Getting ready to showcase your home to potential buyers is an exciting step, especially in a competitive real estate market like Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sturgeon County. Professional listing photos often make the difference between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market. Preparing each room carefully ensures that your home presents at its absolute best when your REALTOR® schedules the photographer.
Why Listing Photos Matter
Online listings are often the first impression that buyers have of your property. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), professional photography helps your home stand out among hundreds of listings. High-quality images highlight the property’s best features while conveying a clean, bright, and welcoming atmosphere.
General Preparation Tips
- Declutter every space. Remove unnecessary items and personal belongings so that buyers can visualize themselves in the home.
- Clean thoroughly. Even minor dust or smudges can stand out in high-resolution photos.
- Check the lighting. Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure consistent light colour temperatures throughout the home.
- Hide cords, garbage bins, and personal toiletries. Keep surfaces as clear as possible.
- Open blinds and curtains to allow in natural light — Alberta’s long summer days make this especially effective.
Prepping Each Room
Living Room
- Arrange furniture to create an open and inviting layout.
- Add small accents such as fresh flowers or neutral cushions for warmth.
- Turn off ceiling fans and televisions to avoid distractions in photos.
Kitchen
- Clear countertops completely — limit them to one or two stylish items like a fruit bowl.
- Remove fridge magnets and personal notes.
- Polish appliances and sink fixtures until they shine.
Bedrooms
- Make the beds neatly with neutral, wrinkle-free linens.
- Store away laundry baskets and personal items.
- Keep décor simple and serene to appeal to a broad audience.
Bathrooms
- Remove all personal toiletries from counters and shower areas.
- Use fresh, colour-coordinated towels.
- Close the toilet lid and ensure mirrors are spotless.
Outdoor Areas
- Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clear debris.
- Arrange patio furniture neatly.
- Consider adding a seasonal touch, like a planter with flowers common in Alberta’s climate.
Working With Your REALTOR®
Your Edmonton or St. Albert REALTOR® can provide local expertise and guidance on what buyers in the Alberta real estate market are seeking. They may also suggest specific staging or lighting adjustments before photos. Many agents collaborate with photographers who understand the nuances of presenting homes in our northern light, especially during the different seasons that define life in Alberta.
Final Thoughts
Investing time in preparing your home for listing photos pays off in stronger online appeal and, often, a quicker sale at a better price. With a little planning—and guidance from a qualified REALTOR® affiliated with CREA—you’ll be ready to make a lasting first impression on potential buyers across Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sturgeon County.
