How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos That Sell Fast

May 28

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Brunswick County, Shallotte, or anywhere along the Coastal Carolina region, professional real estate photography can make or break your listing. High-quality listing photos grab attention, drive more online views, and can even help your home sell faster and for a higher price.

But before your photographer arrives, there’s one essential step many sellers overlook — preparing your home for the photoshoot. A well-prepared home photographs better, feels more spacious, and allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living there.

Here’s how to make your property shine on camera — and stand out from the competition.

1. Start with a Deep Clean

First impressions matter. A spotless home reflects care and value, which instantly attracts buyers.

Vacuum, mop, and dust every room.
Wipe down kitchen counters, appliances, and bathroom surfaces until they sparkle.
Clean mirrors, windows, and glass doors to let in maximum light.
Pay special attention to floors — shiny hardwoods and clean carpets make a huge difference in photos.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

Less truly is more when it comes to real estate photography. You want buyers to focus on the home — not your stuff.

Remove family photos, personal collections, and bold artwork.
Clear off countertops, tables, and nightstands.
Tuck away cords, remotes, and small appliances.
Remove fridge magnets, calendars, and mail.

Think of it like staging your home for an open house — the cleaner and simpler the space, the better your photos will look.

3. Maximize Natural Light

Natural light brings warmth, clarity, and energy to your listing photos.

Open blinds and curtains to let in as much daylight as possible.
Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use the same color temperature throughout the house.
Avoid mixing warm and cool lights — consistency makes rooms feel cohesive.

Your photographer will likely bring professional lighting gear, but a well-lit home always provides a stronger starting point.

4. Highlight Curb Appeal

Your exterior shot is often the first photo buyers see online — make it count.

Mow the lawn and trim hedges.
Sweep the porch and driveway.
Remove garbage bins, garden hoses, and cars from the driveway.
Add a welcoming touch with a fresh doormat or potted plants.

For twilight photos, consider turning on all exterior lights — it adds warmth and makes your property glow in the evening light.

5. Stage Each Room with Purpose

Each space should tell a story. Ask yourself: What will buyers imagine when they see this photo?

Arrange furniture to create clear walkways.
Add small touches — a bowl of fruit on the counter, fresh flowers on the table, or neatly folded towels in the bathroom.
Make beds neatly and fluff pillows.
If you have outdoor living spaces, stage them too — set the table or arrange chairs around a fire pit to show lifestyle potential.

6. Pay Attention to Details

The small details make a big difference.

Hide pet beds, food bowls, and litter boxes.
Lower toilet seats and close closet doors.
Straighten blinds and adjust artwork to be level.
If you have ceiling fans, turn them off during the shoot to prevent blur.

These finishing touches create polished, professional-looking images.

7. Coordinate with Your Photographer

If you’ve booked Coastal Carolina Photography, you’re already one step ahead. We provide professional editing, fast turnaround, and expertise in real estate, drone, and Matterport 3D photography throughout Brunswick County, Shallotte, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and the surrounding Coastal Carolina area.

Before your appointment:

Confirm your shoot date and time.
Make sure the home is fully ready when we arrive.
If possible, step out during the shoot to give your photographer space to capture the best angles.

Bonus Tip: Consider Twilight or Drone Photos

If you want your listing to stand out, ask about twilight photography or drone aerial photos.

Twilight shots add a luxury feel and capture your home in the best evening light.
Drone images showcase the full property, neighborhood, and nearby amenities — perfect for coastal listings with water views or acreage.

These upgrades can dramatically improve your listing’s visibility on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for real estate photography isn’t just about tidiness — it’s about creating emotion. The right photos can make buyers feel something — a sense of possibility, comfort, and connection.

At Coastal Carolina Photography, we specialize in bringing out that feeling. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to sell or a real estate agent looking to impress your clients, our professional photos, drone footage, and 3D tours help listings shine across Brunswick County and beyond.

Chris Arambasick