In the fast-paced Australian property market, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Buyers are scrolling through hundreds of listings online, and often, they make a split-second decision on whether to click "enquire" based solely on the hero image.
Whether you are selling a chic apartment in South Yarra or a family home in the suburbs, the quality of your visual marketing can make or break your campaign. While hiring a professional real estate photographer Melbourne agents trust is the first step, how you prepare your home before they arrive is just as critical.
At UberRE, we want your property to shine. Use this ultimate pre-shoot checklist to ensure your home is camera-ready.
The Golden Rules of Preparation
Before diving into specific rooms, there are three universal rules for preparing any property for real estate photography services:
- Declutter Relentlessly: The camera picks up everything. Items that look fine to the naked eye (like a stack of mail or a remote control) look like "mess" in a high-definition photo.
- Let There Be Light: Open all blinds, curtains, and shutters. Turn on all interior lights, including bedside lamps and range hood lights. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Depersonalize: You want buyers to envision their life in the home, not yours. Remove family photos, personal accolades, and distinct artwork where possible.
Room-by-Room Checklist
1. The Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home and the most scrutinized room in real estate photography Melbourne listings.
- Clear the Bench: Remove all appliances (toasters, kettles, blenders). The benches should be completely empty except for perhaps one bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers.
- Fridge Magnets: Remove all magnets, calendars, and drawings from the fridge.
- The Sink: Ensure the sink is empty and shining. Remove dish racks, sponges, and detergent bottles.
- Bin: Hide the kitchen bin in the pantry or outside.
2. The Living & Dining Areas
These spaces sell the "lifestyle."
- Table Settings: A simple centrepiece is fine, but avoid fully setting the table unless it is styled by a professional.
- Cables: Hide TV cables and power cords behind furniture.
- Cushions: Plump up sofa cushions and straighten throws.
- Magazines: Stack them neatly or remove them entirely.
3. Bedrooms
- Bedding: Ensure bed linen is freshly pressed and tucked in tightly. Wrinkled sheets show up clearly in photos.
- Bedside Tables: Clear off charging cables, books, and glasses. A simple lamp is all you need.
- Under the Bed: Ensure nothing is visible peeking out from under the bed frames.
4. Bathrooms
- Toilet Lids: Always down. This is non-negotiable!
- Toiletries: Remove all shampoos, soaps, razors, and toothbrushes from the shower and vanity.
- Towels: Use matching, fresh, fluffy towels. If they look worn, it’s better to remove them completely.
- Mirrors: Windex them to ensure no streaks or splashes are visible.
5. Exterior & Curb Appeal
- Vehicles: Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
- Bins: Wheelie bins must be hidden in the garage or down the side of the house.
- Gardening: Mow the lawn, rake leaves, and coil the garden hose neatly (or hide it).
- Pool: If you have a pool, ensure it is clean and the creepy-crawly cleaner is removed from the water.
Is It Worth the Investment? Understanding Real Estate Photography Pricing
Many vendors ask us about the return on investment when booking a professional shoot. When researching real estate photography Melbourne price, it is important to look at value rather than just the bottom line.
High-quality images are statistically proven to generate more clicks on real estate portals. A listing that generates more interest generally sells faster and for a higher price. While you might find budget options, cheap photography can often make a home look dark, small, or distorted.
At UberRE, we balance premium quality with affordability. Our pricing is transparent, ensuring you know exactly what you are paying for without hidden fees. When comparing real estate photography pricing across the market, ensure you are comparing "apples with apples"—check if the service includes professional editing, blue-sky replacement, and rapid turnaround times, which are standard for us.
Choosing the Right Package for Your Property
Not every property needs the same marketing approach. A massive rural estate might need drone shots to show the boundary lines, while a city studio apartment might benefit more from a 3D Virtual Tour.
We offer a variety of real estate photography packages designed to suit different needs and budgets:
- Standard Photography: Perfect for rental listings or smaller apartments.
- Premium Packages: Ideal for sales listings, including dusk/twilight shots to add that emotional "hero" element.
- Interactive Add-ons: Floor plans, virtual tours, and aerial drone shots to give buyers a complete understanding of the property.
Ready to Get Your Property Sold?
Preparing your home using this checklist ensures that when our photographer arrives, they can focus on finding the best angles and lighting rather than moving furniture.
If you are looking for reliable, high-quality real estate photography services that enhance your brand and attract buyers, look no further.
Contact us to discuss which package is right for your listing.
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
