helps us adapt to any weather while still capturing great images of your home.
After the Photoshoot
Once the photographer leaves, your work isn’t done. The photos need to be reviewed and used effectively to market your listing. Let’s look at the next steps.
Reviewing the Photos
We’ll get the photos from our photographer soon after the shoot. It’s crucial to look them over carefully. We check that each room is shown in its best light. We make sure there are no issues like blurry images or odd angles.
If something looks off, we don’t hesitate to ask for a reshoot of that area. The photos need to accurately represent the property. We also pick out the best shots to use as the main listing images.
Good photos can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers. That’s why we take this step seriously.
Utilizing Photos for Marketing
With great photos in hand, we’re ready to start marketing. We use these images across many platforms. They go on the MLS listing, our website, and social media.
We might create virtual tours or slideshows with the photos. These can give buyers a good feel for the property layout.
High-quality photos help listings stand out. They can lead to more inquiries and faster sales. We make sure to highlight the home’s best features in our marketing materials.
Professional real estate photos are a powerful tool. We use them to tell a story about the property and attract the right buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real estate photography requires careful planning and preparation. We’ve compiled answers to common questions about checklists, home prep, equipment, and camera settings.
What should be included in a pre-shoot checklist for real estate photography?
A thorough pre-shoot checklist helps ensure great photos. It should cover exterior preparation, including removing vehicles and hiding trash cans. Inside, decluttering and cleaning are key.
We recommend checking lighting, removing personal items, and arranging furniture. The checklist should also include equipment checks and battery charging.
How can I prepare my home for professional real estate photographs?
To get your home photo-ready, start by deep cleaning and decluttering. Remove personal photos and valuables. Open curtains to let in natural light.
Make beds and fluff pillows. Clear countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Mow the lawn and tidy up outdoor spaces. Hide pet items and children’s toys.
Are there any preparation guidelines to follow before the real estate photographer arrives?
Yes, there are important steps to take before the photographer arrives. Complete all cleaning and staging in advance. Turn on all lights and open window coverings.
Put away small appliances and personal care items. Make sure pets are secured. Have a list of key features you want highlighted in the photos.
What equipment is essential for a real estate photographer to bring to a shoot?
Essential equipment includes a DSLR or mirrorless camera with wide-angle lens. A sturdy tripod is crucial for steady shots. Bring extra batteries and memory cards.
We also recommend bringing a flash unit, light stands, and remote triggers. A laptop for tethered shooting can be helpful. Don’t forget lens cleaning supplies.
Is it customary to give a gratuity to the real estate photographer after the shoot?
Tipping real estate photographers isn’t common practice. They typically set their rates to cover their time and expertise. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, a tip is appreciated.
A positive review or referral is often more valuable than a monetary tip. If you want to show extra appreciation, consider recommending them to others.
What are the best camera settings for capturing high-quality real estate photos?
For sharp real estate photos, use a small aperture like f/8 or f/11. This ensures a wide depth of field. Set ISO as low as possible, usually 100-400, to minimize noise.
Shutter speed depends on available light, but we aim for at least 1/60th of a second to avoid blur. Use a tripod for longer exposures. White balance should match the lighting conditions.
Last modified: August 7, 2024
Claire Wright, a savvy tech nerd and self-taught photographer who lives in Seattle and working at one of the best real estate photography companies called HD Estates.
