Buyers today almost always see your home online before they ever step through the door. That means your listing photos are your first (and often only) chance to make a strong impression. Proper real estate photography prep ensures your home stands out in a crowded market. But great photos are only part of the equation. Your home also needs to shine in person.

Here’s how to master preparing a home for photos and staging for showings so that every potential buyer sees your home in its best light.

Step 1: Declutter Every Room

Less is more when it comes to both photos and showings. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that clutters surfaces.

• Clear off kitchen counters except for one or two clean, decorative items
  
  
• Remove magnets, calendars, or notes from the fridge
  
  
• Tuck away laundry baskets, pet items, and personal hygiene products
  
  
• Make beds with neatly arranged pillows and neutral bedding
  
  

Aim to create clean, open spaces that make each room look bigger and more inviting.

Step 2: Deep Clean and Repair

A spotless home photographs better and gives buyers confidence in your maintenance.

• Wipe all windows, mirrors, and stainless-steel appliances
  
  
• Sweep, mop, or vacuum every floor
  
  
• Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents
  
  
• Fix anything visibly broken (door handles, cabinet hinges, lightbulbs)
  
  

Light shines brighter and rooms look more polished when every surface is clean and working.

Step 3: Light It Right

Great lighting makes photos pop and rooms feel more welcoming. Here’s how to get it right:

• Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light
  
  
• Turn on every light in the home, even lamps and under-cabinet lighting
  
  
• Replace any burned-out bulbs with matching bulbs, preferably daylight bulbs
  
  

Good lighting is one of the fastest ways to elevate your real estate photography prep.

Step 4: Stage With Purpose

Staging for showings doesn’t have to mean hiring a full staging company. A few intentional changes go a long way:

• Rearrange furniture to create flow and conversation areas
  
  
• Use decorative pillows, throws, and art to add color and texture
  
  
• Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a simple touch of life
  
  
• Remove personal photos to help buyers imagine themselves in the space
  
  

In key rooms (living room, kitchen, primary bedroom), focus on creating a lifestyle that feels aspirational yet achievable.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Exterior

Curb appeal matters in photos and real life. Quick fixes outside make a big impact:

• Sweep porches and walkways
  
  
• Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown bushes
  
  
• Clean the front door and polish the hardware
  
  
• Add a welcome mat or potted plants
  
  

Buyers start forming opinions from the curb—make sure the outside is as photo-ready as the inside.

Bonus Tips for Showings

• Leave all lights on and open all interior doors before leaving
  
  
• Take pets and evidence of pets with you
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
  
  
• Leave a printed feature sheet or flyer buyers can take with them
  
  

Creating a welcoming and distraction-free environment is key during any showing.

Why Work With Team DDA

At Debbie Dogrul Associates, we help sellers across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia excel at preparing homes for photos and staging for showings. Our team provides:

• Professional photo coordination and guidance on how to get your home ready
• Full-time photographers on staff using latest technology
• A customized staging checklist tailored to your property
• Full-time stager/designer to help get your home ready - staging with either our furniture and accessories or with yours
• Marketing expertise to help your listing stand out both online and in person