Getting a property ready to hit the market involves more than uploading photos and publishing a listing. From preparing the home to choosing the right marketing materials, there are several details that can make a difference in how you present a property to potential buyers.
As a Realtor, you already have plenty to manage. Having a checklist can help you stay organized, avoid overlooking important details, and make sure your listing is ready for its first impression online.
As a real estate media specialist, I see how much preparation goes into presenting a property well. Here are seven things I recommend checking before launching your next listing.
Before photography day, make sure the home is ready to be showcased.
Encourage your sellers to declutter countertops, make beds, put away personal items, clean visible surfaces, and organize the main living areas. Don't forget the exterior, including the front entrance, yard, patio, and walkways.
A little preparation can help keep the focus on the property's best features.
Every property has something that makes it special. It might be a renovated kitchen, a spacious backyard, beautiful natural light, unique architectural details, or an inviting outdoor living area.
Before the photoshoot, think about the features you want buyers to notice.
I take the time to look at each property and capture the details that help tell its story. Knowing what makes a home stand out can help guide the media we create.
Sometimes, the best way to showcase a property is to give buyers a view from above.
If your listing has a large lot, a pool, extensive landscaping, outdoor entertaining spaces, or attractive surroundings, drone photography may help tell a more complete story.
Aerial images can show the relationship between the home, its land, and the surrounding area in ways that ground-level photos cannot.
Photos help buyers visualize a home's appearance, but a floor plan helps them understand its layout.
Consider including a floor plan so potential buyers can better understand how the rooms connect and how the space is arranged.
It's another useful piece of listing media that can give buyers more information before they schedule a showing.
Some homes have layouts, features, or spaces that benefit from additional visual presentation.
A video walkthrough can help communicate the flow of a home, while a 3D interactive tour gives buyers another way to explore the property online.
Consider your listing's features, target audience, and marketing goals when deciding whether these services would be worthwhile.
Your listing photos are only one part of your marketing plan. You'll also want to think about how you'll promote the property once it goes live.
Will you need social media graphics, Reels, property flyers, or a branded property website?
My Digital Marketing Kit provides a variety of ready-to-use materials to help Realtors promote their listings across different platforms.
Planning these materials ahead of time can make it easier to move from receiving your media to promoting your property.
Before your listing goes live, take a final look at the details.
Taking a few minutes to review everything can help you catch missing details before buyers see the listing.
Staying organized starts with having the right resources. I've created a free Listing for Success Guide to help you prepare for your next listing and keep important details in mind.
Get Your Free Listing for Success Guide
Keep it handy as you prepare your next property for photography and marketing.
Every listing deserves thoughtful preparation and media that highlights what makes the property special.
From professional photography and drone images to floor plans, video walkthroughs, and Digital Marketing Kits, Brian Phillips Photography can help you find the right media for your next listing.
