How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos: A Professional Guide
Why Real Estate Photo Prep Matters
In today’s market, buyers don’t fall in love with homes in person first — they fall in love online.
Your listing photos are often the first showing, and professional real estate photography can mean:
More listing views
More showings
Stronger buyer interest
Faster offers
But even the best photographer can’t fix clutter, poor lighting, or unprepared spaces. Preparing your home correctly ensures your listing photos do what they’re meant to do: sell the space, not distract from it.
Whether you’re selling in Marshall MN, Taunton MN, Sioux Falls SD, or anywhere in Southwest Minnesota, these preparation steps make a measurable difference.
Start With Decluttering (Less Really Is More)
The goal of real estate photography isn’t to show everything you own — it’s to show space, flow, and possibility.
Before your session:
Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops
Remove small appliances, paper towels, and excess décor
Put away personal photos and paperwork
Minimize furniture where possible
Buyers want to imagine themselves in the home. Clean, open spaces help them do that.
Deep Clean for Camera-Level Detail
Cameras notice details the eye often overlooks.
Focus on:
Mirrors and windows (no streaks)
Floors and baseboards
Bathroom fixtures and glass
Stainless steel appliances
You don’t need perfection — but visible grime, fingerprints, or dust will show on camera and pull attention away from the space.
Maximize Natural Light
Light is one of the most important elements in real estate photography.
Before the photographer arrives:
Open all blinds and curtains
Turn off harsh overhead lights if instructed
Replace burned-out bulbs
Use warm, consistent bulbs throughout the home
Professional photographers often balance natural light with flash to create bright, even images — but natural light still plays a key role in the final result.
Stage Simply and Intentionally
Staging doesn’t mean redecorating your entire home.
Simple staging focuses on:
Making rooms feel purposeful
Highlighting architectural features
Creating balance and symmetry
Quick staging tips:
Fluff pillows and smooth bedding
Set dining tables minimally (no cluttered centerpieces)
Tidy entryways — first impressions matter
Add one or two neutral décor pieces if a room feels empty
Don’t Forget the Exterior
Curb appeal matters just as much as interior photos.
Before exterior shots:
Move trash cans, hoses, and toys out of view
Park vehicles away from the driveway
Sweep walkways and porches
Trim visible weeds or debris
For properties in Southwest Minnesota, seasonal timing matters too — snow removal, fall leaves, or muddy spring yards can impact first impressions.
Prepare for the Day of the Shoot
A smooth session means better results.
Day-of checklist:
Lights on (unless photographer says otherwise)
Ceiling fans off
Toilet lids down
Pets secured or removed
Final walk-through for clutter
Professional real estate sessions are efficient — preparation ensures we spend time capturing angles, not rearranging rooms.
Why Professional Real Estate Photography Is Worth It
Professional real estate photography is an investment — not an expense.
High-quality listing images:
Elevate perceived value
Increase buyer engagement
Strengthen agent branding
Reduce time on market
At Keel Photography, I photograph real estate with the same attention to detail I bring to commercial branding and product photography — because visuals shape decisions.
Final Thoughts for Sellers & Agents
You don’t need a perfect home to get great real estate photos — you need intentional preparation and a photographer who understands how buyers view listings.
When preparation and professional photography work together, your property stands out in a crowded market.
If you’re a homeowner, realtor, or builder in Marshall MN, Taunton MN, Sioux Falls SD, or Southwest Minnesota, I’d love to help you present your listing at its absolute best.
📩 Contact Keel Photography to schedule professional real estate photography.
