How to Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photo Shoot

Endi Cariel
29 jul
2 Min. de lectura

By CarielPhoto – Real Estate Photographer in Aurora, IL

When you're getting ready to list your property for sale or rent, first impressions are everything—and in today’s market, that starts with professional photography. A well-prepared home will not only look better in photos but also attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of a faster sale.

At CarielPhoto, we specialize in real estate photography in Aurora, Naperville, and the greater Chicagoland suburbs, and we’ve seen it all—from beautifully staged homes to properties that felt more like storage units. Here’s what you need to know to make your home shine in every photo.

✅ 12 Simple Tips to Get Your Home Photo-Ready

1. Remove personal itemsFamily photos, diplomas, mail, and personal hygiene products should all be out of sight. The goal is to allow potential buyers to picture themselves living there.

2. Clear all surfacesKeep kitchen counters, coffee tables, and bathroom vanities clean and minimal. Less is more.

3. Make the beds and tidy all roomsFluff pillows, smooth out blankets, and put laundry away.

4. Deep clean the homeFloors, windows, mirrors, bathrooms, and kitchens should all be spotless. A clean home photographs best.

5. Open curtains and turn on all lightsLet in as much natural light as possible, and make sure all bulbs are working.

6. Hide cables and chargersVisible wires or extension cords can distract from the beauty of your space.

7. Remove toys and pet itemsStore pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, and kids’ toys out of view.

8. Declutter the kitchenNo dishes in the sink, and clear off countertops of food, small appliances, or clutter.

9. Hide trash binsBoth indoors and outdoors. Garbage cans should not appear in your listing photos.

10. Move cars out of the drivewayClear the view for exterior shots and drone photography if applicable.

11. Tidy up the yardPut away hoses, garden tools, and any seasonal décor that might look messy.

12. Keep people and pets out of the house during the shootWe love furry friends, but they shouldn’t appear in your real estate photos.

🎯 Why It Matters

We love photographing decorated homes that are lived-in and warm—it helps show buyers how the space can be used. But when there’s too much clutter, it creates visual noise that distracts from the real beauty of the property.

Our job is to capture your home’s full potential. With just a little preparation, you can help us create stunning images that attract attention and drive results.