Why Home and Property Preparation Matters
Professional photography can’t fully overcome clutter or poor staging. To maximize the home’s appeal, spend time cleaning, decluttering, and staging before the photographer arrives. According to HomeFX’s seller guide, first impressions matter because nearly all buyers begin their search online. A well‑prepared home leads to more showings, stronger offers, and a faster sale.
Declutter and Depersonalize the Home
We recommend clearing countertops, removing small appliances and personal items, storing toys and laundry baskets, and boxing up family photos. Think of it as pre‑packing; if you don’t need it now, put it away. Less is more in photos—open surfaces make rooms feel larger and allow buyers to imagine their belongings in the space.
If it isn’t furniture or decor, remove it.
Deep Clean and Shine Everything in the Home
Dust, fingerprints, and smudges are magnified under professional lighting. Wipe mirrors and windows until they’re streak‑free, shine stainless‑steel appliances, vacuum carpets, and mop floors. Wipe fingerprints and remove scuff marks from walls. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as buyers scrutinize these spaces the most. Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a worthwhile investment.
Stage the Home and Property Strategically
Staging highlights a home’s strengths and helps buyers envision life there. Rearrange furniture to open walkways, use neutral bedding and pillows, add fresh flowers or fruit for pops of color, and consider virtual staging for vacant homes. As staging pioneer Barb Schwarz notes, a well‑staged, clutter‑free room allows the photography to shine and creates an emotional connection with buyers.
Maximize the Natural and Artificial Light of the Home
Open blinds and curtains to let in daylight, replace burnt‑out bulbs, and use consistent bulb types throughout the home. Turn on all lights before the shoot to balance the lighting. Natural daylight works best, so schedule your shoot for mid‑morning or early afternoon.
Curb Appeal and Exterior Prep
Buyers want to fall in love from the curb. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed and sweep walkways, put away garden tools and trash cans, and add simple touches like a fresh welcome mat or potted flowers. Park cars down the street so the driveway is open. During interior photos, ensure the view through the windows is tidy and free of distracting objects and cars.
Final Touches on Shoot Day
Just before the photographer arrives, do a quick walk‑through: fluff pillows, smooth bedspreads, fold throws neatly, hide trash cans and pet items, close toilet lids, and ensure counters are bare. Turn on all lights and scan for last‑minute clutter. Following these steps ensures every shot looks polished.
Design for the Camera
Professional stagers often design rooms with the camera in mind. Take test photos to see how angles, symmetry, and lighting come across, and adjust décor accordingly. Remove wrinkles in bedding and curtains with a steamer—cameras amplify wrinkles. Use a limited color palette to avoid a visually noisy look, and rely on symmetry and repetition for a pleasing composition. Determine the best camera angle for each room and design for that view. Remember to hire a professional photographer: staging a home and then snapping photos on a phone undermines your investment.
Pro Tip: Avoid Common Mistakes
Small oversights can ruin an otherwise beautiful photo. Always put toilet seats down, remove all trash cans, remove used towels, soaps, shampoo bottles, etc. Furnish the house to provide scale and light, but avoid over‑decorating so the focus remains on the home itself.
Conclusion
Preparing the home for professional photography requires time and attention to detail, but the payoff is significant. A clean, decluttered, and well‑staged property photographs better, attracts more buyers, and can lead to higher offers. For homeowners in Westmoreland and the surrounding counties, Michelle Lazur Media offers guidance throughout the preparation process and delivers magazine‑quality photos, aerial imagery, and 3D tours to showcase your home at its best.
Download my Home Preparation Guide to help you help your sellers prepare for a stellar, professional property photography shoot.