Want your home to sell faster and for more money? It starts with clean, photo-ready spaces for real estate photography.
Homes with professional photos get 61% more online views and sell 32% faster, often at a 3–5% higher price. Buyers are drawn to spotless, clutter-free spaces that feel inviting and well-maintained.
Here’s how to prepare your home for stunning real estate photos:
- Declutter: Remove personal items, clear countertops, and hide pet-related items.
- Deep Clean: Dust surfaces, polish mirrors, clean windows, and scrub floors.
- Light and Staging: Replace bulbs, open curtains, and arrange minimal, neutral décor.
- Room-by-Room Prep: Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces should all be spotless and organized.
- Boost Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, clean entryways, and tidy outdoor furniture.
A clean, well-organized home paired with professional photography can make a huge difference in attracting buyers and securing better offers.
Get Your Home Photo-Ready: Real Estate Photography Checklist
Basic Cleaning and Decluttering Rules
When it comes to real estate photography, a quick tidy-up won’t cut it. The key to capturing stunning property photos lies in eliminating distractions like clutter and dirt, allowing the home’s true potential to shine. Buyers need to picture themselves living in a clean, neutral space, free from personal belongings and mess.
Decluttering Basics
A clutter-free home not only looks better but also sells faster. Personal items and excess belongings can make spaces feel cramped and uninviting, which is the last thing you want when showcasing a property. Decluttering helps rooms appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming to potential buyers.
Start by clearing all visible surfaces of personal items and unnecessary decor. This means removing family photos, kids’ toys, collectibles, and knick-knacks that might prevent buyers from imagining themselves in the space. Kitchen counters should be cleared of small appliances and decor, while sinks should be completely empty. In bedrooms, keep nightstands and dressers bare except for a simple lamp or a tasteful decorative accent.
Floor space is just as important. Remove oversized furniture that blocks pathways or natural light, as well as floor mats and runners, which can make rooms feel smaller. And don’t forget to remove all pet-related items – beds, toys, food bowls, and litter boxes should be out of sight during the photo shoot.
“Decluttering isn’t just about removing physical objects; it’s about creating an emotional connection. It’s about inviting viewers to see themselves within the space, to envision a life filled with possibility and promise.” – PixelShouters
Dusting and Surface Cleaning
Cleanliness is non-negotiable when preparing a home for photography. Dust, smudges, and water spots can stand out under the camera’s lens, making even a beautiful home appear neglected.
Focus on deep cleaning high-impact areas. Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be spotless, with countertops, cabinet fronts, and appliances shining without streaks or residue. Windows and mirrors are especially important – they reflect light and can either brighten a room or detract from it if they’re dirty. Clean both sides of windows, and don’t forget bathroom mirrors and shower doors, which often show water spots.
Pay attention to the details that photographers notice but homeowners often overlook: ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, and appliance exteriors. These small touches contribute to the overall impression of a well-maintained home. Also, empty trash bins throughout the property and, if possible, store them out of sight for the photo session.
Lighting and Floor Care
Lighting can transform how a space looks in photos. Replace any burned-out bulbs and ensure all fixtures use bulbs with the same color temperature. Mismatched lighting can create an uneven and unprofessional look. Clean light fixtures thoroughly to maximize brightness, straighten lampshades, and make sure all switches work. During the shoot, turn on every light in the house, including exterior ones, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Floors also deserve special attention. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop hard surfaces until they shine. Hardwood floors can benefit from polishing to create that glossy, photo-ready finish. For tiled floors, scrub grout lines clean, as dirty grout can make an entire room look outdated. If area rugs are worn or have curled edges, remove them – they can be distracting and make spaces feel smaller.
The goal is to create smooth, clean floors that guide the viewer’s eye naturally through each room. Clean homes not only photograph better but also attract more buyers, which can lead to higher offers. Once these basics are covered, you can move on to a detailed room-by-room cleaning checklist to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist
Once you’ve tackled the basics of decluttering and cleaning, it’s time to zero in on specific areas of your home. By focusing on each room’s unique features, you can eliminate distractions and highlight its best qualities.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the centerpiece of a home, and buyers tend to pay extra attention to it. Follow these steps to make it shine:
- Clear countertops and appliances: Stash away coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and even decorative items like fruit bowls.
- Tidy up the refrigerator exterior: Take down magnets, photos, shopping lists, or kids’ artwork, and clear off anything sitting on top.
- Polish the sink area: Remove dishes, sponges, and soap dispensers, then make sure the faucet gleams.
- Scrub the stovetop: Get rid of grease spots, remove cookware, and align the burner grates neatly.
- Hide trash and cleaning supplies: Move trash cans, dish towels, paper towel holders, and cleaning products out of sight.
If you have a kitchen island, keep it simple – leave just one small decorative item, like a vase or bowl.
“A clean home will produce the best photos and video which will produce more potential buyers and more money for you! It might seem like a lot of work but the payoff could be thousands in your pocket. So take the time and think of it as an investment.” – Matt Harrison
Once your kitchen is spotless, you’re ready to tackle the living spaces.
Living and Family Rooms
These spaces should feel inviting yet neutral, allowing buyers to picture their own lives there.
- Tidy electronics: Store remotes, gaming controllers, and charging cables. Tuck cords behind furniture and turn off any screens to avoid glare.
- Streamline bookshelves: Remove about a third of the books, organize the rest by height, and add a few decorative items. Take down personal photos from shelves and tables.
- Rearrange furniture thoughtfully: Make sure no pieces block light or walkways. Arrange throw pillows symmetrically and neatly fold any blankets. Straighten artwork and ensure curtains are wrinkle-free.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel like peaceful retreats, perfect for showcasing in photos. Start by making the beds with crisp, coordinated linens. Smooth out wrinkles and drape blankets evenly. Fluff pillows and arrange them symmetrically.
- Declutter surfaces: Keep nightstands, dressers, and vanities free of personal items. Limit décor to one simple piece per surface.
- Tidy under the bed: Remove visible storage boxes, shoes, or anything else that might peek out.
- Organize closets: Group hanging clothes by color and type, and clear the floor to create a spacious look when doors are open.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need to look spotless and fresh to make a great impression online.
- Remove personal items: Clear counters, shower caddies, and tub edges of toiletries, hygiene products, and medications. Store them in cabinets instead.
- Replace towels: Use fresh, matching towels and hang them evenly on towel bars. Avoid overcrowding racks.
- Shine mirrors and fixtures: Get rid of water spots, toothpaste splatters, and fingerprints. Polish faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures until they sparkle.
- Conceal everyday items: Move trash cans, toilet brushes, and plungers out of sight. Keep toilet lids closed and consider adding a small decorative touch, like a single flower or potted plant.
Aim for a spa-like vibe, where buyers can imagine starting or ending their day in a serene, hotel-quality space.
Outdoor Spaces and Curb Appeal
Just like the inside of a home needs to shine for great photos, outdoor spaces deserve just as much care. The exterior is the first thing potential buyers notice, and it sets the tone for what they expect to find inside. A tidy, well-kept outdoor area suggests the home has been cared for overall, creating a positive first impression.
Landscaping and Maintenance
The front yard is the first thing buyers see, so it should look its best. Mow the lawn evenly, trim any overgrown bushes, pull out weeds, and remove dead plants. Adding a fresh layer of mulch around flower beds can give the landscaping a polished look.
Make sure pathways, porches, patios, and decks are swept clean of dirt, leaves, and debris. Remove any outdoor clutter, such as hoses, trash bins, toys, or pet supplies, to keep the area looking open and inviting. Once the yard is in order, focus on refreshing and arranging outdoor furniture to enhance the space.
Outdoor Furniture and Features
Clean and organize outdoor furniture to make it more inviting. Dust off chairs, tables, and benches, and arrange them in a way that highlights the space’s potential for relaxing or entertaining. Simple additions like fresh cushions or a few potted plants can make a big difference. If you have patio umbrellas, open them up to create shaded, cozy areas.
Don’t forget to give grills and outdoor cooking equipment some attention. Remove any covers and clean them thoroughly to show off their condition and usability. After the furniture and features are spruced up, turn your attention to the entryways.
Entryways and Driveways
The front entrance is where first impressions are solidified. Keep the driveway clear of vehicles so the home’s exterior can be fully appreciated. Sweep the entryway and remove any personal items like shoes or jackets from sight. Hide garbage cans and lawn equipment to keep the area neat.
Power wash or scrub dirt off the front stoop, and consider sealing driveways or repairing cracks in sidewalks to give a well-maintained appearance. A few small touches can make a big impact: place a clean doormat, add one or two potted plants, and keep decorations minimal but welcoming. Upgrading small details like light fixtures, house numbers, doorknobs, or even the mailbox can tie the look together and make the space feel updated.
The National Association of REALTORS reported in 2021 that 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
This highlights how thoughtful outdoor staging can influence a buyer’s perception before they even step inside.
Final Photo-Ready Steps
Once your property is clean and organized, these finishing touches will ensure it photographs beautifully, showcasing its full charm to potential buyers.
Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light can transform a space, making it feel brighter, more spacious, and welcoming. Open all curtains and blinds to let sunlight flood the rooms. Be sure to clean the windows thoroughly – smudges or streaks can be distracting in high-resolution photos. Turn on every light in the house to create a warm and even glow, and consider adding floor lamps to brighten any shadowy corners.
Simple, Neutral Staging
When it comes to staging, less is more. Stick to minimal, neutral décor that allows the home’s features to take center stage. Remove anything overly personal or distracting, giving potential buyers a blank slate to imagine their own style. Arrange furniture thoughtfully to emphasize the purpose and flow of each room, keeping pathways clear and the overall vibe open and inviting.
Last-Minute Walk-Through
Before the photographer arrives, take one final walk-through of the property to ensure everything is picture-perfect. Clear surfaces of clutter, leaving only a few tasteful decorative accents. Double-check that all lights are working and turn off anything that might cause glare, like TVs or computer screens. Remove any pet items or personal belongings to maintain a clean, polished look that appeals to a wide audience.
For the best results, consider hiring professional real estate photographers, such as those at HomeJab. Their expertise can help your property shine in every shot, making it stand out to potential buyers.
Conclusion
A clean, well-organized, and photo-ready home is your most powerful tool for attracting buyers and achieving better offers. In today’s market, homes showcased with high-quality real estate photos consistently stand out. This underscores just how much a photo-ready presentation can influence buyer interest.
With 87% of home buyers considering photos one of the most important features when browsing online listings, your efforts to prepare your home can make a direct impact on your sale price and timeline. Every detail matters, from spotless surfaces to thoughtfully staged rooms.
Once your home is perfectly cleaned and staged, professional photography becomes the next essential step. Services like HomeJab connect you with skilled local photographers who excel in HDR photography, 3D virtual tours, aerial imagery, and video walkthroughs. With a 24-hour turnaround and techniques designed to highlight your property’s best features, HomeJab ensures your hard work gets the attention it deserves.
FAQs
Why is decluttering important for real estate photos?
When it comes to real estate photos, decluttering is a game-changer. A tidy, well-organized home not only looks bigger and brighter but also feels more inviting. This allows potential buyers to focus on the property’s standout features instead of being distracted by clutter.
Clearing out unnecessary items creates a sense of openness and showcases the home’s possibilities. It can even make the property feel more valuable, often leading to quicker sales and potentially higher offers. A clean space helps buyers imagine themselves living there, which is exactly what you want.
How can I improve a property’s curb appeal for real estate photography?
To boost the curb appeal in real estate photography, start by tidying up the exterior. Clear away toys, tools, trash bins, and vehicles from the driveway and yard. Make sure the lawn is freshly mowed, shrubs are trimmed, and flowers or plants are looking their best. Clean sidewalks, driveways, and porches to give the space a neat and welcoming appearance.
Adding small details can make a big difference. Think about staging outdoor spaces with a clean welcome mat, potted plants, or neatly arranged patio furniture. For the most flattering shots, aim to photograph during the golden hour, when the light is soft and warm. Also, ensure the home’s exterior is well-lit to create an inviting atmosphere. These simple steps can produce eye-catching photos that draw buyers in and showcase the property at its best.
Why is good lighting so important for real estate photography?
Good lighting plays a key role in real estate photography, as it highlights a property’s best features and creates an inviting, comfortable vibe. Well-lit spaces tend to look bigger, brighter, and more appealing, making it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living there.
On top of that, proper lighting ensures that colors and details come across accurately in photos. This can grab more attention from buyers and even help sell the property faster. Taking the time to get the lighting just right can completely change how a property is viewed in photographs.
