Professional listing photography can make a major difference in how a property is presented online. But great photos don't start when the photographer arrives. They start with the preparation that happens beforehand.
As a realtor, you play an important role in helping sellers understand what needs to be done before photography day. A well-prepared home gives the photographer a better opportunity to capture clean, inviting images that highlight the property's best features.
Here are a few things every realtor should consider before listing photos.
Before photography day, take a walkthrough of the home and look at each room from a buyer's perspective.
Look for anything that could distract from the property's features, such as excess furniture, clutter, personal belongings, or unfinished cleaning.
A quick walkthrough can help identify areas that need attention before the photographer arrives.
Less can often be more when it comes to listing photography.
Encourage sellers to clear countertops, tables, nightstands, and other visible surfaces. Removing unnecessary items creates a cleaner appearance and allows buyers to focus on the space itself.
This doesn't mean removing everything. The goal is to create a simple, organized environment that helps the home feel spacious and inviting.
Small details can help create a more inviting presentation.
Before the shoot, sellers should consider making beds, straightening pillows, organizing blankets, opening appropriate window treatments, and putting away everyday household items.
These details may seem minor, but they can have a noticeable impact on the final images.
Don't Forget the Exterior
The exterior is often one of the first images buyers see, so curb appeal should be part of the preparation.
Encourage sellers to:
A clean exterior creates a stronger first impression and helps buyers feel more positive about the property before they explore the interior.
Photography appointments work best when the home is already prepared.
Make sure sellers know when the photographer is arriving and what needs to be completed beforehand. This helps avoid spending valuable photography time moving belongings or finishing last-minute tasks.
Want an easier way to prepare your next listing?
We've created a free Listing for Success Guide designed specifically for Realtors. It includes practical home preparation tips and listing photo prep guidance to help you and your sellers get the property ready before photography day.
Get your free Listing for Success Guide
Keep the Listing for Success Guide handy and share it with your sellers before photography day to help everyone prepare and make the process smoother.
The photographer's job is to capture the property at its best, but the condition and preparation of the home provide the foundation.
When a listing is clean, organized, and ready to photograph, professional media can do what it is designed to do: highlight the property's features, create a strong first impression, and help your listing stand out online.
As a realtor, you don't have to prepare the home yourself. Your role is to guide your sellers and help them understand what can make a difference before photography day.
A few simple recommendations can lead to a smoother shoot, stronger images, and better marketing material for your listing.
At Brian Phillips Photography, we provide professional real estate media including photography, drone imagery, floor plans, 3D Interactive Tours, video walkthroughs, virtual staging, virtual twilight, and Digital Marketing Kits.
Have a listing coming up? Contact Brian Phillips Photography to learn more about our listing media services and how we can help you present every property at its best.
