Michelle Answers: How Should I Prepare My Home for Listing Photos?

Short answer: Prepare the house so the photos show the space, light and features clearly. You do not need to make every room look empty, but buyers should be able to focus on the home rather than everyday clutter.

Start with what the camera will notice

Listing photos tend to make countertops, cords, crowded shelves and small floor areas more noticeable. Clear kitchen and bathroom counters, put away personal paperwork and reduce the number of small items on open surfaces.

Make rooms feel intentional

Each room should have an obvious purpose. Remove extra furniture if it makes walkways tight or hides a useful feature. Straighten bedding, open window treatments when appropriate and replace burned-out bulbs so the photographer can work with the available light.

Do not forget the exterior

The first photo buyers see is often the front exterior. Move trash cans, hoses, toys and unnecessary vehicles when possible. Basic cleanup around the entry, lawn and landscaping can make the home look more cared for without turning photo day into a major renovation project.

Prioritize the features that help sell the property

If the home has a renovated kitchen, fireplace, finished basement, large garage, acreage, pool or outdoor living area, make sure those spaces are clean and accessible. The goal is not to hide the way the home lives. It is to make the important features easy for buyers to understand online.

Michelle's takeaway

I tell sellers to prepare for photos with the online buyer in mind. Most buyers decide which homes deserve an in-person showing after looking at the photos first, so the house should be clean, bright and easy to understand from the screen.

If you are preparing to sell in Hammonton or elsewhere in South Jersey, contact Michelle McMaster at Sail Lake Realty to talk through pricing, preparation and marketing. You can also explore Hammonton real estate and current listings.

Prepared by Michelle McMaster, Broker/Owner of Sail Lake Realty in Hammonton, New Jersey.