How to Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photo Shoot

Professional real estate photography can make or break your listing's success. Here's how to prepare your home to showcase its best features and attract potential buyers. **Declutter and Depersonalize** Remove personal items, family photos, and excess furniture. Create clean, neutral spaces that allow buyers to envision themselves living there. Pack away collections, knick-knacks, and anything that makes spaces feel cramped. **Deep Clean Everything** Every surface should sparkle. Pay special attention to windows, mirrors, and light fixtures. Clean carpets, mop floors, and ensure bathrooms and kitchens are spotless. Fresh, clean spaces photograph beautifully and create a positive first impression. **Maximize Natural Light** Open all curtains and blinds to let in maximum natural light. Turn on all lights throughout the house, including lamps and overhead fixtures. Well-lit spaces appear larger and more inviting in photographs. **Stage Key Areas** Arrange furniture to create conversation areas and natural flow. Add fresh flowers, fluffy towels in bathrooms, and ensure beds are perfectly made. Small touches like a bowl of fresh fruit or strategically placed books can add warmth without clutter. **Address Minor Repairs** Fix any obvious issues like scuff marks, loose handles, or burnt-out bulbs. These small details can distract from your home's best features in photos. A fresh coat of paint in neutral colors can transform tired-looking rooms. **Curb Appeal Matters** Don't forget the exterior! Mow the lawn, trim bushes, plant fresh flowers, and ensure the entrance is welcoming. The first photo buyers see is usually the exterior, so make it count.