How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography

You’ve heard it before; “a picture’s worth a thousand words.” When it comes to real estate photography, this saying couldn’t be more true. Not only do professional photos help to capture your home’s essence and beauty, but they also can help your listing stand out, increasing the number of buyers who come to view or even bid on your home.

Now we’re not going to sugarcoat it; getting professional photos taken of your home can be an overwhelming and tiring task. After all, it’s important that the photographer and even videographer get the best shots and angles of your space so that your listing looks top-notch when it goes live.

To ensure this day goes over smoothly, you’ll need to prepare your home accordingly. Below is our list of tips, tricks, and things to consider that will help you get your home ready for the big day. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Check the Lighting

Bright, well-lit spaces are ideal for real estate photography and videography, so it’s important to check your lighting before your photographer arrives. You’ll want to ensure that all light bulbs are in good working condition and replace any bulbs that may be out.

It’s also important to give your light fixtures a good clean as well. Fingerprint smudges and dust will appear in the photos, so it’s important to ensure all fixtures are clean and looking their best.

Keep Counter Spaces Clean and Clear

When it comes to your photos, less is always more! This is why you want to ensure that the counter spaces in your kitchen and bathroom are clear. Be sure to hide the toiletries in your bathroom and put away any big, unsightly, or bulky items from your kitchen.

Items such as your toaster, kettle or air fryer should be removed from the counter and stored away in a cabinet instead.

Keep Personal Items to a Minimum

The best way for a potential buyer to view your home as their own is to ensure that personal items are kept to a minimum. Be sure to give each room, especially your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, a good once over to ensure that any large or personal belongings are put away.

Items may include bedside picture frames or trinkets, hygiene products in the bathroom or magnets attached to the refrigerator.

Let Some Natural Light In

Everyone loves a home or space that has a ton of natural light. In fact, this is a key item that many home buyers keep an eye out for when searching for their new home. Opening the blinds and curtains not only highlights the amount of natural light available but also increases the available light for the photos.

Remove Your Car from the Driveway

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you’ll want to remove your car from the driveaway. This will allow the photographer to grab beautiful shots of the exterior of your home, without any cars in the way, or highlight the available condo parking spot for the listing. While it only takes a few minutes to move your car, it’s best to do this before the photographer arrives.

Ensure Your Home is Clean and Tidy

It’s important to ensure that your home is clean and ready to be photographed. All counters should be wiped down, beds should be made, garbage needs to be put away and out of sight and the floors and windows should be cleaned.

This will ensure that your home is photographed in the best light possible, attracting many potential buyers. It will also keep the day on schedule as the photographer won’t have to wait for you to clean up, wipe down, or store away any items.

Do a Once Over for Your Exterior

Once the interior is clean and sparkling, it’s important to ensure your exterior is ready for its close-up. Open up any umbrellas, stow away any tools and ensure your exterior is looking clean, fresh and inviting.

This may also require some simple gardening and lawn care to help your front yard be in tip-top shape. You’ll also want to give your patio furniture a once over as well. Prop up the cushions, wipe down the tables, and tuck in the chairs. These simple but easy-to-do tasks will truly make a world of a difference and will keep the photography process moving along accordingly.

Ensure Your Pet Has a Place to Go

We all love pets, but when it comes to getting your photos done, they can be a bit of a distraction. It’s best to take your pet to a family friend's house or even a kennel, to ensure that the photographer can stay on track and to prevent the photos from having any dog or cat sightings.

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Preparing your home for real estate photos does take a little bit of work. After all, you want your home to be photographed in the best light, to attract as many home buyers as possible. However, once your home has been cleaned and all personal belongings have been stored away, then your work is done. The rest is up to your photographer and listing agent to work their magic and get your home listed and sold for the best price possible.

If you’re ready to sell your home and are currently looking for a real estate agent, feel free to contact us today. We’d love to help and with over 20 years of experience, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves that will surely get your home sold in no time!