Listing photo checklist
Everything to do before, during and after the listing photos, in order. Most of what makes a photo look professional happens before you press the shutter.
Updated on
Before the photos
- Turn on every light and lamp; replace dead bulbs.
- Open blinds and curtains.
- Clear counters, tables and the fridge door.
- Hide personal things: photos, mail, medicine, pet bowls, toiletries.
- Make the beds and straighten pillows and towels.
- Close toilet lids; turn off TVs and ceiling fans.
- Outside: move cars, trash cans, hoses and toys; sweep the walkway.
While you take them
- Hold the phone level at chest height, in landscape.
- Shoot from a doorway or corner to show the most of each room.
- Use the 1× lens; keep the 0.5× wide lens for small rooms only.
- Take two or three photos of each view and keep the sharpest.
- Wipe the lens before you start. Wipe it again if photos look hazy.
Shots to take
- Front of the home, straight on and from an angle.
- Kitchen: two views, one showing the counters and appliances.
- Living room and dining area.
- Primary bedroom and primary bathroom.
- Other bedrooms and bathrooms, one view each.
- Back yard, patio, pool or view.
- Anything special: a fireplace, built-ins, a new roof, a garage.
Before you publish
- Pick the best photo of each view; drop near-duplicates.
- Put the strongest photo of the front first.
- Upload large JPEG files, not screenshots or texted copies.
- Label any altered photo the way your MLS asks. Keep the originals.
Not sure which edits need a label? Read the MLS photo rules. Shooting on a phone? See the phone photo tips.
Questions and answers
Should the lights be on or off for listing photos?
On. Turn on every light, lamps included. Open the blinds too. Rooms look warmer and phone photos have less grain.
Which photo should be first on the listing?
Usually the front of the home, straight on and in good light. It is the photo buyers see in search results.
Do I need a tripod?
It helps in darker rooms and keeps every photo at the same height. A steady hand and good light also work.
Edit your listing photo, keep the original.
Start with one photo. Your original always stays as you took it.