Photographing Your House

Your ListInTexas.com Agent will advise you every step of the way to getting your house SOLD including guidance on developing your online presence and MLS Listing photos. Homebuyers rated photos as the feature they use most when searching for a home, and photos are usually what gets a buyer’s attention and prompts them to schedule a showing. Your house photos are the first impression that buyers have of your home so photographing your house correctly is a very important step. ListInTexas.com always recommends that you hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your house (included with Premium+ Plan) or you can follow the tips below to take your own great photos.

Tips for shooting great real estate photos:

  • Portray an honest representation of your house.

  • Use as much natural light as possible.

  • Take a lot of photos. You will likely only use 20-30 photos, but having extra will allow you to choose the best photos to highlight your house.

  • Capture photos at chest height.

  • Use a wide-angle lens: A wide-angle helps capture the full feel of a room, while still making it appear true to its size.

  • Use landscape orientation. Horizontal orientation makes it easier to capture the full room, and it’s also the orientation used on the MLS and other real estate sites.

  • Take photos that highlight the layout. Another way to give viewers insight into the layout is to leave doors open between rooms, so they can see how they all connect.

  • Stage your home.

  • Make sure your home is clean, and clear out distracting items.

  • Avoid large objects in the foreground. Keep spaces wide open for the most appealing images.

  • Take exterior photos at an angle. When taking a photo of the outside of the home, a photographer should be positioned at an angle, showcasing both the front façade of the house and the depth. An angled image gives a better feel for the size of a home.

  • Pay attention to the position of the sun. When taking exterior photos, capture images when the sun is behind the camera but illuminating the front of the property to avoid shadows.

  • Shoot interior photos when it’s brightest and with window treatments open. To showcase your house’s natural light, schedule interior photos for mid-day.

  • Edit photos appropriately.

  • Must have photos: Kitchen, Living room, Master bedroom, Front Exterior, Master Bathroom and anything that makes your house unique— a beautiful view, solar panels, high end appliances, etc.

  • Nice-to-have photos: Patio or deck, Landscaping, Pool or hot tub, Bedrooms, Shop, Outbuildings.