How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography: The Ultimate Seller’s Guide
When it’s time to sell your house, first impressions can make or break your listing — and the first impression almost always starts online. Great photos help your home stand out, attract more buyers, and can even boost your sale price. But getting those eye-catching shots doesn’t just happen — you need to know how to prepare your home for real estate photography so every room looks its absolute best.
If you’re wondering how to get your house ready for listing photos or need practical staging tips, this easy guide will walk you through everything — room by room — so you feel confident and ready on photography day.
Why Preparing Your Home for Real Estate Photos Matters
If you’ve ever browsed listings online, you know the difference good photography makes. Bright, clear, clutter-free images draw buyers in — dark, messy, or cluttered rooms push them away.
According to real estate industry stats, homes with professional photography sell faster and for more money than listings with poor-quality photos. Why? Because buyers today shop online first. Beautiful images can spark an emotional connection, get your home more clicks, and bring more qualified buyers through the door.
The best part? You don’t need expensive staging furniture or a full renovation to prep your house for real estate photography — you just need a plan, a little time, and this handy guide.
General Home Prep Tips Before Photography Day
Before we jump into the room-by-room checklist, here are a few general tips to get your whole home photo-ready:
Declutter ruthlessly. Less is more. Remove personal items, excess decor, kids’ toys, pet beds — you want clean, open spaces that look inviting.
Deep clean everything. Wipe down counters, dust surfaces, clean windows, and mop floors. Clean homes photograph brighter and look well-maintained.
Check all lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs. Good lighting is key for sharp, bright real estate photos.
Open blinds and curtains. Natural light makes rooms feel bigger and more welcoming.
Hide valuables. For safety and privacy, secure jewelry, documents, and anything personal that shouldn’t appear in photos.
Room-by-Room Checklist: How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography
Living Room & Family Room
Remove unnecessary furniture to make the space feel larger.
Hide remote controls, game consoles, or visible wires.
Fluff and straighten pillows and throws.
Organize bookshelves and coffee tables — less clutter, more style.
Add a simple centerpiece like a vase of fresh flowers or a tidy stack of books.
Kitchen
Clear countertops completely — hide small appliances, dish racks, and soap.
Remove fridge magnets, kids’ art, and notes from appliances.
Wipe down all surfaces — stainless steel should shine!
Place a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers as a pop of color.
Empty the sink — no dishes in sight.
Dining Room
Set the table simply — a runner or placemats look nice but don’t overdo it.
Use a small centerpiece — fresh flowers or a decorative bowl.
Straighten chairs and make sure they’re evenly spaced.
Bedrooms
Make the beds with clean, wrinkle-free bedding.
Hide personal items — alarm clocks, phone chargers, laundry baskets.
Tidy nightstands — keep it to a lamp, book, or minimal decor.
If you have kids’ rooms, stash toys out of sight or arrange them neatly.
Bathrooms
Remove personal toiletries from counters and showers.
Close toilet lids.
Hang fresh, neatly folded towels.
Remove bath mats for a cleaner look.
Make sure mirrors and glass are spotless.
Exterior & Yard
Mow the lawn and trim bushes.
Sweep walkways and porches.
Remove cars from the driveway and don’t park directly in front of the house.
Hide trash bins, hoses, and gardening tools.
Stage outdoor furniture neatly and wipe it down.
Bonus Home Staging Tips for Real Estate Photography
Small staging touches can make your home feel warmer and more appealing without breaking the bank. Here are a few simple ideas to elevate your real estate listing photos:
Add fresh flowers or small green plants to living areas.
Use neutral throw pillows or blankets to update old furniture.
Consider light, neutral decor — buyers should be able to picture themselves in the home.
If your walls are dark, open blinds fully to bring in as much natural light as possible.
Remember: The goal is to make your home look spacious, bright, and inviting in every shot.
What to Expect on Real Estate Photography Day
So, you’ve prepped your home — what happens when your photographer arrives?
First, plan to finish your prep before the photographer shows up. You’ll want to leave the home in perfect shape so they can start shooting right away.
✅ Should you be there? It’s often best for sellers to step out during the shoot, especially if pets or kids are home. This gives the photographer space to work quickly and move furniture slightly if needed.
✅ How long does it take? A standard real estate photography session usually takes 1–2 hours depending on the size of your home and any extra services (like drone photos or 3D tours).
✅ Pets: Plan to have pets off-site or safely contained.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Ready for Listing Photos
Here are a few last-minute pitfalls sellers sometimes overlook:
Forgetting to hide pet bowls, beds, or litter boxes.
Leaving clutter in closets — some photographers shoot closets for extra detail.
Not clearing off bedside tables — keep them as minimal as possible.
Leaving personal photos in frames — it’s better to store these away to protect privacy.
A little extra effort goes a long way!
Final Thoughts: Good Prep Makes Great Photos
Professional photography is one of the most powerful tools you have to help your listing stand out online — but it’s only as good as the space it captures.
By following this guide and knowing how to prepare your home for real estate photography, you’ll be ready to show off your home in its best light, attract more buyers, and sell faster.
Ready to Book Your Real Estate Photography Session?
If you’re in Albuquerque or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help you get stunning real estate photos that make your home shine. Contact us today to schedule your shoot — and don’t forget, new clients get 5 FREE drone photos with their first session!
FAQs: How to Prepare for Real Estate Photography
Q: How long does a real estate photography session take?
A typical real estate photo shoot takes about 1–2 hours, depending on your home’s size and any extra services like drone shots or 3D tours.
Q: Should I be home during the shoot?
It’s usually better to step out or stay out of the way so the photographer can move freely and get the best angles.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional stager?
It’s not required, but simple staging and decluttering can make a huge difference. For high-end listings, professional staging can add even more value.
Q: How clean should my house be for real estate photos?
Spotless! Deep cleaning makes a huge difference — dust, vacuum, wipe windows, and tidy every room.
Q: What should I do with pets during real estate photos?
Keep pets contained in a garage, backyard, or off-site with a friend if possible to avoid distractions.
Ready to Make Your Listing Stand Out?
High-quality real estate photos help you attract more buyers and sell faster. If you’re ready to book professional photography in Albuquerque or have questions about your next shoot, contact us today — we’d love to help you showcase your property at its best!