Top 5 Mistakes Realtors Make with Listing Photos

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything. Most buyers begin their search online, and your listing photos are the first thing they see. If your images don’t capture attention, potential buyers may scroll right past — even if the property is perfect for them.

As a professional real estate photographer, I see common mistakes that cost realtors time, money, and missed opportunities. Here are the top five mistakes realtors make with listing photos — and how to avoid them.

1. Using Cell Phone Photos Instead of Professional Real Estate Photography

While smartphones take great pictures for everyday use, they fall short when it comes to real estate marketing. Wide angles, proper lighting, and post-editing are essential to make a home look its best. Low-quality photos can make rooms appear small, dark, or distorted, which can turn buyers away.

Pro Tip: Invest in professional real estate photography. High-quality images can make your listings stand out, sell faster, and even command higher offers.

2. Poor Lighting and Dark Rooms

Lighting can make or break a photo. Homes shot with natural light or professional flash setups look warm, inviting, and spacious. On the other hand, dimly lit photos can make a property feel cold and unwelcoming.

Pro Tip: Schedule shoots when natural light is at its best, or work with a photographer who uses HDR and flambient techniques to create bright, balanced images.

3. Ignoring Curb Appeal in Exterior Shots

The exterior is often the very first photo buyers see in MLS listings and real estate apps. Too often, agents upload crooked, shadowy, or unflattering exterior shots that don’t show the property’s true potential.

Pro Tip: Highlight the home’s best angles with drone photography and ensure the front yard is neat and tidy before the shoot. A strong exterior photo is your hook to get buyers clicking for more.

4. Skipping Staging or Decluttering

Even the best photographer can’t hide clutter or poor staging. Personal items, messy countertops, or oversized furniture distract buyers and prevent them from envisioning themselves in the home.

Pro Tip: Advise sellers to declutter, clean, and stage key areas before the photo session. Some photographers also offer virtual staging as an affordable alternative.

5. Not Showcasing Unique Features

Every property has something that makes it special — a gourmet kitchen, a cozy fireplace, or a backyard built for entertaining. Too often, these features get overlooked in listing photos.

Pro Tip: Make sure your real estate photographer captures the details that set the home apart. Buyers want to see lifestyle value, not just square footage.

Final Thoughts

Your listing photos are the foundation of your real estate marketing strategy. Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between a listing that sits and one that sells quickly.

If you’re ready to elevate your listings with professional real estate photos, drone shots, and custom property websites, I’d love to help. With a 24-hour turnaround, your next listing can be market-ready in no time.

👉 Order your real estate photos here