How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Photo Shoot

Make a Great First Impression That Sells

When you're selling your home, those first online photos are often the first "hello" your house gives to potential buyers. That’s why it’s so important to get your home looking its absolute best before the photographer arrives. At The J&D Realty Team, we believe beautiful pictures help tell the story of your home—and they play a big part in getting it sold quickly and for the right price.

In fact, homes with professional photos can sell faster and may even bring in higher offers. Buyers scroll through hundreds of listings online, so the ones with clean, bright, welcoming images are the ones that grab attention. So how do you get your house photo-ready? Let’s walk through the steps together.

Start with Decluttering

One of the most important things you can do is to clear away anything that makes your home feel crowded. This doesn’t mean your home needs to be empty—it just needs to feel open and easy to walk through. Imagine you're setting up a model home or decorating for a magazine. That means less stuff on shelves, fewer things on kitchen counters, and only the basics in each room.

If you're not sure what to take out, think about what you’d expect to see in a hotel room. Clean, simple, and neat. Anything that’s personal—like family photos, bills, or your child’s drawings—should be packed away for now. This helps buyers picture themselves living in the space instead of being distracted by the current owner’s life.

Give It a Good Deep Clean

Once your home is cleared out, it’s time to clean it from top to bottom. A deep clean makes a huge difference in how your home looks in pictures. Dust and smudges can show up more than you think in high-quality photos. Make sure your windows sparkle, your floors shine, and your bathrooms look spotless.

Pay special attention to places that might not get cleaned often—like baseboards, ceiling fans, and corners. Even small details like a dusty light fixture or water spots on a mirror can take away from an otherwise beautiful photo.

Don’t forget to check for smells too. Clean air matters just as much as clean floors. If you’ve got pets, smoke, or leftover cooking smells, try opening windows or using a light air freshener before the photo shoot.

Maximize Light and Brightness

Photos look best in bright, naturally lit rooms. Before your shoot, go through the whole house and open all the blinds and curtains. Let the sunlight pour in. Then turn on all your lights, including overhead fixtures, lamps, and even those in closets and hallways.

Using lightbulbs that are soft white (not yellow or super bright white) will help your home feel warm and inviting in pictures. And if any bulbs are burned out or flickering, now’s the time to replace them. Your photographer will work to find the best angles, but having the home well-lit helps them do their job even better.

Use Simple Staging to Add Style

Staging your home doesn’t mean you need to rent new furniture or hire a designer. Simple changes can make a big difference. A neatly folded throw blanket, a few accent pillows, or a small tray on the coffee table can bring a warm, welcoming touch.

Try placing a vase of fresh flowers on the dining table, a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter, or a few books on a side table. In the bathroom, a clean set of towels and a candle can make the space feel spa-like.

Keep your colors neutral and avoid anything too bold or distracting. The goal is to highlight the space, not the stuff. If you need a little inspiration, check out our Staging Tips blog post for more ideas.

Pay Extra Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms when it comes to photos. Buyers want these areas to look clean, functional, and well taken care of. In the kitchen, make sure all countertops are clear of dishes, appliances, and food. Hide dish soap, sponges, and trash cans. A clean kitchen says “move-in ready,” and that’s exactly what buyers want to see.

In the bathroom, close the toilet lids and remove toothbrushes, razors, and personal items. Wipe down mirrors and faucets until they shine. A fresh hand towel and maybe a little greenery—like a small potted plant—can add just the right touch.

Make the Outside Look Just as Good

The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see, whether it's in a photo or when they pull up for a showing. A well-kept yard and front entrance can make your home feel inviting from the start.

Mow the lawn, rake up leaves, and trim bushes. Sweep the porch and sidewalks. If you have time, lay down fresh mulch or plant a few colorful flowers. Even something as simple as a new welcome mat or a wreath on the door can help set the tone.

Make sure cars are out of the driveway and trash bins are hidden. If your photographer is taking drone shots, check for anything that might look out of place from above, like toys, tools, or clutter.

Do a Final Walkthrough

The morning of the shoot, do one last walkthrough to catch anything you might have missed. Check each room for things like laundry on the floor, dirty dishes, or crooked pillows. Straighten chairs, smooth bedspreads, and take a fresh look at your space.

This is also a good time to think about your pets. Even the friendliest animals can get in the way of a photo shoot. It’s best to remove pets from the home or keep them in a secure area that won’t be photographed.

Trust the J&D Realty Team to Guide You

At The J&D Realty Team, we don’t just take pictures—we showcase your home in its best light. Our photography package includes high-resolution images, drone photography, and 360-degree tours that help your listing stand out. But more than that, we work closely with you before the shoot to make sure every detail is ready.

Our team lives and works right here in Roanoke, and we know what local buyers are looking for. We’ll help you prep, plan, and market your home with confidence and care.

Need help getting started? Reach out today. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way—from photos to closing day.

FAQs

1. What happens if my house isn’t fully ready on photo day?
It’s okay—life happens! We’ll work with you to reschedule if needed or make the best of the situation. But a little prep ahead of time can go a long way.

2. Should I remove everything from my countertops?
You don’t have to go overboard, but yes, the fewer items the better. Try to leave just one or two decorative pieces in each space.

3. Can I take the photos myself instead of hiring a pro?
While phones today take great pictures, professional photographers know how to highlight your home’s best features. It’s worth the investment!

4. How soon will my listing be live after the shoot?
Usually, your photos are ready in 24–48 hours. Once we have them, we can launch your listing and start showing off your home.

5. What if my home is vacant?
That’s no problem! We can still photograph your home beautifully. In some cases, we may suggest virtual staging to help buyers see the potential.