How to Prep Your Home for Real Estate Listing Photos on Florida’s Space Coast

Selling your home? Your first showing doesn’t happen in person—it happens online. With nearly all buyers starting their search on the web, professional listing photos are your home’s first impression. And the difference between “just listed” and “just sold” often comes down to how well your home is prepped for the shoot.

At Salty Studios Media, we’ve photographed hundreds of homes across Melbourne, Viera, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, and the entire Space Coast, and we know exactly what it takes to make a home photo-ready.

Here’s your go-to guide on how to prepare your home for a successful real estate photo shoot.

1. Declutter Every Room (Less is More)

Clutter is the #1 distraction in real estate photos. Clean, open spaces help buyers focus on the features of your home, not your stuff.

✅ Remove excess items from countertops, tables, and shelves

✅ Tuck away remotes, toys, paperwork, laundry, and visible cords

✅ Minimize furniture and decor to make rooms feel larger

✅ Clear off nightstands, bathroom counters, and kitchen islands

2. Deep Clean Like a Showing is Scheduled

The camera sees everything—dust, streaks, smudges, and pet hair can all stand out.

✅ Clean all windows and mirrors

✅ Vacuum, mop, and wipe all surfaces

✅ Dust ceiling fans, baseboards, and light fixtures

✅ Don’t forget to shine up appliances and faucets

✨ A clean home feels newer and more valuable in photos.

3. Depersonalize the Space

Buyers need to imagine their life in your home—not yours.

✅ Remove family photos, monogrammed items, and personal collections

✅ Store away kids’ artwork, calendars, and visible medications

✅ Hide pet bowls, crates, and litter boxes

Neutralizing your space helps buyers mentally “move in.”

4. Stage Your Home (Even If You Live In It)

You don’t need to hire a professional stager to create visual appeal. A few intentional touches can go a long way.

✅ Add fresh throw pillows or blankets to beds and sofas

✅ Set the dining table with plates or a centerpiece

✅ Place a bowl of fruit or a small plant on the kitchen counter

✅ Roll fresh white towels in bathrooms

✅ Open curtains and blinds to bring in natural light

We also recommend turning on all lights during the shoot to brighten the space and reduce shadows.

5. Don’t Forget the Exterior

Curb appeal sells, especially in areas like Satellite Beach, Titusville, and Cocoa Village where outdoor living is a key feature.

✅ Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove leaves or debris

✅ Sweep porches, patios, and walkways

✅ Hide trash cans, hoses, and garden tools

✅ Remove cars from the driveway

✅ Add a fresh doormat or potted plant for charm

Got a pool, deck, or water view? Let’s showcase it.

6. Make Special Notes for Unique Features

If your home has smart home tech, hidden storage, luxury upgrades, or recent renovations—let your agent or our photography team know so we can highlight them properly.

We’ll use:

• Close-ups

• Wide-angle shots

• Drone footage (if included)

• Lifestyle angles to show context

Our goal is to tell your home’s story through photos.

Final Tips Before the Photographer Arrives

📌 Hide pets or arrange for them to be out during the shoot

📌 Turn on all lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs

📌 Remove visible floor mats or rugs that break up clean lines

📌 Make beds, fluff pillows, and tidy up all personal areas

📌 Do a final walk-through and look at your space through a buyer’s lens

Final Thoughts from Salty Studios Media

Professional listing photos can attract more buyers, sell your home faster, and increase perceived value. But even the best photography relies on great preparation.

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure that your home shines in every frame—and stands out in a competitive Space Coast market.

📍 Based in Melbourne, Florida📸 Trusted by top agents across Brevard County🏡 Real estate media that helps listings sell faster, and for more

👉 Ready to book your real estate photo shoot?Visit www.saltystudiosmedia.com and let’s make your listing stand out.