In today’s market, first impressions happen online. Before a buyer ever steps foot inside a home, they’ve already made snap judgments based on listing photos.
That’s why professional, well-thought-out photography is a necessity.
But it’s not just about hiring a photographer and hoping for the best. As an agent, your role in ensuring top-tier listing media is just as crucial.
One way to stand out from the competition? Accompany your photographer to every shoot. I recently heard Byron Lazine emphasize this on a podcast, and it reinforced something I had already been doing but hadn’t fully leveraged in my listing presentations.
When you tell sellers that you personally oversee the photography process to capture every essential angle, it reassures them that their home is being showcased in the best possible way.
With that in mind, here are ten essential tips to ensure every listing shines online.
Tip #1: Declutter Like a Pro
A staged and spotless home is the dream, but reality often looks different.
That’s why you should plan to spend anywhere at least 10-15 minutes (and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t often take us an hour or more) decluttering before the shoot. You’re not just a real estate agent—you’re a marketer for the home.
If the seller hasn’t decluttered or tidied up before the shoot, don’t let that reflect on your brand. Move distracting items, clear countertops, and ensure every space looks as inviting as possible.
Tip #2: Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Lighting can make or break a photo. Late morning to early afternoon tends to be ideal, but don’t guess—use a tool like Lumos (the free version works fine) to track the sun’s position.
This helps you schedule shoots when shadows won’t negatively impact your photos.
Tip #3: Emphasize the Home’s Best Features
Every home has a showpiece—whether it’s a statement fireplace, a sleek kitchen, or stunning vaulted ceilings. Make sure these standout features are photographed in a way that draws the buyer’s eye and tells a compelling story about the space.
Tip #4: Clean the Windows
Smudges and streaks can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. You don’t need to become a house cleaner, but arriving a little early to wipe down key windows in main areas can save your photographer time in post-production and ensure a crisp, professional look.
Tip #5: Think Like a Buyer
Photo order matters. Nothing disrupts a virtual walkthrough like an exterior shot followed by a random bathroom pic. Make sure the images follow a natural flow, mimicking the experience of walking through the home in person.
Tip #6: Vertical Lines Matter
Buyers may not consciously notice when vertical lines in a photo are off, but they will subconsciously feel like something is wrong. Ensure door frames, windows, and other structural lines are straight.
Also, avoid extreme wide-angle shots that create a fisheye effect, making rooms look distorted.
Tip #7: Curb Appeal Matters
If the home has curb appeal, make it pop. Encourage sellers to trim trees, mow the lawn, or even paint the front door if needed. Adding potted plants near the entrance can also boost the home’s first impression.
The goal? A front photo that makes buyers want to click through for more.
Tip #8: Don’t Overshoot the Home
More photos don’t always mean better marketing. Buyers (and agents) don’t want to scroll through 100 nearly identical photos. Capture what’s necessary—key angles, standout features—and move on. Keep the listing streamlined and engaging.
Tip #9: Prep the Home Before Hitting Record
Check every detail before taking the first shot:
- Turn on all lights
- Close closet doors
- Put down toilet seats
- Prop open interior doors
- Remove distracting items from countertops and floors
Small fixes can prevent avoidable reshoots and ensure every frame looks polished.
Tip #10: Get Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Every listing shoot is an opportunity to create extra content. I always capture BTS footage of our photographer in action. Not only does it provide engaging social media content, but it also helps market the home in fresh, dynamic ways.
What’s Your Next Move?
Which of these tips will you implement at your next listing? Shoot me a DM—I’d love to hear what’s working for you. And if you’re looking for even more strategies to elevate your real estate marketing, join us in the BAMx Skool community for exclusive insights, training, and networking with top agents.
Also, if you found this helpful, don’t forget to share it with someone you know.
