When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter — and in today’s digital market, your listing photos are that first impression. Knowing how to prepare your home for real estate photography is essential to making those first impressions count.

At Real Estate Pictures, we’ve photographed over 30,000 homes across Toronto and the GTA, and one thing is always true: a well-prepared home makes all the difference. Even the most professional camera equipment and editing can’t replace good preparation. You must learn how to prepare your home for real estate photography to ensure it stands out.

If you’re getting ready for a photoshoot, here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your property looks its absolute best — and captures buyer attention from the very first click.

Here is the step by step on how to prepare your home for real estate photography

1. Declutter Every Room (Yes, Every Room)

Clutter is the biggest distraction in listing photos. The goal is to let the space shine — not the stuff in it. Preparing your home for real estate photography will help in eliminating these distractions.

What to do:

• Remove personal items like family photos, calendars, and paperwork
• Clear kitchen counters completely (except for one or two tasteful items)
• Hide remote controls, toys, wires, and anything that feels “lived-in”
• Tuck away laundry baskets, shampoo bottles, and pet bowls

Buyers want to imagine themselves in the space — not be reminded that someone else already lives there.

2. Deep Clean — The Camera Sees Everything

You might not notice that smudge on the mirror or that dust on the baseboard, but trust us, the camera does. A clean home photographs 10x better when it’s properly prepared for real estate photography.

Focus on:

• Streak-free windows and mirrors
• Shiny sinks and countertops
• Spotless floors and baseboards
• Fresh bedding and fluffed pillows

If you’re short on time, hiring a cleaner is one of the best investments you can make before listing.

3. Stage It Simply, But Intentionally

You don’t need to hire a full staging team — but a few key touches go a long way. The goal is to make the home feel warm, inviting, and easy to envision. You’ll see how understanding the home staging prepares it for real estate photography.

Try this:

• Straighten rugs and furniture lines
• Add neutral throws and pillows to living areas
• Place fresh flowers or a small plant on the table
• Fold towels neatly in bathrooms

Every room should have a clear purpose. If you’ve turned your dining room into a storage area or gym, now’s the time to reframe it.

4. Maximize Natural Light

Light is everything in real estate photography. It makes spaces feel larger, cleaner, and more welcoming. Learn how to prepare your home to maximize this essential feature for real estate photography.

To do before the shoot:

• Open all curtains and blinds
• Turn on every light in the home (including lamps and under-cabinet lighting)
• Replace any burnt-out bulbs with warm white LED bulbs

Bonus: clean your windows the day before. It makes a big difference in how much natural light comes through.

5. Don’t Forget the Outside

Buyers often see the exterior first — so curb appeal counts immensely. Preparing your home’s exterior for real estate photography can be crucial.

Quick exterior prep on how to prepare your home for real estate photography:

• Sweep the front porch and walkways
• Move cars out of the driveway
• Mow the lawn and tidy garden beds
• Put away hoses, toys, and garbage bins

If you have a balcony, deck, or backyard, make sure it looks clean and inviting. Set out a chair or two if space allows — help the buyer imagine relaxing there.

6. Final Touches Before We Arrive

• Close all toilet lids
• Hide laundry hampers, pet crates, and litter boxes
• Make sure all interior doors are open
• Tidy cords, hide chargers, and straighten furniture

Then take a deep breath — your space is ready!

Why It Matters To know how to prepare your home for real estate photography?

A beautifully photographed home starts with proper prep. The better your space looks in photos, the more interest your listing generates online. That means more clicks, more showings, and ultimately, a quicker sale — often at a better price. Indeed, understanding how to prepare your home for real estate photography pays off.

At Real Estate Pictures, we’re committed to capturing your property at its best. But we also believe great results come from teamwork — and that starts with you. Optimize your property so it stands out on MLS and Realtor.ca with these tips on how to prepare your home for real estate photography.

Book Your Shoot

If you’re selling in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA, we’d love to help you capture your home with precision, style, and care.
📧 info@realestatepictures.ca
📞 647-547-3900
👉 Book your real estate photoshoot today