First impressions are more important than ever when you’re trying to sell a house. Professional real estate photos are a key part of getting people’s attention in today’s real estate market, where most potential buyers start their search online. But even the best shooter needs a home that is well-staged in order to take pictures that really impress people who are looking to buy. Whether you’re a landlord, a real estate agent, or a property manager, learning how to set up a house for great real estate photos can make your listing much more appealing. This piece will give you important advice to make sure your home is spotless and ready to show off.
1. Declutter Every Room
One of the most important steps in staging a home for real estate photography is decluttering. Clutter can distract from the property’s features, making rooms appear smaller and less appealing. Buyers want to visualize themselves living in the home, and a cluttered space filled with personal items makes that difficult.
Start by removing personal belongings, excessive furniture, and unnecessary décor. Items like family photos, children’s toys, and excessive knick-knacks should be stored away. To make a space that shows off the best parts of the house and lets potential buyers picture how they would use it, the space should be clean and simple.
Pro Tip:
For real estate photography in smaller, competitive markets like NYC, decluttering is even more critical. City apartments are often more compact, so every square foot counts in making a space feel more open and inviting.
2. Clean and Polish Every Surface
Once the space is decluttered, the next step is to ensure that everything is spotless. Real estate photos can highlight even the smallest imperfections, like dust on a shelf, fingerprints on windows, or grime on the kitchen stove. To make your home look great in pictures, you need to clean it well.
Watch out for windows, floors, and things that reflect light, like mirrors and appliances. More natural light will come in through clean windows, and shiny surfaces will help the light bounce around the room, making it look bigger and brighter.
Pro Tip:
Before your real estate photography shoot, you might want to hire a cleaning service. A thorough cleaning can often take longer than anticipated, and professionals can guarantee that your home looks pristine.
3. Maximize Natural Light
Lighting is one of the most important elements in real estate photography NYC. Homes that are bright and well-lit tend to look more spacious and welcoming. Natural light, in particular, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s hard to replicate with artificial lighting.
Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Make sure windows are clean to avoid smudges or streaks that might detract from the photos. If a room doesn’t get much natural light, consider using lamps and other light sources to brighten it up. The goal is to create a warm and evenly lit space without harsh shadows or dark corners.
Pro Tip:
For real estate photography in NYC, where many homes are part of apartment buildings, maximizing natural light can be a challenge. In such cases, the time the shoot is for when the home gets the most sunlight, usually during midday or when artificial lighting is used to supplement.
4. Choose the Right Furniture and Décor
Staging with the right furniture and décor is crucial for making rooms look appealing in photos. If a space is too empty, it can feel cold and unwelcoming. On the other hand, if it’s too full, it can appear cluttered and smaller than it is. Finding a balance is key.
Use modern, basic furniture that goes with the style of your home. If you want to fill a room, you should pick pieces that are the right size. Too much or too little furniture can make the room feel incomplete. The decor should be simple but useful. A few strategically placed flowers, works of art, or throw pillows can add color and texture without taking over the room.
Pro Tip:
For smaller rooms, use lighter-colored furniture and décor to create a sense of airiness. By returning light and making it look like there is depth, mirrors can also make a room look bigger.
5. Consider Curb Appeal
First impressions aren’t limited to the interior of the home. The exterior is the first thing buyers will see, and curb appeal plays a huge role in attracting interest. Before the photo session, make sure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and any outdoor clutter like hoses, garden tools, or toys are removed.
If the property has a patio or deck, consider adding some outdoor furniture or potted plants to make it more inviting. The goal is to make the front door feel warm and inviting so that buyers want to see more of the house.
Pro Tip:
In urban settings like New York City, curb appeal might be less about lawns and more about entryways. Make sure the front door is clean, steps are swept, and any shared spaces, like lobbies or hallways, are tidy and well-lit.
Conclusion
Setting up a house for real estate photos needs careful planning and attention to detail. You can make sure that pictures of your home look their best by getting rid of clutter, cleaning, making the most of light, and drawing attention to important features. Follow these tips for presenting your home to make it stand out, whether you’re selling a small apartment or a big house. In real estate photos in NYC, where the market is very competitive, staging can make all the difference in getting people to look at your home and make a quick sale.
