How to Prepare Your Home for Listing Photos and Video

When selling your home, the first showing usually happens online. Before a buyer schedules a private tour, they will study the listing photos, watch the property video, review the description and decide whether the home feels worth seeing in person.

That is why preparing your home for professional listing photos and video is one of the most important steps in the selling process.

A clean, bright and properly prepared home can look larger, more inviting and more valuable online. A poorly prepared home can cause buyers to scroll past the listing, even when the property has excellent features.

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living help homeowners throughout the Chicago suburbs prepare, market and sell their homes with a professional strategy designed to attract serious buyers.

George provides professional photography, professionally recorded listing video, drone footage when appropriate, online advertising, pricing guidance and experienced negotiation. He also provides sellers with recommendations for decluttering, repairs, staging and preparation before the home enters the market.

Start planning the sale of your Chicago suburban home

Why Listing Photos and Video Matter When Selling Your Home

Most buyers begin their home search online. This means your listing photos and video are often the first showing your property receives.

Professional real estate photography can highlight:

• The size and layout of each room
• Natural light
• Updated kitchens and bathrooms
• Architectural details
• Outdoor living spaces
• Landscaping and curb appeal
• Finished basements
• Premium lots and views
• Neighborhood features

A professionally recorded listing video can help buyers understand how the rooms connect and how the home feels as they move through it.

Video may also highlight features that are difficult to communicate with still photographs, including:

• An open floor plan
• A two-story foyer
• The flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
• A finished basement
• A large backyard
• A pond, wooded or golf-course view
• The surrounding neighborhood
• Nearby parks, schools or community amenities

The goal is not simply to make the home look attractive. The goal is to help buyers understand the home, connect emotionally with it and feel motivated to schedule a showing.

Begin With a Pre-Listing Walkthrough

Before scheduling photography, walk through the home with your real estate agent and identify the improvements that will have the greatest impact.

A pre-listing walkthrough may help you determine:

• Which rooms need decluttering
• Whether furniture should be removed or repositioned
• Which walls need touch-up paint
• Whether light fixtures or bulbs should be replaced
• Which repairs should be completed
• How to improve curb appeal
• Whether professional cleaning is needed
• Whether the home would benefit from staging

Not every improvement produces a worthwhile return. George Kolar can help sellers focus on the preparation that is most likely to improve the home’s presentation without spending money unnecessarily.

Start by Decluttering

Decluttering is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to improve how a home looks in listing photos and video.

Buyers want to see the property, not everything inside it. Too much furniture, too many decorations and crowded surfaces can make rooms feel smaller and distract from the home’s best features.

Before photography, remove unnecessary items from:

• Kitchen countertops
• Bathroom vanities
• Nightstands
• Dressers
• Coffee tables
• Dining tables
• Bookshelves
• Entry tables
• Laundry rooms
• Mudrooms
• Garage areas
• Basement storage spaces

The goal is not to make the home feel empty. The goal is to make each room feel clean, open and easy to understand.

Remove Excess Furniture

Rooms often look smaller when they contain too much furniture.

Consider removing:

• Extra chairs
• Oversized recliners
• Unused side tables
• Additional dressers
• Exercise equipment
• Children’s play equipment
• Furniture that blocks windows or walkways

Removing one or two pieces can improve the visual flow of a room and help buyers understand its size.

Reduce Decorative Items

Decorations should complement the room rather than dominate it.

Remove or reduce:

• Large collections
• Excessive wall décor
• Seasonal decorations
• Souvenirs
• Too many pillows or blankets
• Decorations that make shelves appear crowded

Deep Clean Every Room

A clean home photographs better and shows better. Professional cameras and high-resolution video can make dust, streaks, fingerprints and clutter more noticeable.

Before listing photos and video, focus on:

• Cleaning windows and mirrors
• Vacuuming carpets and rugs
• Mopping hard floors
• Wiping down cabinets and appliances
• Cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Removing fingerprints from doors and trim
• Scrubbing showers, tubs, sinks and toilets
• Dusting shelves and furniture
• Cleaning baseboards
• Removing cobwebs
• Cleaning vents and return-air grilles
• Removing odors

Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and windows. These are areas buyers frequently evaluate when viewing a home online.

Consider Professional Cleaning

A professional deep cleaning may be worthwhile when:

• The home has not been thoroughly cleaned recently
• The seller has limited time
• There are pets in the home
• Carpets need professional treatment
• The home has been vacant
• Construction or remodeling was recently completed

Make the Kitchen Shine

The kitchen is often one of the most important rooms in a real estate listing. It should appear bright, organized and spacious.

Before listing photos and video:

• Clear most items from the countertops
• Remove small appliances
• Put away dish racks
• Remove paper towels when possible
• Hide mail and paperwork
• Remove refrigerator magnets and calendars
• Put away cleaning supplies
• Clean the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher
• Polish cabinet hardware
• Clean the sink and faucet
• Empty the trash
• Hide pet bowls

A few tasteful items, such as a small plant or a bowl of fruit, can add warmth without making the countertops feel crowded.

Prepare the Kitchen Island

If your kitchen has an island, allow buyers to see its size and surface area.

Avoid covering the island with:

• Mail
• Small appliances
• Food containers
• Schoolwork
• Charging devices
• Large decorative arrangements

Organize Visible Storage

Open shelving, glass-front cabinets and visible pantries should appear organized. Buyers may interpret overcrowded storage as evidence that the kitchen does not provide enough space.

Prepare the Bathrooms

Bathrooms should look clean, bright and similar to a well-maintained hotel or spa.

Remove:

• Toothbrushes
• Razors
• Shampoo and soap bottles
• Medications
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash cans
• Scales
• Laundry
• Bathrobes
• Personal-care products
• Used towels
• Bath toys

Before the photographer arrives:

• Close toilet lids
• Clean mirrors
• Polish faucets
• Remove stains from grout
• Replace damaged caulk
• Use fresh, neatly folded towels
• Clear the vanity
• Clean glass shower doors
• Make sure all lights work

The goal is to make the bathroom look fresh, simple and move-in ready.

Maximize Natural Light

Bright homes generally photograph better and feel more inviting online.

Before photos and video:

• Open blinds and curtains
• Clean the windows
• Turn on interior lights
• Replace burned-out bulbs
• Use consistent bulb temperatures when possible
• Remove heavy window treatments when appropriate
• Trim landscaping that blocks windows

Natural light can help rooms appear larger and more welcoming. It also helps highlight windows, views and outdoor spaces.

Use Consistent Lighting

A room can appear visually uneven when some fixtures produce warm yellow light while others produce cool blue light.

Replacing mismatched bulbs with bulbs of a similar color temperature may create a cleaner and more consistent appearance.

Stage the Main Living Areas

Not every home requires full professional staging, but every room should have a clear purpose.

A living room should feel comfortable and open. A dining room should look ready for meals and gatherings. A home office should appear organized and functional.

Simple staging adjustments may include:

• Straightening furniture
• Removing extra chairs or tables
• Fluffing pillows
• Smoothing blankets
• Removing visible cords
• Hiding remote controls
• Removing pet items
• Using neutral décor
• Opening blinds
• Clearing pathways

Buyers should be able to understand quickly how each room can be used.

Prepare the Living Room

In the living or family room:

• Remove excessive furniture
• Clear coffee and side tables
• Hide television remotes
• Organize bookshelves
• Remove pet beds and toys
• Arrange pillows neatly
• Hide cords and charging devices
• Clean the fireplace

Prepare the Dining Room

Keep the dining room simple and inviting.

• Clear paperwork and household items from the table
• Remove extra chairs when the room feels crowded
• Use a simple centerpiece
• Clean the light fixture
• Make sure the table is centered
• Remove protective table coverings when appropriate

Prepare the Home Office

Home offices have become important to many buyers.

Before photos:

• Hide paperwork containing personal information
• Organize cords
• Clear the desktop
• Remove excessive equipment
• Organize bookshelves
• Make the room’s purpose obvious

Prepare Bedrooms for Photos

Bedrooms should feel calm, clean and spacious.

Before photography:

• Make every bed neatly
• Use clean bedding
• Smooth comforters and blankets
• Arrange pillows evenly
• Remove laundry baskets
• Clear nightstands
• Hide phone chargers
• Remove personal photographs
• Remove extra furniture
• Open blinds or curtains
• Clear items from under beds

Organize Closets

Closets may appear in listing photos, video or in-person showings.

A crowded closet can make buyers think the home lacks storage.

Consider:

• Removing out-of-season clothing
• Reducing the amount of clothing on each rod
• Organizing shoes
• Clearing the closet floor
• Removing storage boxes from upper shelves
• Using matching hangers when possible

Prepare the Basement

A finished basement can add substantial value and living space. It should be prepared as carefully as the main floor.

Before photography:

• Remove storage boxes from finished areas
• Organize utility and storage spaces
• Make recreational areas easy to understand
• Turn on all lights
• Clean floors
• Remove exercise clutter
• Arrange furniture
• Hide cords and gaming accessories
• Address visible water stains or damage

An unfinished basement should still appear clean, dry and organized.

Prepare the Laundry Room and Mudroom

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can quickly become cluttered.

Before photos:

• Remove dirty laundry
• Put away cleaning products
• Clear the tops of appliances
• Organize shoes and coats
• Hide pet supplies
• Clean the washer and dryer
• Remove trash and recycling
• Clear the utility sink

Do Not Forget the Garage

The garage is important to many buyers, especially when they need space for multiple vehicles, tools, hobbies or storage.

Prepare the garage by:

• Parking vehicles elsewhere during photography
• Removing unnecessary boxes
• Organizing tools
• Sweeping the floor
• Removing trash containers when possible
• Organizing sports equipment
• Clearing pathways
• Making electrical panels and mechanical systems accessible

A clean garage can appear larger and more functional.

Improve the Exterior and Curb Appeal

The exterior is just as important as the interior. The front exterior photo often becomes the primary image buyers see online.

Before listing photos and video:

• Mow the lawn
• Trim bushes and trees
• Remove weeds
• Edge walkways and planting beds
• Sweep the porch and walkway
• Power wash dirty surfaces when needed
• Put away hoses, tools and garbage cans
• Clean outdoor furniture
• Add fresh mulch when appropriate
• Remove outdated seasonal decorations
• Clean exterior light fixtures
• Wash the front door
• Replace worn welcome mats
• Remove damaged planters

Prepare the Front Entrance

The front entrance should feel clean and welcoming.

Consider:

• A clean front door
• A simple doormat
• One or two healthy plants
• Working exterior lights
• Clean house numbers
• A clear walkway

Prepare the Backyard

If the home has a patio, deck, porch, pool, fire pit or landscaped yard, prepare those spaces as carefully as the interior.

• Arrange outdoor furniture
• Clean cushions
• Remove covers
• Put away toys
• Remove yard waste
• Clean the grill
• Organize pool equipment
• Remove pet waste
• Open patio umbrellas when appropriate
• Remove damaged furniture

Prepare for Drone Photography and Video

Drone footage can help showcase a large lot, neighborhood setting, nearby parks, water views, golf-course location or other features that are difficult to capture from ground level.

Before drone photography:

• Remove vehicles from the driveway
• Close the garage door
• Put away garbage cans
• Remove hoses and tools
• Mow the lawn
• Organize patio furniture
• Clean the pool
• Remove toys and sports equipment
• Make sure exterior improvements are complete

Drone use depends on the property, weather, location and applicable flight restrictions.

Prepare Specifically for Real Estate Video

Listing video differs from still photography because it captures movement, room-to-room flow and the overall experience of walking through the home.

Before video is recorded:

• Open interior doors
• Turn on all lights
• Turn off ceiling fans
• Close toilet lids
• Hide cords
• Remove personal items
• Clear hallways
• Remove pet supplies
• Turn off televisions and computer screens
• Remove vehicles from the driveway
• Secure valuables

Video can make clutter and distractions more noticeable because the camera moves throughout the home.

A strong real estate video can help buyers understand the layout, neighborhood, lifestyle and features before scheduling a showing.

Remove Personal and Private Items

Buyers need to picture themselves living in the home. Too many personal items can make that more difficult.

Before photos and video, consider removing:

• Family photographs
• Children’s names displayed on walls
• Personal paperwork
• Prescription bottles
• Valuables
• Personal collections
• Excessive refrigerator magnets
• Personal calendars
• School information
• Mail with visible names or addresses
• Financial documents
• Computer screens containing private information

Removing private information also helps protect your household once the listing is publicly available online.

Hide Pet Items

Many buyers love pets, but pet-related items can distract from a home’s presentation.

Before photography, remove:

• Pet beds
• Food and water bowls
• Toys
• Crates
• Litter boxes
• Leashes
• Scratch posts
• Pet gates
• Outdoor waste

Vacuum furniture and floors carefully to remove pet hair. Address odors before photography and before showings begin.

Make Minor Repairs Before Photos

Small repairs can help a home appear better maintained.

Before listing photography and video, consider completing simple items such as:

• Touching up paint
• Replacing burned-out bulbs
• Fixing loose handles
• Repairing leaking faucets
• Adjusting crooked cabinet doors
• Cleaning stained grout
• Replacing damaged caulk
• Fixing squeaky doors
• Removing wall scuffs
• Replacing damaged outlet covers
• Securing loose railings
• Repairing damaged screens
• Replacing missing hardware

These details may seem small, but they can influence how buyers view the overall condition of the property.

Items to Remove Immediately Before the Photographer Arrives

Use this final checklist on photography day:

• Vehicles from the driveway
• Garbage and recycling containers
• Mail and paperwork
• Phone chargers and cords
• Remote controls
• Pet bowls and beds
• Toiletries
• Trash cans
• Laundry baskets
• Cleaning supplies
• Dish racks
• Bath mats
• Children’s toys
• Exercise equipment
• Visible medications

What to Do on Photography Day

Before the photographer arrives:

1. Open all blinds and curtains.
2. Turn on every interior light.
3. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
4. Turn off ceiling fans.
5. Make all beds.
6. Clear kitchen and bathroom counters.
7. Close toilet lids.
8. Remove pets from the property.
9. Move vehicles away from the home.
10. Put away garbage cans and hoses.
11. Unlock or open rooms that should be photographed.
12. Make sure exterior spaces are clean and organized.

Whenever possible, homeowners and pets should leave while the photography and video are being completed. This gives the photographer room to work efficiently and prevents people or animals from appearing in mirrors, windows or video footage.

Common Listing Photo Preparation Mistakes

Leaving Too Much on the Counters

Even neatly arranged appliances and household products can make kitchens and bathrooms appear cluttered.

Hiding Everything in Closets

Buyers will likely open closets during showings. Overfilled storage areas can suggest the home lacks space.

Ignoring the Garage

A disorganized garage can weaken the presentation of an otherwise well-prepared home.

Leaving Cars in the Driveway

Vehicles can block the view of the home and reduce the quality of exterior and drone photography.

Using Mismatched Light Bulbs

Different bulb colors can create inconsistent lighting and make rooms look less polished.

Keeping Too Much Furniture

Large or excessive furniture can make a room appear smaller than it is.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Rushing preparation often leads to overlooked repairs, clutter and unnecessary stress.

Work With a Real Estate Agent Who Understands Marketing

Preparing your home for listing photos and video is not just about cleaning. It is part of the overall marketing strategy.

The right real estate agent can help identify:

• Which improvements are worth completing
• Which repairs buyers are likely to notice
• How much furniture should be removed
• Whether staging is appropriate
• Which features should be highlighted
• How the home should be positioned against competing listings
• Which marketing tools are appropriate for the property

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living help sellers throughout the Chicago suburbs prepare their homes for professional photography, listing video, drone footage, online marketing and buyer showings.

From pricing and preparation to exposure, negotiation and closing, George helps homeowners create a complete selling strategy from the beginning.

Request a personalized home-selling plan

Learn more about George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living

How Chicago Suburb Living Markets Your Home

Chicago Suburb Living’s property-marketing strategy may include:

• Professional real estate photography
• Professionally recorded listing video
• Drone photography and video when appropriate
• Neighborhood and community footage
• Property-specific online advertising
• Social-media promotion
• Professional listing descriptions
• Strategic pricing
• Staging and preparation recommendations
• Showing feedback
• Offer comparison and negotiation
• Transaction management through closing

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Listing Photos and Video

How should I prepare my home for listing photos?

Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, opening blinds, turning on lights, removing personal items and making sure each room has a clear purpose. Focus especially on the kitchen, bathrooms, main living areas, bedrooms, basement and curb appeal.

Should I remove personal photos before listing my home?

Removing most personal photos is recommended. It helps buyers focus on the home and imagine themselves living there. It also protects your household’s privacy after the images are published online.

Do listing videos help sell homes?

A professionally recorded listing video can help buyers understand the layout, flow, features and lifestyle of a home. It can also make a listing more engaging and encourage qualified buyers to schedule a showing.

What rooms are most important for listing photos?

The kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, bathrooms, finished basement, outdoor spaces and front exterior are usually among the most important areas. These spaces can strongly influence whether a buyer schedules a private showing.

Should I stage my home before photos and video?

Staging can help, but not every home needs full professional staging. Many homes benefit from decluttering, removing excess furniture, neutralizing décor, improving lighting and cleaning thoroughly.

Should the home be empty for photography?

No. A furnished home can photograph very well when the furnishings are properly arranged. However, unnecessary furniture and clutter should be removed.

Should I leave lights on for the photographer?

Yes. Turn on all interior lights, replace burned-out bulbs and open blinds or curtains before the photographer arrives.

Should ceiling fans be on or off?

Ceiling fans should usually be turned off so they appear sharp in photographs and do not create a distracting effect in video.

Should pets remain in the home during photography?

Pets should ideally leave the property during photography and video. Their beds, bowls, toys, crates and litter boxes should also be removed from view.

Should vehicles remain in the driveway?

Vehicles should be moved away from the property whenever possible. This provides an unobstructed exterior view and improves drone photography.

Should I photograph an unfinished basement?

An unfinished basement may still be valuable to buyers. It should be clean, dry, well lit and organized before it is photographed.

How long should I allow for home preparation?

The amount of time depends on the size and condition of the property. Sellers should begin decluttering and completing repairs well before the scheduled photography date rather than waiting until the final day.

Why should I work with George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living?

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living help homeowners prepare, price and market their homes with professional photography, professionally recorded video, drone footage when appropriate, online advertising and experienced negotiation.

Final Thoughts

If you want your home to stand out online, preparation matters.

Clean rooms, bright lighting, decluttered spaces, strong curb appeal and professional listing photography and video can create a more powerful first impression.

Buyers are more likely to click, watch, schedule a showing and consider making an offer when the home looks its best.

Before your listing goes live, take time to prepare the property correctly. With the right plan and professional marketing, your home can stand out from competing listings and attract serious buyers.

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living can help you prepare your home, determine its value, market it professionally and guide you through the selling process.

Tell George Kolar about the home you are considering selling

Learn more about George Kolar

George Kolar
Chicago Suburb Living | Brokered by eXp Realty
630-479-1400
George@ChicagoSuburbLiving.com