How to Prepare a Home for Real Estate Photography (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

You only get one chance to make a first impression — and in real estate, that impression often starts online.

Whether you're listing a cozy cottage in Gentilly or a multi-family in Mid-City, the quality of your photos depends not only on your photographer but also on how well the home is prepared before the shoot.

At Fleur de Photo, we go above and beyond to capture every angle — but the best results happen when agents and sellers team up with us to prep the property for success.

Why Preparation Matters

Online listings are the new open house.

📊 According to the National Association of Realtors, 97% of homebuyers begin their search online, and listings with clean, well-staged photos get more clicks, more showings, and more offers.

Poorly prepared homes can:

• Look cluttered or dark in photos

• Make rooms feel smaller

• Create distractions that take away from the home's true value

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The Ultimate Photo Day Checklist

Here’s what we recommend every agent share with their sellers — or use themselves — before a shoot:

🛋️ Living Areas

• Remove unnecessary furniture and clutter

• Fluff pillows and straighten cushions

• Hide cords, remotes, and personal items

• Open blinds and turn on all lights

🍳 Kitchen

• Clear countertops completely (no toasters, blenders, etc.)

• Remove magnets and papers from the fridge

• Wipe down all surfaces and sinks

• Hide trash cans

🛏️ Bedrooms

• Make all beds neatly with wrinkle-free bedding

• Clear nightstands and dressers

• Tuck away shoes, clothes, and personal items

🛁 Bathrooms

• Close toilet lids

• Clear countertops (only 1-2 decorative items max)

• Hang clean, matching towels

• Remove bath mats if floors are nice

🌳 Exterior

• Remove cars from driveway

• Hide trash cans and hoses

• Sweep porches and patios

• Trim overgrown landscaping

Extra Credit: What Makes a Home “Pop” on Camera

✅ Turn on all lights (yes, even lamps)✅ Open curtains for natural light✅ Add subtle greenery or flowers.

Don’t Have Time? We’ve Got You.

We know agents are busy — and not every seller is ready to prep like a pro. That’s why we offer flexibility, guidance, and top-tier editing to make every home shine.

If a property needs extra staging help or special timing, just let us know in advance. We’ll work with you to make it work.

Download Our Photo Prep Checklist

Coming soon: a downloadable, print-ready version you can hand out to sellers or email before the shoot.

Want early access? Contact us and we’ll send it your way.

Final Takeaway

The best photos start before we even pick up the camera.

When you combine a well-prepped home with our unlimited photo package, free floor plans, and next-day turnaround, you’re setting your listing (and your brand) up for success.

📸 Ready to book your next shoot?👉 Schedule here