Tips to Prepare your Home for Listing Photos

Preparing your home for listing photos is one of the most important steps in the selling process, as these images are the first impression for potential buyers.

Tim UrmanczyAlex Stoykov Group · Compass Chicago1 min read8 sections

Declutter

Remove personal items and excess clutter to create a clean, spacious look. Less is more when it comes to listing photos, as you want the focus to be on the space itself rather than the items in it

Kitchen Clear countertops of small appliances, utensils, and any personal items. Store away dish racks, sponges, and cleaning supplies. Organize cabinets and pantries, as buyers may want to peek inside.
Living Room Remove any unnecessary furniture to make the space look larger. Declutter shelves and coffee tables, leaving only a few decorative items such as books or a vase. Hide remote controls, magazines, and other personal items.
Primary Bedroom Keep nightstands clear except for one or two simple items like a lamp or a small plant. Make the bed with neutral bedding, and remove any personal items like photos or clothing. Ensure closets are organized, as buyers may look inside to gauge storage space.

Clean

Make sure every room is spotless, paying attention to details like windows, mirrors, and floors. A sparkling clean home is more attractive and suggests to potential buyers that the property has been well-maintained.

Depersonalize

Take down family photos and personal decorations to help buyers visualize themselves in the space. The goal is to create a neutral canvas that appeals to the widest possible audience.

Lighting

Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and turn on all lights to brighten the space. Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how rooms appear in photos, making them look more inviting and spacious.

Staging

Arrange furniture to highlight the room’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere. A well-staged room helps potential buyers understand how the space can be used and envision themselves living there.

What would a home like this cost per month?

Drag the sliders to sketch a monthly payment for a Chicago home. Estimates only, not a lending quote.

Loan term

Estimated monthly payment

$3,812

  • Principal & interest$2,781
  • Property taxes (est.)$871
  • Insurance (est.)$160

Loan amount $440,000 · Taxes and insurance are rough Cook County planning figures.

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Brokerage disclosure and market disclaimer

All data and market insights referenced herein are derived from third-party sources and public reports believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Market data is time-bound and methodology-dependent and may vary by property type, price tier, neighborhood boundaries, and sample size. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Forecasts, projections, and forward-looking statements are estimates based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All real estate brokerage services are provided by Compass, Inc., a licensed real estate broker. The Alex Stoykov Group is a team of real estate licensees sponsored by Compass, Inc. All advertising is conducted under the direct supervision of the sponsoring broker. For any property listings owned solely by a licensee, advertisements will state "broker owned" or "agent owned" as required by applicable Illinois law.

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