When sellers prepare for listing photos, most of the advice is about appearance.
Declutter.
Clean the counters.
Make the beds.
Open the curtains.
Those things matter.
But there is another part of photo day that deserves attention:
Privacy.
Listing Photos Travel
The photos taken for your listing may appear in more places than you realize.
They may be distributed through:
- The MLS
- Brokerage websites
- Real estate portals
- Marketing materials
- Social media
- Other websites that receive listing data
That is part of how buyers find homes.
But it also means you should think carefully about what appears in the background.
Look for Personal Information
Before the photographer arrives, walk through the house and look for anything that reveals information you would rather keep private.
That might include:
- Family photographs
- Bills
- Calendars
- School information
- Work schedules
- Computer screens
- Wi-Fi passwords
- Documents
- Prescription medication
- Keys
- Personal identification
- Anything containing account or financial information
The National Association of REALTORS® specifically advises sellers to put away personal items and visible information such as mail, calendars, computer logins, Wi-Fi passwords and sensitive documents when preparing a home for sale.
Secure Valuables Too
Photo day is also a good time to think about what will happen once showings begin.
- Jewelry
- Important documents
- Medication
- Small valuables
- Keys
- Other sensitive items
These items should be secured rather than simply moved to another visible spot.
This is not about assuming something bad will happen.
It is simply good preparation when more people will be entering the home.
Do Not Forget Screens and Reflections
Sometimes private information appears where people do not expect it.
Look at:
- Computer monitors
- Tablets
- Televisions
- Mirrors
- Glass doors
- Reflective surfaces
A photograph may capture information that was not obvious when you were standing in the room.
Photo Ready Is More Than Staging
Your listing photos should help buyers understand the property.
They do not need to document your personal life.
Before the photographer arrives, ask yourself two questions:
Does this room look ready to photograph?
And:
Is there anything in this photograph I would not want posted online?
That second question is just as important.
Photo ready should also mean privacy ready.
If you are preparing a home for the market and want to understand what actually needs attention before listing, start with Selling a Home.