Real Estate Photography Checklist for Sellers

High-quality photos are one of the most important marketing tools in real estate. In today’s digital-first market, buyers in Washington and beyond often decide whether to tour a property based on listing photos alone. For sellers, investing time in proper preparation can make the difference between a quick sale and a stale listing.

This guide (1000+ words) provides a real estate photography checklist to help sellers prepare their homes, stage effectively, and maximize buyer interest.

Why Real Estate Photos Matter

First Impressions Count – Listings with professional photos receive more clicks and showings.

Online Search Behavior – Buyers often filter listings by photo quality.

Higher Offers – Well-presented homes may attract stronger offers.

🔗 Related glossary terms: Market Value, Appraisal, Curb Appeal.

Pre-Photography Preparation

1. Declutter Every Room

Remove excess furniture, décor, and personal items.

Clear countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.

Organize closets and storage areas.

2. Deep Clean the Home

Vacuum carpets and mop floors.

Wash windows for natural light.

Wipe down appliances and fixtures.

3. Handle Repairs

Fix broken handles, squeaky doors, or leaky faucets.

Replace burnt-out light bulbs.

Touch up paint where needed.

Staging for Photos

Living Room

Arrange furniture to highlight space and flow.

Add neutral accents like throw pillows.

Hide wires, remotes, and clutter.

Kitchen

Remove dish racks, sponges, and trash cans.

Highlight clean counters and appliances.

Add a bowl of fruit or flowers for color.

Bedrooms

Make beds with neutral bedding.

Minimize personal items.

Open blinds and let in natural light.

Bathrooms

Put away toiletries.

Hang clean, neutral towels.

Close toilet lids.

Exterior and Yard

Mow lawns and trim hedges.

Sweep porches and driveways.

Highlight outdoor amenities like decks or patios.

Tips for Working with a Photographer

Schedule the shoot on a sunny day for natural light.

Ask about wide-angle shots to show room size.

Include detail shots of high-end finishes.

Capture multiple angles of main living spaces.

Pro tip: If selling for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), investing in professional photography plus a flat fee MLS listing ensures your home stands out against agent-listed properties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving clutter in the frame.

Shooting in dim lighting.

Using overly filtered or distorted images.

Forgetting to photograph outdoor spaces.

How Photos Impact Online Listings

Strong photos improve click-through rates on platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. They also make open house and private showing attendance more likely.

A flat fee multiple listing service can help ensure your professional photos are displayed on the MLS and syndicated across major platforms.

Key Takeaways

Photos are critical to attracting buyers online.

Preparation includes decluttering, cleaning, and staging.

Work with a professional photographer for best results.

Avoid common mistakes like poor lighting or cluttered rooms.

Use a flat fee MLS listing service to showcase your photos to the widest audience.

By following this photography checklist, sellers can ensure their listings attract more buyers, generate stronger offers, and sell faster.

Looking to market your home professionally while saving thousands? Try Wayber’s flat fee MLS listing service today.