Most buyers won’t walk through your front door before they scroll through your photos. That’s just how it works now.

And because that first impression happens online, preparing your home for listing photos has become just as important as prepping for a showing—if not more.

Even homes that are clean and well-maintained in person can fall flat on camera. The lens picks up on things you might overlook in everyday life. Cords. Shadows. Floor clutter. It’s all magnified.

Here are seven often-overlooked details we help sellers fine-tune before a professional shoot, plus a few quick tips to make sure your home comes across clearly, cleanly, and confidently online.

1. Lighting: Don’t Assume It Looks as Good on Camera

A room can feel bright in person and still look dark in photos. That’s because cameras interpret light differently than our eyes do. Without the right lighting, even updated spaces can feel flat and lifeless in your photos.

What to do:

Open all curtains and blinds, even in less-used spaces like the laundry room or basement.
Turn on all the lights—overheads, lamps, even closet fixtures.
Replace any bulbs that are dim or burned out, and try to keep color temperature consistent (ideally a daylight tone around 4000K–5000K).

Even lighting helps create clearer, more inviting images. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference.

2. Decluttering Isn’t the Same as Depersonalizing

Cleaning up is a great first step. But for photos, you want to go one step further: remove anything too personal, too specific, or too attention-grabbing. The goal isn’t to make your home look empty—it’s to help buyers picture themselves living there.

What we suggest:

Take down family photos, name signs, and anything with faces or text.
Clear counters, desktops, and nightstands. One or two neutral items are fine, but keep it simple.
Remove anything that draws attention away from the room itself—fridge magnets, vision boards, mail piles, or kids’ artwork.

Buyers don’t need to see who lives in the home. They need space to imagine that it could be theirs.

3. Look Down: Floor Clutter Shows Up in Every Shot

What’s on the floor will be in the photos. That includes pet beds, extra chairs, baskets, toys, and small rugs. These things may be useful in daily life, but in pictures, they add visual noise and can make the space feel smaller.

What helps:

Stow away anything on the floor that doesn’t absolutely need to be there.
Remove throw rugs unless they’re clean-lined and help define the space.

This is especially important in high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Clear floors help rooms feel more open.

4. Cords: They’re Always More Noticeable Than You Think

Cords and cables rarely register in person—but the camera always catches them. They tend to look messy and can break up the clean lines of a well-staged space.

To fix:

Unplug and remove device chargers, power bars, and extension cords wherever possible.
Tuck lamp and TV cords behind furniture or use cord clips to keep them neat.
Hide routers, remotes, and speakers if they don’t add visual value to the room.

A clean wall and a clear outlet almost always looks better in photos.

5. Bathrooms: Small Space, Big Impact

Bathrooms can be one of the most high-impact areas in your photos—but only if they’re photo-ready. Any clutter or grime shows up immediately.

Here’s what to do before the photographer arrives:

Remove all toiletries and personal items from counters and showers.
Close toilet lids and hide trash bins and toilet brushes.
Use clean, matching towels and remove bath mats unless they’re spotless.
Wipe down all reflective surfaces like mirrors and chrome fixtures.

Buyers don’t expect a spa. They just want to see clean, functional spaces that feel taken care of.

6. Curb Appeal: Start Strong With the Outside

Your first photo will likely be the front of the home. That means your exterior needs to be just as ready as the inside—even if you’re not planning a big landscaping project.

You don’t need to overhaul your yard, but a little cleanup goes a long way.

Try this:

Sweep the porch and walkways and pressure wash the driveway if you have one.
Tidy up the lawn and trim any overgrown plants.
Put away trash bins, hoses, tools, or toys.
If possible, freshen up your front door, update old hardware, and add a clean doormat.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda, exterior projects offer some of the highest return on investment when selling a home. For example:

Garage door replacements average a 194% ROI
Steel entry doors return about 188%
Manufactured stone veneer comes in at 153% (Zonda, 2024)

Even small, low-cost changes can make the home feel more welcoming—and make a strong first impression.

7. Windows: Keep Them Clean and Clear

This one gets missed all the time. Dirty windows may not be obvious in person, but they absolutely dull your listing photos. They cut down on natural light, blur outdoor views, and give off a dingy feel even if the rest of the room is spotless.

Before the shoot:

Clean interior and exterior window panes.
Remove screens if they’re bent or dusty.
Polish any glass doors and mirrors, too.

Bonus tip: Try to do this the day before, especially if the weather’s been wet or dusty.

Final Thought: Small Fixes, Big Difference

Getting your home ready for a listing photoshoot isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making intentional choices that let your home come across clearly, confidently, and cleanly online.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Want a pre-listing walkthrough with personalized tips? Let’s schedule it. We’ll help you focus on the areas that matter most—and skip the ones that don’t.

2019 Resolution

About the author

Kathy Toomey

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