Real Estate Photography Checklist for Landlords: How to Make Your Property Shine
Real Estate Photography Checklist for Landlords: How to Make Your Property Shine
Whether you’re listing your rental unit or preparing to sell a property, first impressions matter—and in real estate, that means great photography. Professional-looking photos can increase your rental inquiries or sale price dramatically. According to the National Association of Realtors, listings with high-quality photos receive 118% more views and can sell 32% faster than those without.
Here's a complete real estate photography checklist for landlords, including tips to make your photos stand out—even on a budget.
✅ 1. Declutter Every Room
Remove personal items, extra furniture, and countertop clutter.
Minimize wall art and decorations—less is more.
Make sure closets and storage areas look tidy if they’ll be photographed.
Why it matters: Clean, open spaces feel bigger and more inviting in photos.
✅ 2. Clean Like You’re Hosting a Hotel Guest
Deep clean kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and floors.
Don’t forget mirrors, glass surfaces, and ceiling fans.
Tip: Schedule cleaning a day before your photo shoot to avoid last-minute chaos.
✅ 3. Light It Up
Open all curtains and blinds to let natural light in.
Replace any burnt-out bulbs with warm, daylight-balanced bulbs (5000K).
Turn on all lights in the room, including lamps.
Pro trick: Shoot during late morning or early afternoon for the most flattering light.
✅ 4. Stage the Property (Even Lightly)
Add neutral bedding, clean towels, a vase of flowers, or a bowl of fresh fruit.
Use throw pillows and rugs to add warmth without going overboard.
If renting: Consider virtual staging tools if your unit is empty.
✅ 5. Focus on the Money Shots
Make sure your photographer captures:
Wide-angle shots of each room
Kitchen and bathroom close-ups
Exterior (front and back)
Any amenities: backyard, deck, parking, laundry, gym, etc.
Hot tip: Horizontal shots work best for listing platforms.
✅ 6. Mind the Angles
Shoot from chest height or lower for interior shots.
Avoid photographing toward mirrors to prevent reflections.
Stand in corners to capture more of the room in one frame.
✅ 7. Edit—but Don’t Overdo It
Brighten and correct color temperature.
Remove minor blemishes (a scuff on the wall, etc.).
Avoid filters that make the property look unrealistically perfect.
Tools you can use: Lightroom, Canva, or hire a freelance retoucher on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
📷 BONUS: Hire a Pro (If Budget Allows)
If your unit is high-end or in a competitive market, hiring a real estate photographer is worth the ROI. A professional shoot typically costs between $150 – $300 and can lead to higher rents or a faster sale.
🔑 Final Thoughts
Good photos aren’t just aesthetic—they’re strategic. They help your listing stand out, attract better tenants or buyers, and reflect your professionalism as a landlord. With this checklist, you’re one step closer to showing your property in the best possible light—literally and figuratively.
