Last updated: August 2026. Based on 360+ transactions across Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and Bartow counties by Team Haigh Realty.
Professional photography and video are the most powerful tools in your home's marketing strategy. More than 90% of buyers start their home search online, and the first thing they see is your listing photos. If those photos do not impress, they scroll past your home without ever scheduling a showing.
The good news is you control how your home shows up in photos. A few hours of preparation can make the difference between a listing that gets saved and one that is skipped. Here is your complete preparation checklist, room by room.
Why Professional Photos Matter
Listings with professional photography receive significantly more views and sell faster than those with amateur photos. The reason is simple: online photos are the first impression, and first impressions are formed in seconds. A home that looks bright, spacious, and well-cared for in its photos attracts more showings and commands higher offers.
Team Haigh includes professional photography, twilight exterior shots, and an HD walkthrough video on every listing. We also offer a dedicated listing website with a virtual tour, floor plan, and neighborhood highlights. But the photographer cannot work miracles. The home has to be ready before they arrive.
The Complete Preparation Checklist
Declutter Every Room
Remove at least half of the items from every surface in every room. Clear countertops, kitchen tables, nightstands, and bathroom vanities. Thin out bookshelves, remove excess furniture, and pack away anything that makes a room feel cramped. The goal is to make each room look as large and open as possible. For a step-by-step room-by-room plan, see our decluttering guide.
Deep Clean
Professional photography reveals every detail. Clean baseboards, window sills, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents. Make sure windows are streak-free inside and out. Scrub bathrooms until they sparkle, and make sure the kitchen is spotless, including the inside of the microwave and oven. A deep clean signals that the home has been well-maintained, and it photographs beautifully.
Remove Personal Items and Photos
Buyers need to see themselves in your home, not your family. Remove all personal photos, children's artwork, and collections. Pack away religious items, political memorabilia, and anything that reflects a specific taste. The goal is a neutral canvas that appeals to the widest possible audience.
Stage Key Rooms
The living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom are the most photographed rooms in any home. Arrange furniture to create a natural flow with plenty of walking space. Add fresh towels in the bathroom, a simple centerpiece on the dining table, and a neutral throw on the sofa. Do not over-decorate. Simple, clean, and intentional is the goal. Staging and photo prep go hand in hand. See our staging services for a full approach to preparing your home.
Curb Appeal: The First Photo Buyers See
The first photo in your listing is almost always the front exterior. Make it count. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and edge the walkway. Power wash the driveway, front walk, and siding if needed. Add fresh mulch to flower beds, plant a few seasonal flowers, and make sure the front door is clean and inviting. A fresh coat of paint on the front door in a neutral color is one of the highest-return investments you can make.
Lighting: Bright and Warm
The photographer will work with the home's lighting, but you can help. Open all blinds and curtains fully. Turn on every light in the house, including lamps, overhead fixtures, and under-cabinet lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs so every room is uniformly bright. Natural light is your best friend, so schedule the photoshoot for a time of day when the home gets the most sun.
Remove Pet Evidence
Not everyone loves pets as much as you do. Remove pet bowls, beds, toys, crates, and litter boxes before the photographer arrives. Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair, and if possible, have a friend or neighbor take your pets for the day. A home that smells like pets or has visible pet evidence turns buyers off fast.
What NOT to Do
A few common mistakes can actually hurt your photos. Do not over-decorate with seasonal or themed decor. A few neutral touches are fine, but a home buried in holiday decorations or bold accent pieces distracts from the space itself.
Do not try to hide major issues. A photographer will capture the home as it is, and buyers will see problems during the showing anyway. It is better to fix what you can and disclose the rest honestly. And do not leave notes, signs, or magnets on the refrigerator. The camera will catch every one of them.
How Team Haigh's Walkthrough Video Works
In addition to professional still photography, we produce a high-definition walkthrough video for every listing we take. The video takes buyers through the home room by room, giving them a realistic sense of the layout, flow, and size. It is especially valuable for out-of-town buyers who cannot tour in person, and for busy local buyers who use the video to narrow down their list before scheduling showings.
The video is also posted on YouTube and shared across our social channels, giving your listing additional exposure. And because we include it on your dedicated listing website, buyers can watch the video, view the floor plan, and explore neighborhood highlights all in one place.
The preparation checklist above applies to video too. The camera sees everything, so the same decluttering, cleaning, and lighting rules apply. When the home is ready for photos, it is ready for video.
Ready to List Your Home With Professional Photography and Video?
We include professional photography, twilight exterior shots, and a walkthrough video on every listing. Let us talk about how we can market your home for the best possible result.
Explore More Selling Resources
