Professional Photography

Professional photography is one of the highest-impact parts of a successful listing launch. Most buyers decide whether to schedule a showing based on the photos and the first impression they get online. At Real Estate Two70, we coordinate photography with pricing strategy, MLS accuracy, lockbox setup, and launch timing so your home enters the market clean.

Why Professional Photos Matter

Photos are your first showing. In Southeast Idaho, buyers often review multiple homes quickly online and narrow their list before ever stepping inside. Strong photos help:

Increase showing volume: more qualified buyers choose to tour the home
Improve perceived value: clean presentation supports pricing strategy
Reduce wasted showings: better expectation-setting leads to better-fit buyers
Support online distribution: MLS syndication and IDX sites rely heavily on images

What We Photograph

The goal is accurate, professional presentation—not misleading angles or “tricks.” Typical photo coverage includes:

Primary living areas and kitchen
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Basement and bonus spaces (if applicable)
Garage and outbuildings (when relevant to buyers)
Backyard and exterior features
Front elevation and curb appeal

For certain properties, additional media may be appropriate (twilight shots, floor plan, drone, video), depending on price point, location, and what drives buyer value.

How to Prepare Your Home for Photos

The best photo sessions happen when the home is already in “show-ready” condition. Here are the most important preparation steps:

Declutter and Simplify

Clear countertops (kitchen and bathrooms especially)
Remove excess decor and personal photos
Minimize items on floors and in corners
Reduce fridge magnets, papers, and clutter zones

Clean for the Camera

Windows and mirrors (smudges show)
Floors, baseboards, and high-traffic areas
Sinks, tubs, toilets, and chrome fixtures
Stove tops and stainless surfaces

Lighting and Staging Basics

Replace burnt-out bulbs (match color temperature if possible)
Turn on lights for warmth and brightness
Open blinds for natural light (unless privacy is an issue)
Make beds and straighten furniture

Pets and People

Plan for pets to be out of the home or secured
Remove litter boxes, pet beds, and pet bowls from view
Keep vehicles out of the driveway if possible

What to Expect on Photo Day

Arrival and walkthrough: the photographer identifies best angles and lighting
Final quick adjustments: minor staging tweaks, clearing small items, straightening
Room-by-room shooting: typically starts with main areas and exterior
Wrap-up check: confirm all key spaces were captured

Most photo sessions take about 30–90 minutes depending on home size, condition, and any added media.

How Photos Tie Into the MLS Listing

Once photos are complete, we match them to an accurate MLS listing. Because the MLS distributes to other portals and IDX websites, the photos you choose and the order they appear often become the “default” presentation across the internet.

Strong first 3–5 photos drive clicks and showings
Accurate room sequencing improves buyer understanding
Good exterior and curb appeal shots reduce buyer hesitation

Our goal is to launch with a complete, accurate presentation—not a rushed set of photos with missing information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Photographing before prep: “We’ll clean later” doesn’t work once photos are public
Leaving personal items out: prescriptions, mail, family photos, valuables
Bad lighting: burnt bulbs, dark rooms, or mixed color lighting
Ignoring exterior: curb appeal and backyard matter more than sellers expect

Ready to Schedule Professional Photography?

We coordinate photography as part of a clean listing launch—pricing, lockbox, sign (if used), and MLS accuracy all working together. If you’re preparing to sell, we’ll help you get the home photo-ready and schedule the shoot at the right time.

Contact a Two70 Agent Start With a Pre-Listing Appointment

Related Seller Process Pages

Note: Some links may be new pages we’re building next in this Seller Guides & Process series.

FAQ

Do I need to be out of the house for photos?

It’s not always required, but it often helps. Fewer people and pets in the home makes the process faster and cleaner.

Should I fix everything before photos?

Not everything. We focus on high-impact prep first. If a repair affects first impression or buyer confidence, we’ll flag it.

Can we use cell phone photos?

Professional photography typically performs better online. Cell phone photos often reduce buyer confidence and can lower showing volume, even if the home is nice in person.

Will the photos be used on other websites?

Yes. Once in the MLS, photos typically distribute to other portals and IDX sites. That’s why preparation and quality matter.