Make Your Listing Stand Out by Skipping These Common Pitfalls

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. These first impressions come down to the home itself (style, design, size, etc), price and location. Real estate photographers can control, to a degree, the home itself. Our job is to make the home as visually appealing as possible to entice the most traffic through the property. More traffic (more views) the more likely it’ll be that the property will sell. However, the truth is even the best photography can’t fully compensate for a cluttered or unprepared space.

To help agents and homeowners get the most out of every shoot, we’ve put together the top 5 mistakes to avoid when preparing for real estate photography—and what to do instead.

1. Leaving Clutter in the Frame

Why it matters: Clutter distracts from the home’s features and can make spaces feel smaller or less inviting. This also shows a lack of care. If the clutter is still around, did the owners bother with keeping up with basic maintenance?Whether it’s mail on the counter, shoes by the door, or magnets on the fridge, these little things can draw attention away from the architecture and design of the home.

What to do instead: Declutter surfaces like kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, nightstands, and entryways. Tuck away personal items, toiletries, pet bowls, and toys. A clean, minimal space photographs better and helps potential buyers focus on the space—not the stuff.

2. Not Cleaning Windows, Mirrorsand Fans

Why it matters: Natural light is one of a photographer’s best tools. But dirty windows can block or diffuse light in the wrong ways, and smudged mirrors show up easily in high-resolution photos. Same goes for fans. These are one of the most missed objects at the cleaning stage. Large amounts of dust are easily visible in the photos.

What to do instead: Give windows, mirrors, and glass doors a good cleaning the day before the shoot. Sparkling glass helps maximize light and makes every room look brighter and more polished. Make sure to turn off and clean all ceiling fans too!

3. Overlooking Lighting and Burned-Out Bulbs

Why it matters: Consistent lighting is key to a balanced, inviting image. Mismatched bulb colors or burned-out lights can create uneven exposure and strange color casts in photos.

What to do instead: Turn on every light in the house before the shoot and make sure all bulbs match in color temperature (either all warm or all cool) and are working. This small step can make a big impact on the final look.

4. Leaving Cords, Trash Cans, and Misc. Items in View

Why it matters: Cords, power strips, trash bins, and random clutter pull the viewer’s eye away from the home’s features. These items are easy to overlook when you're living in the space, but they pop in photos.

What to do instead: Unplug and hide visible cords when possible. Remove trash cans from the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Stash remotes, tissue boxes, and any small items that don’t add to the aesthetic.

5. Forgetting the Exterior

Why it matters: The exterior shot is often the first image on a listing—and it sets the tone for the rest of the viewing experience. Overgrown grass, uncoiled hoses, and scattered lawn toys can turn off buyers before they even click through.

What to do instead: Mow the lawn, sweep porches or driveways, hide bins or hoses, and remove any visible clutter. If possible, consider adding simple touches like a doormat or potted plant to make the entryway feel welcoming.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Makes a Difference

Real estate photography is an investment in marketing—and like any marketing effort, preparation matters. A well-prepared home doesn’t just photograph better; it shows better online, attracts more clicks, and ultimately helps sell the property faster and for more money.

If you're an agent, sharing this prep guide with your clients can set you apart and streamline the selling process. And if you're a homeowner, think of it as staging for the camera—because that’s exactly what it is. This also helps the seller understand how the property should look during showings!

Ready to book your next shoot? Use our online dashboard to schedule, manage, and track your listings with ease.