The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for Real Estate Photography

When it comes to selling your home, the quality of your listing photos can significantly impact how quickly your property sells and the final selling price. While hiring a professional photographer is essential, the preparation you do before they arrive is equally important.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to do to ensure your home looks its absolute best for your upcoming photo shoot.

General Preparation (1-2 Days Before)

Deep Clean Everything

A thorough cleaning is non-negotiable. Consider hiring professional cleaners for the best results.

Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards
Clean windows inside and out to maximize natural light
Steam clean carpets and rugs
Polish hardwood floors
Clean grout in bathrooms and kitchen

Declutter Aggressively

Less is more when it comes to real estate photography. Remove:

Personal items like family photos and memorabilia
Excess furniture that makes rooms feel cramped
Counter appliances in kitchens (keep only 1-2 decorative items)
Refrigerator magnets and notes
Visible cords and cables

Make Minor Repairs

Fix leaky faucets
Replace burnt-out light bulbs
Touch up paint where needed
Repair any holes in walls
Fix any doors or drawers that don't close properly

Day of Photography: Room-by-Room Checklist

Exterior

Mow the lawn and trim hedges
Remove vehicles from the driveway
Put away garbage bins, hoses, and lawn equipment
Sweep walkways and porch
Add a few potted plants for color (if seasonally appropriate)
Clean pool if applicable
Put away children's toys
Remove seasonal decorations

Living Room/Family Room

Remove remote controls, magazines, and other clutter
Fluff and arrange pillows and throw blankets
Hide pet beds, toys, and food bowls
Ensure all light fixtures work
Clean fireplace if applicable

Kitchen

Clear countertops of all but 1-2 decorative items
Remove dish towels, sponges, and soap dispensers
Hide trash cans
Remove magnets, photos, and notes from refrigerator
Clean inside of sink and polish faucet
Hide pet food bowls

Dining Room

Set the table with your best dinnerware (optional)
Add a simple centerpiece
Remove extra chairs if the table looks crowded
Ensure chandelier or light fixture is clean and working

Bedrooms

Make beds with your best linens
Remove personal items from nightstands
Clear floors of shoes and clothing
Ensure matching lamps on nightstands are working
Close closet doors

Bathrooms

Remove all personal hygiene products
Hide toothbrushes and toiletries
Hang fresh, matching towels
Close toilet lids
Remove bath mats
Clean mirrors and glass shower doors
Add a small vase of flowers or a candle (optional)

Home Office

Clear desk of papers and personal items
Hide cords and cables
Organize bookshelves
Remove any confidential information

Final Touches (Day of Photography)

Lighting

Open all blinds and curtains to maximize natural light
Turn on all lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lighting
Replace any bulbs with matching color temperature

Ambiance

Consider fresh flowers in key areas
Ensure a comfortable temperature
Turn off ceiling fans

During the Shoot

Keep pets secured away from the areas being photographed
Plan to be away or stay in an area not being photographed
Turn off TVs and computer screens

Conclusion

Preparing your home for professional photography takes effort, but the results are well worth it. These photos will be the first impression potential buyers have of your home, and following this guide will help ensure that impression is a stellar one.

At Altura Advantage, we're committed to showcasing your property in its best light. While our photographers are experts at making spaces look amazing, your preparation using this guide will help us create truly exceptional images that will make your listing stand out from the competition.