If you want your listing photos to attract buyers, they need to frame your home in the right light—and that might mean saying goodbye to some of your home decor prior to snapping your photos. Professional photographers and top agents agree: cluttered or oversized items can distract buyers and make rooms appear smaller or less appealing online. By decluttering strategically, you help highlight your home’s best features—like spaciousness, natural light, and beautiful flooring—encouraging more clicks, showings, and offers.

Tall vases. Tall vases can make a statement in a room—but because they’re so large, they can dominate the frame and draw attention away from the space itself. If you want to display flowers or plants in your listing photos, opt for shorter, simpler vases or small clusters that complement rather than compete with the room’s architecture and flow.

Area rugs. Area rugs may add color and character to a room, but they often make spaces feel smaller and hide the home’s original flooring. Before your photo shoot, remove small area rugs, runners, or throw mats to open up the floor plan and showcase hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl—especially if your floors are a selling point. Buyers love seeing clean, unobstructed surfaces that suggest easy maintenance.

Appliances. Obviously, you’ll want to keep major appliances—like your refrigerator and dishwasher—where they are. But if you have a variety of small appliances cluttering your counter space (toasters, blenders, coffee makers, knife blocks), clear them off and store them temporarily. Empty counters create a clean, spacious, and organized look that makes kitchens feel larger and more inviting—key for online photos where first impressions count.

The Takeaway: Bottom line? Your listing photos play a large part in your home sale—and if you want your listing photos to attract serious buyers and help you get your property sold faster and for top dollar, plan to put these items away before your photo shoot. A clean, minimalist look in photos can dramatically increase buyer interest.

We work with a professional photographer to create your best “home story” which helps us sell your home quickly and for the most money! Get in touch today and let’s start telling your home story!

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 www.HanleyHomeTeam.com