The Power of First Impressions
Getting Your home ready for photography
When selling your home, photography is your first showing—and first impressions matter!In today’s digital market, buyers make quick decisions based on listing photos before they even step through the door. Preparing your home for photography ensures it looks its absolute best, highlighting its best features while creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers. This guide walks you through simple yet impactful steps to get your home picture-perfect, helping it stand out and attract more interest.
Inside the Home: Creating a Picture-Perfect Interior
The interior of your home should feel bright, spacious, and inviting in every photo. Buyers need to visualize themselves in the space, so it’s essential to remove distractions, maximize light, and highlight key features. A clean, clutter-free home with neutral décor and thoughtful staging will make a lasting impression. From fluffed pillows to sparkling countertops, these small details will enhance your home’s appeal and attract more buyers. Follow our guide to ensure every room is ready to shine!
Throughout Your Home
✔ Deep Clean: Floors, carpets, windows, countertops, and all surfaces should shine.
✔ Maximize Light: Turn on all lights, open blinds, and replace any burnt-out bulbs with matching temperatures (warm or daylight).
✔ Declutter: Clear surfaces, put away personal items, and remove excess décor to create a neutral, inviting space.
✔ Minimize Distractions: Turn off TVs and computer screens, put away remotes, and remove excessive cords or chargers.
✔ Store Personal Photos: Buyers should envision themselves in the space, so remove family photos and personal memorabilia.
✔ Flooring Matters: Remove small rugs (unless they define a space), and ensure all floors are clean and polished.
✔ Check for Imperfections: Wipe baseboards, touch up scuffs, and straighten wall art for a polished look.
Kitchen, Living & Dining: The Heart of the Home
These spaces are where life happens—gathering, entertaining, and making memories. That’s exactly how they should feel in photos. A clean, clutter-free kitchen with gleaming countertops and minimal décor instantly looks more spacious and inviting. In the living room, a balanced layout, fluffed pillows, and a touch of neutral styling create warmth and charm. The dining area should feel welcoming, whether set with a simple centerpiece or staged for an intimate meal. By keeping surfaces clear, maximizing light, and arranging furniture with purpose, these key spaces will make buyers feel at home the moment they see your listing.
📍 Living & Family Room
✅ Fluff and arrange throw pillows neatly.
✅ Style bookshelves with minimal, balanced décor.
✅ Keep the fireplace clean and clutter-free (limit mantel décor to 3-5 neutral items).
✅ Remove personal photos, remote controls, and excess décor.
✅ Organize furniture for an open, welcoming layout—avoid blocking walkways.
📸 Pro Tip: Create cozy vignettes with a neatly folded throw, a small tray with a candle, or a single plant to make the space feel inviting.
📍 Kitchen & Dining Area
✅ Clear countertops completely (except one decorative element, like a bowl of fresh fruit).
✅ Remove all small appliances except one (like a coffee maker).
✅ Hide garbage cans, dish racks, and cleaning supplies.
✅ Wipe down stainless steel appliances for a streak-free finish.
✅ Set the dining table with simple, elegant place settings or a single centerpiece.
✅ Remove fridge magnets, notes, and calendars for a clean, modern look.
📸 Pro Tip: Buyers love bright, spacious kitchens! Keep everything minimal and opt for neutral décor accents to enhance light and space
Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Bonus Rooms: Creating Spaces Buyers Will Love
Every room in your home should tell a story—one of comfort, cleanliness, and endless possibilities. Bedrooms should feel like a peaceful retreat, free of clutter and personal distractions. Fresh linens, neatly arranged pillows, and balanced lighting create an inviting space buyers can imagine themselves in. Bathrooms should be spotless and spa-like, with gleaming surfaces, fresh white towels, and absolutely no personal items in sight. A hotel-level clean look makes a lasting impression. Bonus rooms are an opportunity to add value—but only if buyers can see their purpose. Whether it’s an office, a gym, or a reading nook, define the space clearly, keep décor minimal, and let buyers envision how they’d use it. The goal? A home that feels polished, welcoming, and move-in ready.
📍 Bedrooms (Master & Kids’ Rooms)
✅ Make the bed with fresh, neutral bedding—avoid bold patterns.
✅ Arrange pillows symmetrically and add a throw blanket for warmth.
✅ Remove clutter from nightstands and dressers.
✅ Store away phone/tablet chargers, personal items, and toys.
✅ Remove posters, stickers, or personal artwork from walls.
📸 Pro Tip: White or light-coloured bedding always photographs better, making rooms look larger and more inviting.
📍 Bathrooms & Powder Rooms
✅ Remove all toiletries (including soap, toothbrushes, and shampoo bottles).
✅ Use only brand new, neutral-colored towels (no wrinkles).
✅ Put toilet seats down and close closet doors.
✅ Remove bath mats for a clean, spa-like feel.
✅ Wipe mirrors and glass shower doors to remove streaks and smudges.
📸 Pro Tip: A small vase with white flowers or a folded towel can add a spa-like touch without cluttering the space.
📍 Home Office & Bonus Rooms
✅ Organize desks and hide excess cords.
✅ Remove excess papers, sticky notes, or clutter.
✅ Style shelves with a few books and neutral decorative elements.
✅ If using a guest room, stage it as a multi-purpose space (office, workout area, or reading nook).
📸 Pro Tip: A single desk lamp or plant can make an office feel warm and inviting without distractions.
Outdoors: Boosting Curb Appeal & Backyard Charm
First impressions start before buyers step inside! A well-maintained exterior and backyard set the tone for the entire viewing experience. Whether it's a freshly mowed lawn, neatly arranged patio furniture, or a clutter-free porch, small improvements can make a big difference. Buyers are drawn to homes with welcoming curb appeal and inviting outdoor spaces, so take the time to tidy up, add simple touches, and create a space that feels like an extension of the home. Let’s make your exterior just as stunning as the inside!
📍 Exterior & Curb Appeal
✅ Mow the lawn (shovel the snow), trim bushes, and remove weeds.
✅ Remove cars from the driveway and close the garage door.
✅ Sweep porches and remove cobwebs from door frames.
✅ Hide trash cans, garden hoses, and children’s toys.
✅ Add a fresh welcome mat and potted plants by the entryway.
📸 Pro Tip: Curb appeal sells! Buyers make judgments before they step inside, so keep the exterior clean and inviting.
📍 Backyard, Patio & Outdoor Spaces
✅ Arrange patio furniture neatly and wipe down cushions.
✅ Remove pool cleaning equipment, toys, and excess décor.
✅ Sweep decks, patios, and porches for a clean finish.
✅ Make sure the swimming pool is sparkling clean—clear of debris and looking pristine.
✅ Turn on any water features (like a fountain or pool waterfall) during the shoot.
✅ If possible, light an outdoor fire pit or lanterns to create a cozy ambiance.
📸 Pro Tip: Outdoor spaces should feel like an extension of the home—stage them as an inviting retreat with fresh cushions and greenery.
Getting Your Home Photo-Ready with Liv Well Group
At Liv Well Group, we know that great photography is the key to a successful sale. Buyers make snap decisions based on listing photos, and a well-prepped home can mean the difference between more showings, more offers, and a faster sale. That’s why we guide you through the process, ensuring your home is clean, bright, and beautifully staged to highlight its best features. From decluttering and maximizing light to expert staging tips, we take the guesswork out of preparing for photography. Our detailed approach helps your home stand out, creating a warm and inviting look that resonates with buyers the moment they see it online.
A well-prepared home leads to better results—and we’re here to help every step of the way.