Checklist for Preparing Your Property for a Professional Photoshoot

A picture is worth a thousand words – this is by no means just an empty saying, but rather true when it comes to the presentation of real estate. With the help of good real estate photos, you create emotions in your potential buyers that can affect your sales success.

Why are professional real estate photos so important in the sales process? Professional real estate photos are so important in the sales process because they represent the most significant criterion for most potential buyers when searching for a property. Properties with compelling photos not only sell faster but often at a higher price as well.

To create high-quality photos, not only is professional real estate photography essential, but the property should also be properly prepared to be captured in its best light.To create high-quality photos, not only is professional real estate photography essential, but the property should also be properly prepared to be captured in its best light.

With Visualista, you have a team by your side consisting of real estate photographers with many years of experience. You will receive not only quality photos from us but also benefit from our expertise.

However, before your personal photo appointment for your property can take place, you will receive interesting facts from us about the preparation process— including tips and our complete “Real Estate Photography Checklist.”

1. The first impression matters: Why high-quality photos boost sales
2. Checklist for Optimal Property Preparation
3. Additional Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Presentation
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Real Estate Photography
5. Conclusion: Achieving Successful Real Estate Sales with Professional Photos

The First Impression Matters: Why High-Quality Photos Boost Sales

3.5 rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen + garden: Of course, you know what is meant by a property description like this, but you certainly can’t fully envision the property from it.

This is different with photos, as they provide you—and especially your potential buyers—with an immediate idea of what the property looks like. If the images are professional and appealing, they create a good first impression that encourages further interest.

Real Estate Photos as the Most Important Criterion for Potential Buyers

That real estate photos are essential for the sales process has been confirmed by the NAR, the National Association of Realtors, in a report: For 89% of respondents, photos are the most important criterion when searching for property listings online. According to another study, professional real estate photos not only contribute to a faster sale but also to a higher selling price.

Furthermore, the importance of good real estate photography can be seen in the Google reviews from our clients; here is an example:

“Thanks to the beautiful photos and the virtual tour from Visualista, my property listing received multiple times more inquiries after the update with the photos and the virtual tour. The excellent quality of the photos was the key to the sales success! Therefore, a big thank you to Visualista for the great photos. I will gladly book you again and recommend you to others.”

Checklist for Optimal Property Preparation

To ensure high-quality photos of your property, it must be properly prepared. To avoid overlooking anything, it’s best to go through each room one by one. Here is an overview of the most important points:

• General Preparation: In the first step, you should clean and tidy all rooms. Additionally, remove all personal items (e.g., photos, pet accessories) that should not appear in the pictures. Turn on all lights and open the blinds or curtains.
• Living Room: Ensure a tidy appearance without unnecessary items (e.g., remote controls). Arrange the sofa neatly and drape cushions and blankets attractively. A symmetrical arrangement of the furniture and an accent like a fresh bouquet on the coffee table create an inviting atmosphere.
• Kitchen: Clear the countertops and store all kitchen appliances out of sight. Ensure that all surfaces are completely clean and streak-free. A pot of fresh herbs in a beautiful planter or a fruit bowl adds a vibrant touch.
• Bathroom: In the bathroom, impeccable cleanliness is the most important aspect. Remove personal hygiene items and opt for neutral decorations instead. Coordinated and neatly arranged towels create a harmonious look.
• Bedroom: Dress the bed with fresh bedding, preferably in neutral colors and without busy patterns. Remove unnecessary items from the nightstands—nice bedside lamps can create a relaxing atmosphere. Also, ensure that charging cables are removed.
• Office: Typical office items (e.g., books, folders, documents) can remain in the workspace but should be neatly organized. A green plant on the desk adds a refreshing touch to the room.
  
  
  
  
  
• Children’s Room: Pay attention to tidiness here as well— all toys should be put away and stored. Choose neutral bedding for the bed.
• Outdoor Areas: Get the entire garden in shape by mowing the lawn, removing weeds, and neatly trimming all plants. Store garden tools out of sight (including watering cans, garden hoses, buckets) and arrange the garden furniture in an inviting manner. There should be no vehicles in the driveway, and the walkways to the house should be clean.
  
  
  
  
  

To ensure everything is perfect and your property is showcased in its best light, all details must be right. It’s best to follow our checklist for real estate photos to stay organized during the preparation of your property and not forget anything important.

Additional Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Presentation

To perfectly present your property, we have gathered helpful real estate photography tips that will assist you in the preparation.

Set Decorative Accents

Appropriate accents can create a personal touch and make your property even more attractive. Here are some decoration ideas:

• A subtle bouquet in a beautiful vase creates an inviting atmosphere and enhances a room.
• Green plants in elegant pots add a cozy flair to rooms.
• Lamps can not only improve the lighting conditions in the house but also serve as decorative objects and enhance the aesthetics.

Thoughtful details like these can enhance the ambiance and create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Follow the principle of “less is more.” The space should not appear cluttered, and the decorations should seamlessly blend into the overall picture.

Pay Attention to Small Details with a Big Impact

To ensure that real estate photos are as perfect as possible, no detail should be overlooked. Here are some typical details that are often forgotten during the preparation process:

• Clean Light Switches
• Neat or Hidden Cables
• Streak-Free Windows, Mirrors, and Light Bulbs
• Cobwebs in Areas Such as Lamps
• Closed Toilet Lids
• Lights On

Some of these points may seem trivial, but the opposite is true. Every small improvement can positively impact the overall appearance of a property and may ultimately influence a potential buyer’s decision..

Go through each point on our real estate photography checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked. You might also ask colleagues or friends if they notice anything—after all, four eyes see better.

Utilize Expert Advice

To get the best out of your shots, you can follow these tips for real estate photography:

• Every item in the room serves a purpose and is either part of the furnishings being sold or enhances the atmosphere. Personal items and valuables should be removed for the appointment.
• Lighting is an essential factor that greatly influences the mood and quality of real estate photos. Schedule the photo appointment at a time of day with good lighting conditions and turn on all the lights in the house or apartment.
• After going through the checklist, take a test photo. This may help you notice things that you overlooked in person.

Furthermore, experts can make a valuable contribution to high-quality images and assist you in preparing for your real estate photoshoot. Visualista.ch is your professional partner for real estate photography, knowing exactly what matters. Our professionals are familiar with all the details that are crucial for compelling photos and help you turn potential buyers into actual buyers. We showcase your property in the best light and can also retouch unsightly details afterward if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Real Estate Photography

To prepare you for your real estate photoshoot, we have gathered some frequently asked questions and provided answers for you.

How long does a professional real estate photoshoot take?

The duration of a real estate photoshoot depends on the size of the property and the outdoor areas, as well as the desired services. A standard photo appointment with Visualista takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours (including a joint walkthrough with improvement suggestions).

Does the client need to be present during the appointment?

At Visualista, we prioritize making the photo appointment as easy as possible for you. If you prefer not to be present or are unable to attend, it is not necessary for you to be there while we take photos of your property.

How should pets be handled during the photoshoot?

Pets should not appear in the real estate photos. To avoid disturbances, it is ideal to have them stay with friends during the shoot, or you can take your dog for a walk while the photos are being taken. Don’t forget to remove all pet accessories before the real estate photoshoot.

Conclusion: Achieving Successful Real Estate Sales with Professional Photos

Professional real estate photography not only shows your potential buyers what the property looks like but also creates a feeling. As the most important criterion in the search for a property, a good visual presentation can positively influence sales success—especially when you use high-quality and atmospheric images.

The more you know about the preparation measures and familiarize yourself with the topic, the better it will be—not only does it facilitate collaboration, but it also ensures that top-quality images of your sales or rental property can be produced. With our real estate photography checklist, you can optimally prepare your property for the photo appointment. It’s best to download the checklist and proceed step by step during your preparation.

Schedule your personal photo appointment with Visualista today! Or would you prefer a real estate video? In our blog, you can learn more about the three best real estate photography alternatives and which option suits you best.