Best Strategies to Prepare Your House for MLS Photography in South Florida

When it comes to selling real estate in South Florida, including the palm beaches, and the treasure coast the first impression often makes the most significant impact. Property photos play a crucial role in attracting potential buyers, especially in a competitive market like South Florida. To ensure your home stands out in MLS listings and sales advertisements, it’s essential to prepare it effectively before the professional photoshoot even takes place. Here are some of the best strategies to get your house ready for that perfect shot. The better you prep the house, the better the real estate photography will result. BEST STRATEGY IS TO GET THE PETS OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT AS WELL AS ANY OF THEIR BEDS, TOYS, DISHES ETC. IN FACT, THE BEST BET IS TO GO AHEAD AND HAVE THE SELLERS TAKE THEM AND GO HAVE LUNCH OR COFFEE OR SOMETHING AND LET US COME IN AND SHOOT YOUR LISTING WITHOUT HAVING TO WORK AROUND THEM. IT'LL GO MUCH FASTER AND ENSURE BETTER RESULTS. SO...WINDOW TREATMENTS OPEN, ALL LIGHTS ON FIRST AND FOREMOST THEN:

1. Clean and Declutter

Cleanliness is paramount when showcasing a house. A deep clean can remove odors (very important, especially if you have or had pets, and it is mandatory if you or someone in your household was a smoker. also it can remove marks that may detract from a potential buyer's perception. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless. Dont overlook ceiling fan blades (a quick tell). Any and all water stains on walls and ceilings are also a huge red flag. Carpet stains? Tub and Tile grout?

Decluttering

Decluttering will help make the space look larger and more inviting. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that distracts from the home’s features. A good rule of thumb is to keep only essential items visible and to store personal photographs and memorabilia. The objective is to present a neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves in the space. This does not mean to make it a vacant home. Many will actually stage a vacant home so it looks more inviting and warmer. Find that happy medium.

Source: National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveys show that homes that are clean and clutter-free often sell faster and for more money.

2. Stage the Home

Home staging is an effective way to transform your property and highlight its best features. This is particularly important in South Florida, where modern aesthetics are valued. Effective staging can often be accomplished for less than you might think. Key rooms are the most important, so think Kitchens, main living spaces, and the master suite are the starting points for effective staging (even virtually done staging).

Highlighting Key Areas

Focus on staging main living areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Use neutral palettes and contemporary furniture to appeal to a broader audience. Ideally, have each room serve a clear purpose, and highlight open, airy spaces which are highly appealing in South Florida.

Outdoor Spaces

Don't forget about the outdoor areas! Many potential buyers are interested in outdoor living spaces, especially in the beautiful South Florida climate. Arrange patio furniture and add plants or flowers to make the backyard or patio feel inviting.

Source: According to a study conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged homes.

3. Make Necessary Repairs

Address any visible issues that may detract from the property’s appeal. Common repairs may include:

• Fixing leaky faucets or toilets
• Replace worn carpeting or flooring
• Repairing cracks in walls
• Painting over scuffed walls or outdated colors
• Ensuring all lights are working and fixtures are updated

Taking care of these repairs can prevent prospective buyers from being turned off by what they may perceive as ongoing maintenance issues.

Source: The American Society of Home Inspectors suggests that a well-maintained home leads to higher selling prices.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal.

First impressions matter, and curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers will notice. Enhancements can be simple yet impactful, such as:

• Mowing the lawn
• Trimming bushes and trees but get rid of the waste before photo day.
• Power washing the exterior and sidewalks
• Adding fresh mulch to gardens
• Stow all garbage cans and recycle bins in the garage.
• Remove old cars, trailers, boats etc before photo day.
• Painting or replacing the front door

In South Florida, homes with well-maintained landscaping and inviting entrances are particularly appealing.

Source: According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, 63% of buyers will often first drive by a property before they schedule an appointment.

5. Let in Natural Light (open all the curtains, and raise the blinds)

Natural light can make spaces feel more open and inviting. Here are some ways to maximize light in your home:

• Open all curtains and blinds before the photoshoot Make sure they operate and are not sagging.
• Clean windows for an unobstructed view of the outside
• Consider replacing heavy drapes with lighter, airy fabrics

Photographers often prefer to shoot during the day when natural light is abundant, so timing your photos appropriately can make a significant difference.

Source: realestate.com.au states that homes with plenty of natural light sell faster and at higher prices.

6. Focus on the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are often pivotal in a buyer’s decision. Ensure these areas are well lit, clean, and appealing. Consider the following:

• Replace outdated hardware on cabinets and drawers.
• Remove any personal items, such as toothbrushes or toiletries, from countertops. When possible ditch the towels on photo day.
• Add fresh towels and a bowl of fruit to the kitchen for a welcoming touch.

In South Florida, a modern, updated kitchen or bath can be a significant selling point that attracts buyers.

Source: A study from the National Association of Realtors indicates that the kitchen is often the most important area of the home for prospective buyers.

7. Use the top available Professional Photography (Iknow self serving right).

But seriously, there is a difference. Room angles, and more importantly good lighting used by the better photographers show your property in its best "light", simply by utilizing better strategies in shot placement.

Once you’ve completed all preparations, hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate. High-quality images are more likely to attract buyers and generate interest. A professional will know how to capture the home in its best light and angles, showcasing the unique aspects of your property.

Choose the Right Time for Photos

Schedule the photoshoot during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the natural light is soft and flattering is far more important for a portrait shoot than it is for Interiors on real estate. North facing homes especially are often better midday. This timing can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your home.

often an easy to remember rule of thumb is....schedule your shoot with the sun in mind. For east facing homes...choose a morning time slot so the photographer can use that great light on the front of your home. Conversely for a west facing home, The best images will come in the afternoon. NOrth and south facing homes are not as crucial, so midday is always safe for those. The number one killer of exterior real estate however, is having to shoot directly into the sun. There simply is not much we photographers can do in that scenario. So please help us all out and schedule your shoots to allow us to best show off your listing. With the sun behind the camera and on the front of the house whenever possible

Conclusion

Preparing your house for MLS photography is a critical step that can influence how quickly and profitably your property sells. By cleaning, decluttering, staging, repairing, enhancing curb appeal, focusing on key areas, maximizing natural light, and utilizing professional photography, you can significantly increase the attractiveness of your South Florida property.

In a vibrant market like South Florida, these strategies will not only help your home look its best but also resonate with potential buyers, leading to quicker sale times and potentially higher offers.

Remember that every little bit of effort counts in real estate, and showcasing your home in the best possible light can make all the difference.