Is Your Listing Photoshoot-Ready? 7 Overlooked Details That Matter in Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles County, most buyers won’t step foot in your home before scrolling through your photos. That’s just how it is these days.

Since that first impression happens online, getting your home ready for listing photos is just as crucial as prepping for an in-person showing—if not more so.

Even homes that are spotless and well-kept in person can fall flat in photos. The camera picks up on details you might overlook in daily life. Think cords, shadows, and floor clutter. It’s all amplified.

Here are seven often-overlooked details we help sellers fine-tune before a professional shoot, along with a few quick tips to ensure your home shines clearly, cleanly, and confidently online.

1. Lighting: Don’t Assume It Looks as Good on Camera

A room can feel bright and airy in person but still appear dark in photos. Cameras interpret light differently than our eyes do. Without the right lighting, even beautifully updated spaces can seem flat and lifeless in your images.

What to do:

• Open all curtains and blinds, even in less-frequented spaces like the laundry room or garage.
• Turn on all the lights—overheads, lamps, and even closet fixtures.
• Replace any dim or burned-out bulbs, and aim for a consistent color temperature (ideally a daylight tone around 4000K–5000K).

Even lighting creates clearer, more inviting images. It’s a small adjustment that can make a significant difference.

2. Decluttering Isn’t the Same as Depersonalizing

Cleaning up is a great first step. But for photos, you want to go a step further: remove anything too personal, specific, or overly attention-grabbing. The goal isn’t to make your home look empty—it’s to help buyers envision themselves living there.

What we suggest:

• Take down family photos, name signs, and anything with faces or text.
• Clear off counters, desktops, and nightstands. One or two neutral items are fine, but keep it simple.
• Remove anything that distracts from the room itself—fridge magnets, vision boards, mail piles, or kids’ artwork.

Buyers don’t need to see who lives in the home. They need space to imagine that it could be theirs.

3. Look Down: Floor Clutter Shows Up in Every Shot

What’s on the floor will be in the photos. That includes pet beds, extra chairs, baskets, toys, and small rugs. These items may be useful in daily life, but in pictures, they add visual noise and can make the space feel smaller.

What helps:

• Stow away anything on the floor that doesn’t absolutely need to be there.
• Remove throw rugs unless they’re clean-lined and help define the space.

This is especially important in high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Clear floors help rooms feel more open, which is crucial in a competitive market like Los Angeles.

4. Cords: They’re Always More Noticeable Than You Think

Cords and cables rarely register in person—but the camera always catches them. They tend to look messy and can disrupt the clean lines of a well-staged space.

To fix:

• Unplug and remove device chargers, power strips, and extension cords wherever possible.
• Tuck lamp and TV cords behind furniture or use cord clips to keep them neat.
• Hide routers, remotes, and speakers if they don’t add visual value to the room.

A clean wall and a clear outlet almost always look better in photos.

5. Bathrooms: Small Space, Big Impact

Bathrooms can be one of the most high-impact areas in your photos—but only if they’re photo-ready. Any clutter or grime shows up immediately, which can be a deal-breaker for buyers.

Here’s what to do before the photographer arrives:

• Remove all toiletries and personal items from counters and showers.
• Close toilet lids and hide trash bins and toilet brushes.
• Use clean, matching towels and remove bath mats unless they’re spotless.
• Wipe down all reflective surfaces like mirrors and chrome fixtures.

Buyers don’t expect a spa. They just want to see clean, functional spaces that feel well cared for.

6. Curb Appeal: Start Strong With the Outside

Your first photo will likely be the front of the home. That means your exterior needs to be just as ready as the inside—even if you’re not planning a big landscaping project.

You don’t need to overhaul your yard, but a little cleanup goes a long way in Los Angeles County.

Try this:

• Sweep the porch and walkways and pressure wash the driveway if you have one.
• Tidy up the lawn and trim any overgrown plants.
• Put away trash bins, hoses, tools, or toys.
• If possible, freshen up your front door, update old hardware, and add a clean doormat.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda, exterior projects offer some of the highest return on investment when selling a home. For example:

• Garage door replacements average a 194% ROI
• Steel entry doors return about 188%
• Manufactured stone veneer comes in at 153% (Zonda, 2024)

Even small, low-cost changes can make the home feel more welcoming—and create a strong first impression.

7. Windows: Keep Them Clean and Clear

This one often gets overlooked. Dirty windows may not be obvious in person, but they absolutely dull your listing photos. They cut down on natural light, blur outdoor views, and give off a dingy feel even if the rest of the room is spotless.

Before the shoot:

• Clean interior and exterior window panes.
• Remove screens if they’re bent or dusty.
• Polish any glass doors and mirrors, too.

Bonus tip: Try to do this the day before, especially if the weather’s been wet or dusty.

Final Thought: Small Fixes, Big Difference

Getting your home ready for a listing photoshoot isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making intentional choices that let your home come across clearly, confidently, and cleanly online.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Want a pre-listing walkthrough with personalized tips? Let’s schedule it. We’ll help you focus on the areas that matter most—and skip the ones that don’t.