Simple home staging tips to help your property look its best in professional listing photos.
When selling your home, professional real estate photography is one of the most important parts of creating a strong first impression. Whether buyers discover your property on Zillow, Redfin, or their local real estate agent's website, high-quality listing photos can help your home stand out.
But even the best real estate photographer benefits from a well-prepared home.
Before your scheduled real estate photo shoot, here are five simple ways to make your home look its best on camera.
1. Declutter Every Room
One of the easiest ways to prepare your home for real estate photography is to remove unnecessary clutter.
Pack away personal photographs, excess decorations, and everyday items. Clear kitchen countertops, organize visible shelves, and hide electrical cords, pet supplies, and other distractions.
Why it matters for photography: Clean, uncluttered spaces help rooms appear more open and allow potential buyers to focus on the home's layout, finishes, and architectural features.
2. Refresh Your Walls
Walls are visible in nearly every interior real estate photograph, so even small imperfections can become noticeable.
Touch up scuffs, repair minor blemishes, and consider repainting bold accent walls in soft, neutral colors that complement your home's existing finishes.
Why it matters for photography: Neutral walls photograph consistently across different lighting conditions and help create a cohesive appearance throughout your listing photos.
3. Make Your Home Sparkle
A thorough cleaning is essential before your real estate photography appointment.
Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and reflective surfaces. Wash windows, wipe baseboards, polish fixtures, and dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Why it matters for photography: Professional cameras capture fine details, including dust, smudges, and streaks. Clean windows and reflective surfaces also help natural light contribute to brighter, more appealing interior photos.
4. Prepare Your Bathrooms for Photos
Bathrooms are an important part of any real estate listing, and a few small staging adjustments can dramatically improve their appearance.
Put away toiletries, toothbrushes, shower products, and cleaning supplies. Remove bath mats, display fresh white towels, and close toilet lids.
Why it matters for photography: Bathrooms are often smaller spaces, so removing unnecessary items helps emphasize clean countertops, attractive fixtures, and the room's overall design.
5. Style Your Bedrooms and Maximize Natural Light
Bedrooms should feel comfortable, spacious, and welcoming in your real estate listing photos.
Make beds neatly with neutral bedding, smooth out wrinkles, and arrange a few coordinated pillows. Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light into the room.
Why it matters for photography: Thoughtful bedroom staging creates cleaner compositions and helps highlight the room's size, windows, and natural lighting.
Get the Most Out of Your Real Estate Photography
Professional real estate photos are an essential marketing tool when selling a home. Taking time to prepare your property before your photography appointment helps ensure every image represents your home at its best.
At Insight Filmhouse, we provide professional real estate photography, video tours, drone photography, and 3D virtual tours for real estate agents and homeowners throughout Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, and surrounding communities.
Whether you're preparing a small condo or a luxury property, a clean, well-presented home gives your real estate photographer the best opportunity to capture compelling listing images.
Ready to schedule your real estate photography? Visit Insight Filmhouse to explore our services and book your next listing.
Staging tips adapted from a home preparation guide by Willow & Fern Staging, serving the Portland and Vancouver area.
Share This Guide With Your Clients
Know someone getting ready to list their home? Send them this guide to help them prepare for picture day.
Share This Guide