Before Photo Day: A Simple Prep Guide for New Alaska Realtors 🏡✨
As a new Realtor, one of the easiest ways to make your listings stand out is to prep the home before the photographer arrives. Even the best camera and the best angles can’t fully fix a home that looks cluttered, dark, or unfinished.
Think of photo day as your listing’s big debut. The better the property looks in person, the better it will look online—and the more buyers you’ll attract.
Below is a simple, beginner-friendly guide you can share with your sellers (or use yourself) to get every home photo-ready.
1. Start with a Thorough Clean 🧼
A clean home instantly looks more valuable in photos.
Encourage your sellers to:
Wipe down countertops, tables, and visible surfaces
Vacuum and mop floors
Clean mirrors and windows (streaks really show in photos!)
Empty trash cans
Remove personal items from bathroom counters (toothbrushes, razors, products, etc.)
Tip: Tell your clients, “If it looks messy in real life, it will look even messier in photos.”
2. Declutter Like You’re Moving Tomorrow 📦
Clutter is one of the biggest things that can distract buyers when they’re looking at photos online.
Have sellers:
Clear off kitchen and bathroom counters (keep only a few simple, neutral items)
Remove extra décor, knickknacks, and stacks of papers
Hide toys, pet items, and laundry baskets
Minimize items on nightstands and dressers
Less “stuff” = more focus on the space, not the belongings.
3. Simple Staging Goes a Long Way 🛋️
You don’t always need a full staging company to make a home feel inviting. Sometimes small adjustments are enough:
Straighten pillows and throws on sofas and beds
Use neutral, clean bedding (wrinkle-free if possible)
Add a simple centerpiece to the dining table
Make sure chairs are aligned and rugs are flat
Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light
The goal is to make each room look balanced, welcoming, and easy to imagine living in.
4. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal 🌲
Online buyers notice the exterior first, so help your sellers give it some love:
Sweep the porch and walkways
Remove clutter (hoses, tools, lawn equipment, extra decor)
Close garage doors
Park cars away from the driveway if possible
Straighten doormats and tidy up outdoor furniture
For winter in Alaska, make sure paths and steps are safely cleared—this helps both for photos and for showings.
5. Turn the Home “Photo Ready” Before the Photographer Arrives 💡
Right before the photographer gets there, have the home set up for shooting:
Turn on all interior lights
Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens
Open blinds and curtains to bring in as much natural light as possible
Make beds, fluff pillows, and do a quick final walk-through for clutter
These little details can make a huge difference in how bright and fresh the photos look.
6. Talk About “Special Shots” With Your Photographer 📋
As a Realtor, you know what makes each property unique. Before or during the shoot, it helps to share things like:
Any features you definitely want highlighted (views, fireplaces, built-in shelves, remodeled areas, etc.)
The rooms that matter most for marketing (primary suite, kitchen, great room, etc.)
Any spaces you prefer not to focus on (unfinished areas, storage rooms, etc.)
A good real estate media team will listen, adjust, and make sure your priorities are covered.
Your Trusted Partner: DMD Real Estate Photography Alaska 📸❄️
At DMD Real Estate Photography Alaska, we know how important it is—especially for new Realtors—to feel confident on photo day. As your trusted media partner, we don’t just show up and click the shutter. We:
Help you make the most of all the prep you and your sellers have done
Capture each property in its best light
Listen to your ideas, requests, and must-have shots during the shoot
Work with you as a team so the final photos and media match your vision
If there’s a certain angle you love, a unique feature you want highlighted, or a specific shot you’ve seen elsewhere that you want to try—we want to hear it. Your input matters, and we make sure it’s accounted for during the shoot.
Final Thoughts for New Realtors 🌟
When you:
Coach your sellers on cleaning and decluttering,
Pay attention to staging and curb appeal, and
Partner with a professional media team like DMD Real Estate Photography Alaska,
…you set yourself up for stronger listing photos, more online interest, and a more professional brand from the very beginning of your career.
Ready to Get Your Next Listing Photo-Ready? 🚀
If you’re a new (or experienced!) Realtor in Alaska and want a media partner who makes photo day smooth, collaborative, and stress-free, we’re here to help.
➡️ Book Your Next Shoot with DMD Real Estate Photography Alaska
