Crescent City Living

New Orleans Real Estate Brokerage

  • Home
  • Home Search
  • Communities
  • Services
    • Home Value Request
    • Buying
    • Selling
    • Renting
    • Landlords
    • Louisiana Real Estate Contract
  • The Blog
  • About Us
    • Client Reviews
    • Our Beliefs
    • Agent Pros
    • Crescent City Living Policies
    • Careers at Crescent City Living
  • Account | Login

How to Prep for Listing Photos

How to Prep for Listing Photos

February 3, 2025 By Lisa Heindel

Get Your Home Camera-Ready

When selling your home, first impressions matter—especially online. High-quality listing photos can make your property stand out, attracting more potential buyers and increasing your chances of a quick sale. To ensure your home looks its best on camera, follow these essential preparation steps.

1. Declutter for a Clean, Spacious Look

Less clutter means more visual appeal. Remove excess decor, clear off countertops, and tidy up shelves. A neat, minimalist space helps buyers focus on your home’s best features rather than distractions.

2. Remove Personal Items

Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, so there are some concrete steps to prep for listing photos. Take down family photos, personal collections, and anything too specific to your style. A neutral space appeals to a wider audience.

3. Give It a Deep Clean

A spotless home looks better in photos. Pay special attention to:
✔ Windows (clean and streak-free)
✔ Floors and baseboards
✔ Kitchen appliances and countertops
✔ Bathroom sinks, showers, and mirrors
✔ Light fixtures and ceiling fans

4. Brighten Up the Space

Natural light makes rooms feel open and inviting. Open all blinds and curtains, swap out dim bulbs for bright white ones, and dust light fixtures to maximize brightness.

5. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

The exterior is the first thing buyers will see—make it shine!
✔ Mow the lawn and trim landscaping
✔ Sweep porches, walkways, and driveways
✔ Store trash bins and garden tools out of sight
✔ Add a fresh doormat or potted plants for a welcoming touch

6. Define Every Room’s Purpose

Each space should be clearly staged to highlight its best use. Whether it’s a home office, guest bedroom, or cozy reading nook, ensure that buyers can instantly understand the function of each room.

7. Hide Everyday Items

Before the photo shoot, tuck away:
✔ Bathroom toiletries like toothbrushes and razors
✔ Kitchen items such as dish soap and sponges
✔ Pet bowls, litter boxes, and toys
✔ Chargers, cords, and miscellaneous clutter

8. Add a Few Polished Touches

✔ Fresh flowers or a simple fruit bowl for warmth
✔ Neatly arranged pillows and throw blankets
✔ A subtle, clean scent (nothing too strong)

9. Keep Pets and People Out of Sight

Pets are adorable, but they don’t belong in listing photos. Secure pets (and their belongings) in another space during the shoot. If possible, plan to be out of the house while the photographer works to keep things distraction-free.

10. Do a Final Walkthrough

Before the photographer arrives, take a last-minute look around. Use your phone camera to snap a few test shots—this will help spot any out-of-place items that need adjusting.

Taking the time to properly prep for listing photos can make all the difference in attracting buyers. A well-presented property leads to more interest, more showings, and ultimately, a faster sale. Need expert advice? We’re here to help!

Learn more about selling your home

Filed Under: Sellers

Related Posts

New Orleans Real Estate | Disrupting the Industry
Don’t Be Offended When Your Agent Asks You Questions
A Sunday Surprise on the West Bank: Taking The Road Less Traveled to Nine Mile Point Nursery

Listings, Market Reports & Open Houses by Area

  • Algiers (West Bank)
  • Algiers Point (West Bank)
  • Audubon
  • Avondale (West Bank)
  • Bayou St John
  • Belle Chasse (West Bank)
  • Black Pearl
  • Bridge City (West Bank)
  • Broadmoor
  • Bywater
  • CBD & Warehouse District
  • Central City
  • City Park
  • Desire
  • East Carollton
  • East Riverside
  • Fairgrounds
  • Fillmore
  • French Quarter
  • Freret
  • Garden District
  • Gentilly Terrace
  • Gentilly Woods
  • Gert Town
  • Gretna (West Bank)
  • Harvey (West Bank)
  • Holly Grove
  • Holy Cross
  • Irish Channel
  • Jefferson
  • Kenner
  • Lake Shore & Lake Vista
  • Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks
  • Lakeview
  • Lakewood
  • Leonidas
  • Lower 9th Ward
  • Lower Coast & English Turn
  • Lower Garden District
  • Marigny
  • Marlyville & Fontainebleau
  • Marrero
  • Metairie
  • Mid City
  • Milan
  • Milneburg
  • Navarre
  • New Orleans East
  • Pontchartrain Park
  • River Ridge
  • Seventh Ward
  • St Anthony
  • St Bernard Area
  • St Claude
  • St Roch
  • Terrytown (West Bank)
  • Touro
  • Treme
  • Tulane / Gravier
  • Uptown
  • Uptown / Carrollton
  • Venetian Isles
  • Waggaman
  • West End
  • West Riverside
  • Westwego (West Bank)

Crescent City Living Logo

3205 Orleans Ave New Orleans, LA 70119

Telephone: +1 504.327.5303

Disclaimer: Multiple Listing Data provided at CrescentCityLiving.com is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. It is good practice to verify all information with a Real Estate Licensee before taking any action based upon this data. Listing data is made available for the use of consumers interested in the acquisition of real property only. Use of this data for any other purpose is strictly forbidden without the written consent of the Gulf South Real Estate Information Network.

Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

Copyright © 2025 Crescent City Living · All Rights Reserved. | Real Estate Websites by Ha Media


  • Home

  • Home Search

  • Communities

  • Services

    • Home Value Request

    • Buying

    • Selling

    • Renting

    • Landlords

    • Louisiana Real Estate Contract

  • The Blog

  • About Us

    • Client Reviews

    • Our Beliefs

    • Agent Pros

    • Crescent City Living Policies

    • Careers at Crescent City Living
  • Log into or manage your account…
    Account | Login
    • Call us…
    • Send us a message…
    • Find our office…

  • Contact Me (Dark)

    We take your time and privacy seriously. Fill out this encrypted contact form with the knowledge that we're not signing you up for endless emails.

    Contact Us

    Contact Us

    We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out the form below and we will get back with you shortly.

    Schedule a Showing

    Schedule a Showing

    Submit this secure form to request a showing. If you'd like a showing within the next 36 hours, it's best to call us after filling out this form.

    :
    Select a time for your showing

    Start the Selling Process

    Start the Selling Process

    If you're ready to sell your home, fill out this secure form to get started. One of our Specialists will contact you directly and there's no obligation.

    Sorry You Missed It!

    Sorry You Missed It!

    Looks like this property has already been claimed, but worry, not! We can help you find another. Fill out this secure form and we will get right back to you.

    Interested?

    Interested?

    Interested in this property? Fill out this secure form and I will contact you with details and availability.

    Interested?

    Interested?

    Interested in this property? Fill out this secure form and I will contact you with details and availability.

    Rent Your Home!

    Rent Your Home!

    If you've got a property you'd like to rent, we can help.
    Call us or fill out this secure form and we'll call you whenever you like.