When it’s time to sell your home, great photography can be the make-or-break factor in attracting buyers. But even the best photographer can only work with what’s in front of the camera. Preparing your home properly is crucial — and surprisingly, many homeowners make simple mistakes that hurt their listing photos.

Here are some of the most common missteps (and how to avoid them):

1. Not Decluttering Enough

Clutter instantly makes rooms look smaller, messier, and less appealing in photos. Even items you think are fine — like extra chairs, piles of mail, or countertop appliances — can distract the eye and crowd the space.

Tip: Before your shoot, do a thorough sweep. Clear countertops, remove excess furniture, and tuck away personal items. Less is definitely more when it comes to real estate photos.

2. Leaving Personal Items Out

Family photos, kids’ artwork, and personalized decor might make a house feel like home — but not to a buyer. Personal items can make it harder for potential buyers to imagine the space as their future home.

Tip: Temporarily store personal photos, monogrammed items, and anything that’s very taste-specific.

3. Ignoring Small Repairs

Buyers (and their agents) notice everything. A burnt-out light bulb, peeling paint, or a broken cabinet handle can signal that the home hasn’t been well maintained. It’s amazing how visible small flaws become in high-resolution photography.

Tip: Walk through your home with a critical eye (or better yet, have a friend do it) and tackle those minor fixes before the photographer arrives.

4. Overlooking the Exterior

Many homeowners focus solely on the inside, but the exterior — the “curb appeal” — is just as important. An unkempt lawn, dirty windows, or cluttered porch can be a huge turn-off before buyers even step inside.

Tip: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, sweep porches and driveways, and hide garbage bins and hoses. A few colorful plants by the entrance never hurt either!

5. Not Cleaning Windows and Mirrors

Smudged mirrors and dirty windows might not be obvious to you, but the camera will pick them up clearly — especially when natural light is shining through.

Tip: Clean all glass surfaces thoroughly before your shoot. Sparkling windows make rooms look brighter and more inviting.

6. Forgetting About Lighting

Lighting can make or break a real estate photo. If curtains are closed, bulbs are mismatched, or rooms are dim, even the best photographer will struggle to capture the space well.

Tip: Replace bulbs with matching, bright white lights. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Turn on all lights (even lamps!) for a warm, welcoming feel.

7. Having Pets (and Their Stuff) in the Frame

As much as we love our pets, not every buyer is a dog or cat lover. Pet beds, bowls, litter boxes, and toys can signal “smells” or “wear and tear” that might turn buyers off.

Tip: Temporarily remove pet items during the photoshoot. If possible, arrange for pets to be off-site during the shoot as well.

Final Thoughts

Real estate photography is about more than just showing a house — it’s about selling a dream. By avoiding these common mistakes and properly preparing your home, you give yourself the best possible chance to make a stellar first impression and stand out from the competition.

Take the time to prep, and your photos (and offers!) will reflect the effort.