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The 5 Must-Have Photos in Any Home Listing

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When buyers start browsing for homes, the first thing they see isn’t the description, square footage, or even the price. It’s the photos. High-quality visuals can make or break a home listing. In today’s fast-moving market with so many buyers searching online first, images do most of the talking.

But not all photos are created equal. Some are more essential than others and can significantly influence how quickly and for how much a property sells. If you’re listing your home, these five photo types should never be skipped.

Curbside First Impressions

Your first photo should always show off the exterior front of the house.

This is the cover photo for your listing, which pops up in searches and on apps. Think of it as your home’s profile picture. A bright, clear shot of the front with great lighting is essential. It should highlight clean landscaping, a neat driveway, and the full face of the home. Avoid trash bins, cars, or anything distracting.

Photographing from a slightly angled position (rather than head-on) gives more depth and makes the house look more inviting. Include a blue sky when possible; clear weather makes homes look fresher and more appealing. If you’re selling in a season when your yard is full of life, take advantage of it.

Kitchens Sell Homes

There’s a reason agents always talk about kitchens. It’s often where buyers look first after the main exterior photo.

People want to see where they’ll cook, gather, and spend a lot of time. This photo should show off countertop space, appliances, natural lighting, and layout. Wide shots work best, and make sure the counters are clean and clutter-free.

A kitchen photo shouldn’t be just a close-up of the fridge or sink. Instead, offer a photo that shows the relationship between areas, like how the kitchen opens to the dining room or living space. If you’ve recently updated cabinets or installed new lighting, make sure they’re visible.

Living Room Warmth

This is where people picture themselves relaxing, hosting friends, or spending evenings with family.

Your living room photo should feel welcoming and spacious. Open curtains to bring in natural light, fluff the cushions, and remove any bulky furniture that shrinks the space visually. Neutral tones and simple styling help others picture their items in the room.

Working with a knowledgeable agent can make this easier. Professionals at Kitsap Home Pro understand how powerful well-composed listing photos can be and often connect clients with skilled local photographers who can make any home shine.

Photograph from a corner to give a full sense of the layout. Try to include features like a fireplace, built-in shelves, or even a great view outside the window if you have one. If your home is staged, keep things minimal but warm a cozy throw blanket or a few houseplants go a long way.

Primary Bedroom Retreat

Buyers want to see where they’ll wind down, so this room deserves its spotlight.

A photo of the main bedroom should showcase more than just a bed. Show off the space; how big the room is, how much light it gets, and if there’s room for a sitting area, dresser, or workspace. This is especially important in smaller homes where multifunctional spaces are key.

Remove personal items and keep bedding simple but clean and stylish. Nightstands with lamps turned on can give a cozy feel. If your bedroom has direct access to a balcony or bathroom, try to include that in the frame.

Bathroom Clean and Bright

Bathrooms don’t have to be huge to photograph well, but they do need to look clean, modern, and fresh. Focus on the main bathroom or the most recently updated one. Remove toiletries, floor mats, and anything overly personal. Good lighting is essential, natural light if possible, or warm bulbs that reduce shadows.

Use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the room as possible, including both the vanity and the shower or tub if they’re in the same space. A tidy bathroom photo tells buyers the home is well-maintained and move-in ready.

Don’t Skip the Extras

Beyond these five essentials, consider highlighting any unique features your home offers. Do you have a cozy home office, a remodeled basement, or a great backyard deck? These bonus photos can set your listing apart in a competitive market.

Also, think about how the images flow together. Buyers often flip through photos quickly, so the order matters. Lead with the best shots and group rooms logically (don’t place the bathroom between the kitchen and living room photos, for example). A cohesive photo story gives buyers a virtual walkthrough experience.

Lighting and Angles Make All the Difference

Even the best rooms won’t shine without proper technique.

Shoot in natural daylight whenever possible; mornings and late afternoons usually provide the softest, most flattering light. Avoid using phone cameras if you can; a professional or high-end DSLR camera will deliver better depth, clarity, and color.

Angles matter too. Eye-level shots feel more natural, while low or tilted shots can distort a room’s shape. Use a tripod to avoid blurry images and ensure consistent framing across all photos.

Editing can help, but don’t go overboard. Buyers want to see accurate colors and proportions, not filters that make the home look like something it’s not. Clean, bright, and true-to-life images are always the safest bet.

Why It’s Worth Hiring a Pro

It might be tempting to take your photos to save money, but professionally shot listings tend to sell faster and for more.

A real estate photographer understands how to use light, space, and angles to tell your home’s story. They’ll bring in tools you might not have, like wide-angle lenses, lighting kits, and photo editing software. It’s a small investment that can bring big returns.

If you’re working with an experienced agent, they may even include professional photography as part of their service.

Keep Your Home Photo-Ready

Once your photos are taken, keep your home tidy in case buyers want to tour quickly. That first impression from the photos sets expectations, and you want the real thing to match.

Good listing photos don’t just show rooms; they help buyers imagine themselves living there. That emotional connection is what turns clicks into showings, and showings into offers. Focus on these five key images, and you’ll give your listing the best possible start.

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