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Guide · Photos & listing media
Photos & listing media that stop the scroll
Strong listing photos don’t just “show” your place — they sell the feeling of living there. Use this simple 3-step approach to prep, shoot, and organize your photos and media so buyers pause, click, and book a showing.
You can add or update photos anytime as your listing evolves.
Prep your home so every photo works harder
Great photos start before the camera comes out. A bit of simple prep will make any phone or camera shoot look more “pro,” more spacious, and more inviting.
1.1 Declutter & depersonalize
- • Clear countertops, nightstands, and bathroom vanities.
- • Remove fridge magnets, family photos, and busy wall art.
- • Tuck away pet bowls, litter boxes, and garbage bins.
- • Simplify: fewer items on surfaces = calmer photos.
1.2 Light, clean, and frame-ready
- • Open blinds and curtains to bring in natural light.
- • Turn on all interior lights; replace burnt-out bulbs.
- • Make beds hotel-neat; smooth duvets and pillows.
- • Hide cords, remotes, phone chargers, and tissue boxes.
Prep tip
Do a quick “buyer walk-through” before you shoot. Stand in doorways and at room corners — whatever you can see from those spots is likely what will end up in your photos.
Capture bright, honest photos (even with a phone)
You don’t need a studio to get solid listing photos. With the right angles, light, and framing, a good smartphone can do the job.
2.1 Angles & framing
- • Shoot from chest height — not too high, not too low.
- • Aim to show 2–3 walls per shot to give a sense of space.
- • Avoid extreme wide-angle distortion that misleads buyers.
- • Keep vertical lines (walls, door frames) as straight as possible.
2.2 What to capture
- • Front exterior: curb appeal, entry, and driveway.
- • Main living areas: living room, dining, kitchen.
- • Primary bedroom, key secondary bedrooms, and baths.
- • Yard, balcony, views, parking, storage, and any “wow” features.
Editing basics
Lightly brighten and straighten your photos if needed, but avoid heavy filters that change colours. Buyers should recognize the home when they arrive for a showing.
Build a listing gallery that tells a clear story
Your photo order matters. Think of it as a mini tour that guides buyers logically through your home and highlights your best features first.
3.1 Choose your cover & first five
- • Pick a bright, horizontal shot as your cover photo.
- • Use your top 3–5 images to show: exterior, main living area, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
- • Avoid leading with details (appliances, decor) before buyers see the main spaces.
3.2 Sequence the “tour”
- • Group photos by area: main floor, upstairs, basement, outdoor.
- • Remove duplicates and near-duplicates that slow buyers down.
- • Add 1–2 detail shots only where they support a key selling point.
Media add-ons (optional)
If you have access, consider a short walk-through video, a simple floor plan, or a 3D tour. These help serious buyers pre-qualify themselves before booking a showing.
Quick shot list planner
Use this as a simple checklist when you’re taking photos. You can mirror this list in your printable checklist or notes app.
Essential shots
- □ Front exterior (wide + closer up)
- □ Entry / foyer
- □ Living / family room (2–3 angles)
- □ Dining area
- □ Kitchen (overall + key features)
- □ Primary bedroom (2 angles)
- □ Primary bathroom
- □ Key secondary bedrooms
- □ Main bathroom(s) / powder room
Nice-to-have extras
- □ Basement / rec room
- □ Home office / flex space
- □ Laundry / utility (tidy)
- □ Garage / parking
- □ Yard, balcony, patio, or deck
- □ View shots (if relevant)
- □ Storage areas (if they’re a selling point)
- □ 1–2 detail shots (fixtures, built-ins, finishes)
Aim for quality over quantity. A focused set of clear, well-composed photos will usually perform better than a huge gallery with lots of repeats.