Preparing Your Home for Sale: Essential Steps and Photography Tips
- Peter Kassis
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Preparing your home for sale can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers. In a market where first impressions often determine success, quality photographs are crucial. This blog post outlines practical steps to ready your home for sale and offers useful photography tips that can help grab buyers’ attention.
Declutter and Depersonalise Your Space
The journey to a successful sale begins with decluttering and depersonalising your home. When buyers step inside, they need to envision their lives in the space. If your personal belongings dominate the rooms, this task becomes difficult.
Begin by removing items you no longer use. Clear countertops, shelves, and living areas. Aim to create an open and airy feeling, which can make your home feel larger. For example, if you have a bookshelf filled with personal items, consider limiting it to a few decorative pieces and books.
Next, take down family photos and personal collections. Instead of displaying pictures from family holidays, choose neutral art that appeals to a wider audience.
Deep Clean Every Corner
A sparkling clean home gives a strong first impression. You may want to hire professional cleaning services, but a thorough clean by yourself can also do wonders. Pay attention to areas that are often overlooked—baseboards, window sills, ceiling fans, and even inside cupboards.
For instance, consider spending a weekend deep-cleaning your kitchen. A spotless kitchen is a significant selling point, especially since 78% of homebuyers consider it one of the most important rooms in the house.
Make Necessary Repairs
Don’t let small problems raise red flags. Fix leaky taps, cracked tiles, squeaky doors, and patch any holes in the walls. These small issues might seem insignificant, but they can distract buyers from the overall potential of the home.
Research shows homes with basic maintenance sorted can sell for up to 10% more. It’s a small investment for a big return.
Stage Your Home Effectively
Staging helps buyers visualise how a space can be used—and how it might feel to live there. You don’t need to spend a fortune. Simple changes can go a long way:
Rearranging furniture to create better flow
Swapping out loud décor for neutral touches
Borrowing cushions, lamps, or throws to warm up cold spaces
The National Association of Realtors found staged homes sell 88% faster. That speed could help you move on sooner and avoid weeks or months of stress.
Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions start outside. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown plants, sweep pathways, and clean the windows. Add a pop of colour with fresh flowers or repaint the front door if it’s looking tired.
Homes with tidy, welcoming exteriors can boost perceived value by up to 20%. It’s a simple step with a powerful impact.
Lighting Matters: Brighten Your Home
A well-lit home feels open and inviting. Open curtains and blinds to maximise natural light. Make sure every bulb works, and use warm lighting in key living areas.
According to real estate data, homes with good lighting can sell up to 60% faster. It helps buyers feel good from the moment they walk in.
Prepare for Photography: Get Photo-Ready
Once your home is clean, decluttered, and styled—it’s time for photos. Online listings are often the first point of contact for potential buyers, so professional photography is essential.
What Makes a Great Photo Session?
Here’s what you can do to help your photographer capture your home at its best. These tips come directly from our team at Asset Photographers:
How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography
Decluttering Tips & Styling Tricks
General Tips:
Remove personal items like family photos, fridge magnets, and pet gear.
Clear all floors—no bags, shoes, or laundry.
Hide cables and remotes.
Limit each surface to 1–2 decorative items.
Remove unnecessary rugs and bulky furniture.
Kitchen & Dining:
Clear all benchtops—no kettles, toasters, or dish racks.
Put away tea towels, soaps, bins, and paperwork.
Style with a simple fruit bowl or flower arrangement.
Set dining tables simply or leave them clear.
Living Areas:
Hide gaming gear, TV remotes, and clutter.
Arrange cushions neatly and fold throws.
Add a coffee table book or small tray for style.
Bedrooms:
Make beds with clean, neutral linen.
Hide all clothes and laundry baskets.
Avoid using floor mats or small rugs.
Style with pillows and a throw blanket.
Bathrooms:
Remove all toiletries, cleaning items, and toilet brushes.
Remove all floor mats.
Use white or neutral towels.
Add one small plant or a clean soap dispenser.
Outdoor Areas:
Remove bins, pet items, tools, and toys.
Mow lawns, sweep paths, and tidy gardens.
Remove pegs and peg baskets from the clothesline.
Set up outdoor furniture with cushions if you have them.
Rooms Not Always Photographed
We usually don’t photograph laundries, garages, ensuites, or additional bedrooms (unless they’re standout spaces). These rooms can be used to temporarily store items you've moved out of sight. If you’re unsure, just ask your photographer which spaces will be included.
Specific Photography Tips
Best Time of Day: Morning or late afternoon light is softer and more flattering.
Highlight Key Features: Think fireplaces, kitchen islands, or garden views.
Keep It Simple: Less is more—avoid busy backgrounds.
Include Outdoors: Don’t forget backyards, patios, or balconies—they add value.
Wrapping It Up
Preparing your home for sale takes a bit of work, but the results are well worth it. Declutter, clean, fix small issues, stage what you can, and invest in quality photography. Each of these steps helps your property stand out from the rest.
With thoughtful presentation and professional images, you’ll attract more buyers, get better offers, and move on sooner.
Need help getting started?
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