10 Mistakes Sellers Make Before Listing Photos (and How to Avoid Them)
- HomeFX Media
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Your listing photos are your home’s first handshake with potential buyers. In today’s digital marketplace, buyers scroll through dozens of homes in minutes—and the ones that don’t shine get skipped.
Unfortunately, even beautiful homes can photograph poorly if sellers overlook a few critical details. Here are the 10 most common mistakes homeowners make before a real estate photoshoot—and simple ways to fix them.
1. Not Decluttering Enough
The mistake: Sellers think “tidy” is enough, but small items like paperwork, toys, or appliances clutter photos.
How to avoid it: Pack away non-essentials. Aim for clean surfaces and open spaces. Remember: less is more in photos.
Alt-text idea: “Minimalist living room with decluttered surfaces staged for real estate photos.”
2. Forgetting to Deep Clean
The mistake: Dust, streaky mirrors, and dirty floors stand out in HD photography.
How to avoid it: Schedule a deep clean before the shoot—especially kitchens and bathrooms, which buyers scrutinize most.
3. Leaving Personal Items Visible
The mistake: Family photos, kids’ artwork, and personal collections distract buyers.
How to avoid it: Remove personal items so buyers can imagine themselves in the home. Neutral spaces = better first impressions.
4. Ignoring Curb Appeal
The mistake: Sellers spend all their prep inside and forget the exterior.
How to avoid it: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and clear the driveway. A fresh doormat or potted plant goes a long way.
5. Over-Decorating or Over-Staging
The mistake: Too many decorative items make rooms feel cramped or artificial.
How to avoid it: Keep staging simple—neutral bedding, a few accent pillows, fresh flowers. Focus on creating a welcoming vibe, not a showroom.
6. Leaving Pets (and Their Stuff) Out
The mistake: Food bowls, litter boxes, and pet beds sneak into shots.
How to avoid it: Take pets out during the shoot and hide all their accessories.
7. Not Checking Lighting in Advance
The mistake: Burnt-out bulbs, mismatched tones, or dark rooms ruin consistency.
How to avoid it: Replace bulbs, open blinds, and turn on all lights for an even, bright look.
“Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in real estate photography. A well-lit home instantly feels more open, inviting, and valuable.” — Scott Hargis, Architectural Photographer & Author
8. Forgetting Final Touches
The mistake: Wrinkled bedspreads, visible trash cans, or cords left out.
How to avoid it: Do a final 15-minute walk-through before your photographer arrives. Smooth, straighten, and hide anything distracting.
9. Being Home During the Shoot
The mistake: Sellers walking around during the shoot make it harder for photographers to work efficiently.
How to avoid it: Plan to step out (or stay in one area) so the photographer can move quickly and capture every angle.
10. Waiting Until the Last Minute
The mistake: Scrambling on photoshoot morning leads to rushed prep and overlooked details.
How to avoid it: Start prepping a week ahead, and finish with final touches the day of. A calm seller = a smooth shoot.
FAQs
1. How clean does my house really need to be for listing photos?Think “hotel clean.” Buyers should feel like they could move in tomorrow.
2. Do I need professional staging?Not always—simple decluttering and light staging often go a long way. For vacant homes, consider virtual staging.
3. Should I stay home during the shoot?If possible, no. Giving your photographer space helps them capture the best shots quickly.
4. Can pets be included in the photos?It’s best to remove them. The focus should be on the property, not the pets.
Conclusion
Your home only gets one chance to make a strong first impression online. By avoiding these 10 mistakes, you’ll ensure your property looks polished, inviting, and ready to win over buyers.
At HomeFX, we guide sellers and agents through every step—from prep checklists to professional photography, video tours, and drone media.
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