You’ve probably scrolled through online real estate listings and found yourself laughing at the awkwardly taken photos—like blurry shots with fingers over the lens or odd bathroom photos featuring toenail fungus remover. But every once in a while, you come across a listing with photos that truly stand out—photos that make you stop and want to see more.
“When you’re scrolling, and a beautiful image grabs your attention, you stop,” says Wendy Forsythe, CMO of eXp Realty. “You think, ‘Show me more,’ and you start swiping through the interior photos.”
That’s the kind of impact you want when selling your home. But how do you get listing photos that captivate buyers and help them imagine their life in your space? Here’s the inside scoop.
Step 1: Hire a Professional Photographer
It’s no secret: professional photos are the key to making your listing shine. If you’ve ever seen poor-quality photos—fuzzy, poorly lit, or crooked shots—you can bet they weren’t taken by a pro. Often, they’re snapped by homeowners or agents using their phones. While convenient, phone cameras aren’t always capable of showing off your home’s best angles.
“It’s a skill set,” says Cliff Freeman, an eXp agent in Dallas. “Real estate photography isn’t something every agent can master, especially when they’re busy managing other aspects of a sale.”
That’s why most agents hire professional photographers to take the pictures. Kate Ziegler, an agent at Arborview Realty in Boston, calls it part of her marketing budget: “I consider it a key element of my commission. It’s a critical part of what I’m getting paid for.”
When hiring an agent, it’s a good idea to interview multiple agents and ask to see listings from homes they’ve sold in your price range. This gives you a sense of the quality of their photography and whether it aligns with your expectations.
Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Its Close-Up
Even with professional photographers, a few simple prep steps can make all the difference. Here’s how to get your home ready for its big moment.
Think Like a Buyer
A few days before the photoshoot, imagine you’re a buyer seeing your house for the first time. Walk through the property with a critical eye—taking notes as you go—and think about what stands out (or what could detract from the experience).
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Are the shrubs trimmed? Does the front door need a fresh coat of paint? Could the sidewalk use a power wash?
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Take a good look at the first impression. The outside of your house will be the buyer’s initial encounter with the home, so it’s important to make it look inviting and well-kept.
“You have to step into the shoes of the buyer,” says Forsythe. “What will they see? How can you help them visualize their family and furniture in this space?”
Depersonalize Your Space
Buyers need to imagine their own lives in your home, so remove any personal items that might make it harder for them to picture themselves there. How Home Sellers Can Get Great Real Estate Photos: Take down family photos, clear the fridge of kids’ artwork, and put away any personal knick-knacks. This is all about making the space feel welcoming and neutral.
“Invite them into your space,” says Art Moreno Jr., a real estate photographer in El Paso. This gives them the freedom to envision what their life would look like in your home.
Declutter and Stage
Whether your home is staged or just well-maintained, decluttering is key. Clear off surfaces, hide personal items, and tidy up spaces like your kitchen counters, bathrooms, and closets. Buyers will likely judge the available storage space based on what they can see.
Step 3: Get the Details Right
Here are some specific tips to ensure your house is in perfect shape for photos:
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Clear the driveway: Move vehicles away from the house so that the driveway and curb look spacious and inviting.
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Remove trash bins: Tuck away your trash and recycling bins so they don’t distract from your curb appeal.
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Tidy outdoor spaces: Set up outdoor seating, like tables and chairs, to make the space look inviting and ready for guests. How Home Sellers Can Get Great Real Estate Photos, and make sure to remove any grill covers or clutter from the yard.
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Inside the home:
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Ensure all lights are working and that they have consistent lighting color.
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Open blinds to let natural light flow in, and turn off distracting electronics like TVs, monitors, or ceiling fans.
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Straighten picture frames and tidy up shelves. Also, clear out the washer and dryer and put away any clutter in closets or entryways.
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Remove anything that feels too personal, such as calendars, which can date a listing.
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The Bathroom: A Special Case
Bathrooms are often the most challenging spaces to photograph well. Moreno has some strong opinions here: “Close the toilet seat—close it down! And replace that half-empty roll of toilet paper!” He also recommends removing anything from the shower that isn’t essential. “No shampoo bottles, razors, or loofahs,” he says. The goal is to make each room feel clean, spacious, and functional.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Fine Details
Finally, double-check for any small details that can have a big impact on how your photos turn out. Ensure no power cords are visible, especially in rooms where buyers might be drawn to gadgets or appliances. These little distractions can take away from the polished look you’re trying to achieve.
What Happens After the Photos Are Taken?
Once the photographer does their work, the editing process begins. As Art Moreno Jr. points out, some photographers send their raw images to overseas editors to save time and maximize volume. Unfortunately, How Home Sellers Can Get Great Real Estate Photos ” can sometimes result in overly-processed, unnatural-looking images that can mislead buyers.
That said, if your home is beautifully presented and well-photographed, there’s a good chance the images will help it stand out in a crowded market. However, if the photos don’t live up to expectations, don’t hesitate to request a re-shoot.
Final Thoughts
The ultimate goal of real estate photography is to grab a potential buyer’s attention and help them imagine their life in your home. With the right preparation, a professional photographer, and a keen eye for detail, you can create a listing that makes buyers stop scrolling—and start visualizing their future in your space.
Great photos can give your home an edge in a competitive market, helping it sell faster and for a higher price. So, take the time to prep your home properly and choose an agent who values high-quality photography. Your home deserves it!
