Before Photo Day: A Starter Prep Guide for New Utah Realtors 🏠📷

If you’re just starting out in real estate, one of the biggest game-changers for your listings is how well the home is prepared before the photographer shows up.

Even with great equipment and professional editing, a home that’s messy, dark, or crowded won’t show its full potential.

Think of photo day as your listing’s spotlight moment. The more ready the home is in person, the stronger it will look online—and the more buyers you’ll attract.

Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide you can share with sellers (or keep on hand yourself) to make every property truly photo-ready.

1. Start With a Deep Tidy-Up 🧽

A clean home always photographs better and feels more “move-in ready” to buyers.

Ask your sellers to:

• Wipe down counters, tables, and shelves

• Vacuum and mop visible floors

• Clean mirrors and glass (smudges and streaks really show!)

• Empty trash cans

• Clear bathroom counters of personal items like toothbrushes and products

Easy line you can tell them:

“If it looks a little messy in real life, it will look extra messy in photos.”

2. Cut the Clutter 📦

Visual clutter is one of the fastest ways to make photos feel cramped and distracting.

Recommend that your sellers:

• Keep kitchen and bathroom counters mostly clear (just a few simple items)

• Put away piles of mail, paperwork, and random décor

• Tuck away toys, pet bowls, beds, and extra blankets

• Simplify nightstands and dressers

The goal: buyers should notice the rooms, not the stuff.

3. Light Staging = Big Impact 🛋️

You don’t always need a professional stager. A few small tweaks can make the home feel more polished in photos:

• Straighten and fluff pillows on sofas and beds

• Use clean, neutral bedding

• Add a simple centerpiece to the dining or kitchen table

• Flatten rugs and line up chairs neatly

• Open blinds and curtains to bring in natural light

You’re aiming for inviting, simple, and easy to imagine living in—perfect for Utah families and buyers scrolling online.

4. Boost That Curb Appeal 🌳

The exterior is often the first photo buyers see—so don’t skip it.

Have sellers:

• Sweep porches, steps, and walkways

• Put away hoses, tools, and random outdoor items

• Close garage doors

• Move vehicles away from the front of the home if possible

• Straighten doormats and tidy outdoor seating

During snowy or icy Utah days, remind them to clear and salt walkways and steps—for both safety and better photos.

5. Do a Final “Photo Ready” Check 💡

Right before the photographer arrives, a quick walkthrough can make all the difference:

• Turn on all the lights in the home

• Turn off TVs, fans, and computer screens

• Open blinds and curtains for maximum natural light

• Smooth bedding, fold blankets, and tuck away last-minute clutter

These simple steps help the home look bright, fresh, and welcoming on camera.

6. Share Your Must-Have Shots 📝

As the Realtor, you know what sells. Don’t be shy about communicating that.

Before or during the shoot, let your photographer know:

• Key features you want highlighted: views, fireplaces, built-ins, updated kitchens, finished basements, yards, etc.

• Rooms that matter most for your marketing: kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, gathering spaces

• Any areas you’d like to minimize: storage rooms, unfinished basements, utility spaces

A good media partner will listen, adjust the shot list, and make sure your priorities are covered.

Your Partner in Utah: DMD Real Estate Photography Utah 🎯📸

At DMD Real Estate Photography Utah, we understand how important photo day is—especially when you’re building your business as a newer Realtor.

We don’t just show up, shoot, and leave. We:

• Work with the prep you and your sellers have done to show the home at its best

• Focus on lighting, angles, and details that make each space shine

• Listen carefully to your ideas, shot requests, and preferences

• Make sure your vision and marketing goals are reflected in the final photos and media

If there’s a specific angle you love, a feature you want showcased, or a style you’re going for—tell us! We make sure your requests are taken into account throughout the shoot.

Helpful Reminder for New Utah Realtors 🌈

When you:

• Guide your sellers through cleaning and decluttering,

• Encourage simple staging and better curb appeal, and

• Team up with a professional media partner like DMD Real Estate Photography Utah,

…you create stronger listings, better first impressions online, and a more professional image for your brand from day one.

Ready to Get Your Next Utah Listing Photo-Ready? 📅

If you’re a new (or experienced) Realtor in Utah and want a media partner who keeps photo day organized, collaborative, and stress-free, we’d love to work with you.

➡️ Book Your Next Shoot with DMD Real Estate Photography Utah