You’ve decluttered, cleaned, and organized every room. The furniture is straightened, the countertops are clear, and everything looks pristine. But before you bring in the photographer, there are still a few final touches that can take your home from “good” to “wow.” These last-minute details are what make the home sparkle in photos and can really make a difference in how buyers perceive the space.
In this post, we’ll walk through the essential final touches that will make your home shine in real estate photos. From adjusting light fixtures to handling personal items, these small changes can have a big impact.
The Final Touches Checklist
- Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans Lighting is one of the most important elements in real estate photography, and good lighting can make or break a photo. Make sure all light bulbs are working and replace any that are dim or burnt out. Opt for soft, white light to give rooms a bright, inviting glow. Don’t forget to clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and lamp shades—dust and smudges are very noticeable in photos. If your ceiling fan has different speed settings, turn it off for the shoot to avoid motion blur in photos.
- Personal Items: What to Keep and What to Hide We’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: personal items should be kept to a minimum. This includes family photos, knick-knacks, and anything overly personalized. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves in the space, and personal items can get in the way of that. However, not all personal items need to disappear. For example, a tasteful vase or a neutral piece of art can add personality without distracting buyers.
- Houseplants and Greenery A little bit of greenery can breathe life into any room. Consider adding a houseplant or two to key areas, like the living room or kitchen, to make the space feel fresh and inviting. Just be sure the plants are healthy—no drooping leaves or dead flowers allowed!
- Neutral Decor When it comes to real estate photography, neutral decor is your friend. Bold colors or quirky decorations can distract from the room’s features. If possible, swap out any bold or overly personal decorations for neutral items, like simple artwork or understated throw pillows. This creates a clean, universal look that appeals to a broader range of buyers.
- Check for Smudges & Fingerprints Right before the shoot, do a quick walkthrough of the house to check for any smudges or fingerprints on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel appliances. A spotless, streak-free shine makes the home feel clean and well-maintained, while visible fingerprints can be a distraction in photos.
Real-World Example: The Power of Final Touches
We once worked with a seller who had prepared their home beautifully, but there were a few small details that still needed attention. The ceiling fans were covered in dust, and the lighting in some rooms was dim and uninviting. After replacing a few bulbs and giving the light fixtures a good cleaning, the difference was night and day. The photos looked brighter, cleaner, and more professional, and the seller reported a significant increase in buyer interest after the shoot.
Activity: Walkthrough & Touch-Up
Spend 10 minutes walking through each room of your home. Check the light fixtures, ceiling fans, and surfaces for dust or fingerprints. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, wipe down mirrors, and adjust the decor as needed. These small changes may seem minor, but they’ll make a big difference when it’s time to take photos.
Discussion Question: How Do Final Touches Elevate a Home’s Appearance?
Think about the small details that catch your eye when you walk into a room. Why do you think these final touches—like clean lighting and neutral decor—make such a big impact in real estate photos? Discuss how small changes can elevate a home’s overall appearance and help it stand out in a competitive market.
Wrapping It Up
Final touches may seem like small details, but they’re often what make a home feel truly photo-ready. From bright lighting to carefully chosen decor, these last-minute adjustments help the home feel polished, inviting, and ready for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Next week, we’ll dive into creating a detailed shot list to ensure that no part of your home gets overlooked during the shoot!
