Guide to Taking Great Real Estate Photos

With 90% of homebuyers beginning their search online, your home’s “pix appeal”—how it appears in online photos—is critical to making a strong first impression. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, photos are the most valued feature for buyers browsing homes on the web. Poor-quality images or listings without photos can cause buyers to skip your property entirely. To ensure your home stands out, follow these guidelines for capturing high-quality photos, whether you’re using a full-service agent or listing with Realmart’s flat fee service.

Before You Photograph

Invest in a quality camera. A smartphone camera may not deliver the clarity needed for professional-looking shots, but you don’t need top-tier equipment either. A point-and-shoot digital camera with at least five megapixels will produce good results. For better control and versatility, consider a digital SLR with interchangeable lenses, paired with a tripod for sharp, steady images. If you’re listing with a full-service agent, confirm they use a professional photographer; if not, consider another agent. With Realmart’s flat fee listing, you can take photos yourself or opt to hire a professional photographer.

Stage your home to highlight its space, not its contents. Ensure your home is clean and decluttered by removing distractions like toys, refrigerator magnets, or excessive personal items. If your home feels too stark after decluttering, add subtle accents like a vase of fresh flowers to enhance its appeal. Proper staging showcases your home’s potential and makes it more inviting to buyers.

While You Photograph

Maximize natural lighting to create bright, welcoming images. Open curtains, turn on all interior lights, and avoid relying on your camera’s flash, which can create harsh shadows or reflections off mirrors and windows. Avoid shooting on rainy days or at night, as this results in dull, unappealing photos. For exterior shots, photograph on an overcast day to minimize harsh shadows from direct sunlight, ensuring your home looks its best.

Choose angles that showcase your home’s space and depth. For interior shots, photograph from a corner or doorway to capture as much of the room as possible, providing context and making spaces appear larger. For exterior photos, shoot at an angle rather than straight-on to highlight the home’s dimensions, and avoid including obstructions like poles or wires. Be honest in your photography—avoid using wide-angle lenses that exaggerate room sizes, as this can mislead buyers and lead to disappointment during in-person viewings. Take plenty of photos, experimenting with different angles and camera settings, as digital cameras allow you to review and select the best images later.

After You Photograph

Review and enhance your photos. Select the best images and use photo editing software to make minor adjustments, such as brightening a dark room or cropping out distractions like telephone wires. Avoid over-editing to keep the images authentic. If you’re listing with Realmart, upload your photos to our platform for seamless MLS integration.

Ensure your listing reaches a wide audience by syndicating it across popular real estate websites like REALTOR.com, Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, and others. Pair your photos with a compelling, accurate description that highlights your home’s best features. Enhance your listing further with tools like video virtual tours or single-property websites to attract more buyer interest and make your home stand out in a competitive market.