Real Estate Photography Prep: The Ultimate Guide For Realtors and Homeowners
Have you ever scrolled through a real estate listing only to be met with low-quality, cluttered, or poorly framed photos? Bad real estate photos can make even the most beautiful property look uninviting and unappealing. In today’s real estate market, first impressions matter more than ever. High-quality photos and videos can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and generating interest in a listing.
As a real estate marketing company based in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation can elevate a property’s visual appeal. In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips to help Realtors and homeowners prepare their properties for stunning real estate photography and videography.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
A clean, clutter-free space allows buyers to envision themselves in the home. Put away items such as personal photos, paperwork, and excess decor. Keep surfaces clear and ensure furniture is arranged neatly to create an inviting, spacious look.
2. Deep Clean Every Room
Prospective buyers are looking for homes that look like they have been loved and well-maintained. A spotless home allows viewers to feel a sense of comfort when looking at your photos and videos. Pay special attention to floors, windows, mirrors, and kitchen appliances. Clean countertops, dust shelves, and wipe down reflective surfaces to enhance lighting and clarity in images.
3. Maximize Lighting
Bright, well-lit spaces appear larger and more inviting. Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. As well, ensure all light fixtures have matching, bright bulbs to create a warm and even glow. This includes replacing burnt bulbs in lighting fixtures and lamps in the home.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. We always recommend tucking away any distracting objects such as garbage bins, scrap materials, and other items that you may store outside the home. Fresh doormats and potted plants always make a home feel more inviting. Moving vehicles off the driveway allows for clean, open shots of the property.
5. Stage Each Room with Purpose
Highlight key features of each room by arranging furniture to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing layout. In most cases, less is more as you want to make your space look as large and spacious as possible. Add neutral-colored throws, cushions, or fresh flowers to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
6. Minimize Distracting Elements
Small details can make a big difference in photos and videos. We suggest hiding visible wires and cords, removing magnets and notes from the fridge, and putting away items such as garbage cans, litter boxes, towels, and countertop objects that don’t add to the interior decor of the home. Also, ensure toilet seats are down and beds are neatly made!
7. Adjust for Seasonal Considerations
If listing a home in the winter, clear driveways and pathways of snow. In the summer, mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown bushes, and creating attractive patio spaces can make a huge difference. Seasonal decor should be tasteful and not overpowering, or removed entirely if it distracts from the home itself.
8. Consider Professional Touches
Simple upgrades like fresh coats of paint, polished floors, and updated light fixtures can go a long way in enhancing the appeal of a property. Additionally, ensuring all bulbs are the same color temperature can create a cohesive lighting effect.
For homes that are vacant, investing in professional staging services can also help buyers visualize rooms much better than seeing images and videos of empty spaces. Alternatively, you can also consider virtual staging for a cost-effective option to showcase the potential in your home.
9. Inform Everyone Involved
Ensure that all occupants, including pets, are prepared for the photography session. If possible, pets should be out of sight, and homeowners should leave during the filming process to allow for an efficient and distraction-free session.
10. Work with a Professional Real Estate Media Team
Partnering with a professional real estate marketing company such as Urban Measure ensures you get high-quality images and videos that showcase your property in the best possible light. Our experienced team uses top-tier equipment and professional editing techniques to enhance each listing’s visual appeal. Our goal is to make your property stand out in the market and drive engagement to your listing.
Final Thoughts
Proper preparation and presentation of a home can be the difference between leaving an immediate, lasting impact on buyers or creating a negative impression. By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve the quality of your listing and attract more interest in your property.
If you’re looking for professional real estate photography and videography services in Western Canada, we offer free consultations, easy scheduling, and next-day turnaround times for our media services. Contact us today and let’s showcase your property at its best!
