Author: Rachelle Moore

Photo editing can be a time-consuming task, so real estate agents naturally wonder whether they should outsource it.

In general, our recommendation is that they should. Photo editing is a specialist skill and those looking to sell properties can benefit tremendously from professional work.

The concern, though, is that you’ll lose control. If an editor can do whatever they want to images of a home’s interior, where does that leave you?

The purpose of this post is to guide you if you’re in this position. You’ll learn why agents are outsourcing real estate photo editing in 2025, the risks involved, how to do it so you remain in control, and some strategies for communicating your needs to editors.

Why Agents Outsource Photo Editing in 2025

Agents use real estate photo editing services for all sorts of reasons, including:

• Reducing the cost and expense of trying to edit photos in-house (perhaps with a team lacking the skills)
• Benefiting from professional expertise and know-how on ways to make real estate photos look as good as possible
• The scalability of outsourcing, especially if hundreds of images require editing
• To take advantage of AI-related trends, which can further enhance property photos while remaining true to life

High-quality photo editing has become critical for many real estate agents, simply because of the force of competition. Today, attention-grabbing and spell-binding property images are no longer optional.

The Risks of Poorly Managed Outsourcing (And How to Avoid Them)

Of course, learning how to outsource photo editing for realtors is fraught with risk. You can wind up making mistakes that ultimately undermine what you want to achieve.

Here are some of the things that can go wrong:

Data Security Risks

Sometimes, photo editors don’t operate the same online security standards as you do, meaning they could leak information. Fortunately, you can fix this issue by using encrypted file sharing systems and ensuring editors use them (but not everyone does).

Quality Problems

Another issue can be quality. Anyone can set themselves up as a photo editor and start creating images that might be less-than-ideal for your brand.

You can get around this by partnering with a provider with good reviews, known for their quality edits. Don’t pick the first option you see in Fiverr.

No Control

You can also risk losing control over the editing process when you start outsourcing editing for real estate listings to third parties. There’s a risk that the editors won’t follow your vision.

You can get around this partially by being clearer in your briefs and providing examples of what you like. However, you may simply have to try several photo editors before you get what you want.

Problems With Communication

Finally, problems with communication can derail your photo editing efforts. Even small misunderstandings can lead to serious issues. (We discuss how to resolve these problems below).

Step-by-Step: How to Outsource Photo Editing Without Losing Control

So, how do you outsource photo editing while retaining control over the process? Here’s the step-by-step process we recommend:

1.    Define Your Editing Requirements

The first step is to think carefully about the type of editing you need. Editors will often revert to default methods unless you are explicit.

As a real estate agent, this usually means making rooms bright and airy (which most editors will understand), but it is always worth spelling it out.

2.    Choose A Partner You Trust

Once you have your editing requirements written down, it’s time to pick a partner with real estate photo editing experience. You want someone who instinctively understands your requirements.

We suggest choosing Phixer as your editing partner. All you need to do is upload your images to our platform and our editors will create magazine-quality marketing materials for your listings. We also offer AI instant editing, which also delivers high-quality, instant edits with professional precision (just like what you’d get if you went to a professional editor).

3.    Establish Communication And Guidelines

If you decide to go with a professional editor, the next step is to share your brief with them, telling them what you need. You might also want to clarify guidelines by sharing some sample images, clarifying your expectations.

For communication, a professional tool like Slack is usually best. You can use email, but it’s clunky.

4.    Review The Edits

Some time after you commission the work, the editor will send the edited photos to you for review. You’ll need to look through these and then confirm whether they meet your standards.

5.    Refine And Publish

Finally, you’ll want to keep going back and forth with your editor until you’re happy with the results. As you repeat this process, you’ll figure out what works for you, what doesn’t, and how to improve it.

Communication Tips to Ensure Smooth Collaboration

Knowing how to communicate with an editor can be tricky and you won’t always get it right. So, what should you do? Here’s our guidance:

• Be precise with what you want when sending instructions to editors (i.e. “make the bathroom look brighter”)
• Set up a feedback loop so you can tell editors what you like, and what you want them to change next time
• Provide visual examples of the style you like so your editors have a template to follow

Recommended Tools for Streamlined Outsourcing

If you want to enhance your property photo editing workflow even further, it pays to use the right tools. Here’s what we recommend:

• Cloud storage, such as Dropbox or Google Drive
• A communications platform, like Zoom or Slack
• Project management software if dealing with multiple editors and properties (e.g. Trello)

Conclusion

Having read this, you should now know how to outsource real estate photos for editing and where to look for the best real estate photo editors for agents. At Phixer, we believe that AI technology is now so advanced that most real estate agents can benefit from using our instant AI editing tool and avoiding a lot of the hassle outlined above.

Whether you are a property owner, real estate developer or agent, making small rooms look bigger in photos is often essential. The roomier they appear, the more likely buyers and guests will show interest. 

The key to making small spaces look bigger is to know the editing techniques that the pros use. Once you understand how to make small rooms look bigger in photos, you can apply it to all your properties, today and in the future. 

So, which techniques work? Here’s our top five photo editing tips for small rooms:

1. Use A Wide Angle Lens

Pexels – CC0 License

Your top priority is to use a wide-angle lens. These allow you to capture more of the room in one shot, giving it the impression of size (and making it feel less closed-off). 

Wide angle lenses are available for most DSLRs and broaden the light coming into the lens from the sides. The camera then processes this information, allowing it to expand the boundaries of the room and create more depth. 

However, you need to be careful when using a wide-angled lens. Distortion around the edges can make rooms appear unrealistic because of the excessive bending of straight lines. Therefore, keep the wideness of the angle within the envelope of what the image will allow. 

2. Use The Rule Of Thirds

Real estate photo editing for small spaces should also make proper use of the rule of thirds. Segmenting rooms into three equal shares adds balance and makes even the smallest spaces look functional and useful. 

The best way to apply the rule of thirds in most rooms is to pick a key feature and build the rest of the image around that. For example, you could focus the shot on the kitchen island in the lower and middle thirds, and then use the sides or the top of the image to capture the remainder of the kitchen. 

Applying the rule of thirds unconsciously can take time, but most cameras have a grid overlay function. This feature overlays the image with lines divided into thirds, showing you the location of all the objects in your room relative to the shot. 

3. Leverage Height

Pexels – CC0 License

Another way to make a small space appear larger is to take your shots from elevation. Shooting rooms from higher angles gives the impression of size (since most people aren’t accustomed to viewing rooms at these angles).

High angles work well in storage spaces, for example. Taking shots from above gives you a better vantage point and lets you show buyers and clients the functional or practical layout of the room. 

High angles also allow you to show the full expanse of the floor. This detail is often missing from conventional real estate photos, but could sway their decision one way or another. 

To capture more of the room in a single frame, use a step ladder. Make sure it is sturdy and you can hold the camera motionless while you take snaps. 

4. Use Leading Lines

Pexels – CC0 License

If you want to make a room look longer, you could also try using leading lines. These work by drawing the eye in one direction, creating a path through the room. 

For example, you could use a kitchen counter as the “leading line” and then use a rule-of-thirds shot where the edge of the counter creates a sense of distance and depth (even if the kitchen is shallow). You can also do the same with furniture in the living room, even if the outline isn’t perfectly straight. Even regular floor patterns can work sometimes (especially if you have fishbone wood flooring or tiles). 

Some real estate developers use architectural features in the doorways and window frames to provide additional leading lines. These work best in period properties with striking features and entryways. 

5. Use Vignetting

Finally, you could explore vignetting to make small spaces look roomier. Adding elements, like the sky, can extend perceived space and roominess. 

You often see real estate agents performing this trick on balconies where physical space is limited. Emphasizing the surrounding environment makes the available space feel larger. Another approach is to take exterior shots of rooms with the doors or windows open to increase the implied square footage — an option for garden rooms and conservatories with bi-folding doors. 

Conclusion

These techniques should provide you with a solid basis for using photos to make small rooms look larger. The more you get used to incorporating them, the more attractive properties and rentals will become to your audience. 

Introduction

A growing number of buyers view property listings online. Data from the National Association of Realtors suggests that over 40% of US homebuyers started their search for a new property by visiting websites and perusing online listings in 2023. Viewing images is one of the most influential aspects of the buyer journey. 

Studies show that prospective buyers spend around 60% of their time looking through photographs compared to just 20% reading the property description (source). This information is key when you consider that professional real estate photo editing can increase property value perception by up to 20%. 

Getting the images right can make the difference between impressing clients and closing a deal, and failing to secure even a viewing. In this guide, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of real estate photo editing services.

What is Real Estate Photo Enhancement?

Images play a pivotal role in influencing perceptions and creating impressions of properties. Whether you’re building an online listing or a glossy brochure, including professional, high-quality, relevant images can help you boost lead creation and encourage prospective buyers to arrange a viewing, take a virtual tour or contact your real estate agency. 

Real estate photo enhancement involves using cutting-edge technology to improve the quality and clarity of photographs and video footage. The aim is to optimize the chances of selling properties by showcasing them in their best possible light. 

Professional photo editing for real estate agents, sellers, and photographers covers a wide range of services, including photo galleries, virtual twilight, video editing, and virtual staging. 

What Are the Benefits of Real Estate Photo Editing?

There are several benefits of real estate photo editing. Key advantages include:

1. Increased value perception

One of the most significant benefits of real estate photo enhancement is how edited photos affect property value. A large-scale study by AXA revealed that buyers estimated the asking price of a property at 21% higher when comparing professional and basic images of the same home. 

2. Selling properties faster

‘Does photo editing help sell homes faster?’ is a common question posed by vendors and real estate agents. The answer, according to research from Redfin, is yes. On average, homes that are marketed using professional real estate photo editing services sell 32% faster. 

3. Achieving higher sales prices

Studies indicate that using professional images for real estate not only increases value perception and the speed of sales, but it also boosts sales prices. An analysis of over 200,000 listings by VHT revealed homes with professional photographs sold for over 30% more than those with basic images. Asking prices can be up to 47% higher. 

4. Generating more interest

It’s not always easy to make a property stand out or attract attention, especially if the market is slow, demand is low, or there are multiple similar homes up for sale in the area. One of the key reasons to invest in professional real estate editing is to generate more interest and make your listings catch the eyes of interested buyers. Listings that feature professional-grade photography can increase views by over 115% (source). 

5. Attracting buyers

The vast majority of buyers consider images important when viewing listings and online brochures. Almost 80% of buyers would be less interested in viewing a property if the listing featured poor-quality or unattractive photographs (source). 

6. Maintaining authenticity

Real estate photo enhancement is designed to make images look more appealing and attractive to engage buyers and create a positive impression. The best professional real estate photo editing services achieve this goal while maintaining authenticity. One of the main risks of using services is creating gaps between real life and online galleries. As an agent or property owner, you don’t want to present a home that looks completely different, causing buyers to be underwhelmed or disappointed when they visit. 

The Phixer Difference: Making Your Listings Stand Out

Phixer specializes in real estate photo editing and enhancement to make your listings stand out and shine. Utilizing cutting-edge techniques and tools, Phixer optimizes photographs to create stunning image galleries and generate high-quality leads. 

The image below demonstrates the incredible impact of subtle, authentic real estate photo enhancement services:

Summary

Data suggests professional photo editing can increase property value perception by up to 20%, but that isn’t the only benefit of real estate photo enhancement. Professional photo editing for real estate agents and owners can increase listing views, boost asking and sales prices, and help agents and vendors sell properties faster.

If you’d like to learn more about the amazing advantages of real estate image editing, contact the friendly, experienced Phixer sales team today.

In the world of real estate, first impressions are everything. They are also quite often the deciding factor in whether your property sells. With the increase of digital platforms for property listings, images have become an essential tool in accelerating sales too. Professional, high-quality images can impact how your property is perceived. Here, we are going to explore the role that image quality plays, and why it is so important that you invest in photo editing when trying to sell your home.

The Power of Appeal

Humans are visual creatures. The brain can process an image 60,000 times faster than text. It’s not hard to see why visual content is so important, and powerful when it comes to making decisions. In the world of real estate, images are often the first interaction that people have with your property as well. A listing’s photos are, in essence, the very first impression that a property is going to make. If you do not use professional images, or if you don’t edit your images properly then you risk your home being overlooked. This is especially the case when you are competing with other properties that have high-resolution, professional images. 

Quality images help to highlight a property’s appealing features, and it also helps to make your rooms look way more spacious, and brighter. It also goes a long way when it comes to making it look more inviting overall. Whether you have a modern kitchen, or have used quality materials when renovating your property, in a competitive market, things like this are critical if you want to catch the eye of a prospective buyer.

Increased Engagement

The digital age has helped to transform the way that properties are both bought and sold. Properties with higher-quality images tend to stand out in the search results. If you use blurry or low-quality images, or if your images are dark and out of focus then this will work against you. A well-lit and crisp photo will make your property more clickable, which translates to more interest and more potential offers. Quality images also help to drive more traffic to your listing.

Enhancing Perceived Value

Quality photos can enhance the value of your property. A well-executed photograph gives the impression that a seller really cares about their home, and it also shows that they want to display it in the best possible light. It indicates professionalism and it also shows attention-to-detail as well. A home that looks cared for and stylish in photos can be seen as a higher-value home overall, even if it has similar characteristics to several other homes on the market. Professionally-edited images can also help to correct imperfections and distractions that might end up reducing the appeal of your home. If you have a photo edited to remove clutter or if you raise the brightness of a photo then this can make the room appear bigger. By creating polished images and by taking the time to make sure that your property is positioned as being desirable, you can help to ensure that it fetches a premium price on the market.

Expediting the Process

Property buyers often find that they are pressed for time and as a result of this, they evaluate photos to make sure that a property is worth looking around. When browsing a listing online, buyers may spend a few seconds on every photo before they move on to the next. This means that you only have a few seconds to capture someone;’s attention overall. In a lot of cases, buyers form their opinions based on photos alone. If an image helps to convey a sense of style, spaciousness, and warmth then they are much more likely to schedule a viewing. Conversely, if you have a poorly-taken photo or if you have one that doesn’t look professional then this can lead to a lot of misconceptions. For example, if you have a blurry or dimly-lit photo then this will make your home appear smaller or less inviting overall, which is the last thing you need when you are trying to generate interest.

Increased Trust

In the world of real estate, it’s important to know that trust is everything. Buyers have to feel confident that they are making a sound investment. Quality photos and images can go a long way when it comes to establishing credibility. It also helps to demonstrate that a seller is serious about their property and that they want to present it in the best possible way. When you look at the flip side, amateur photos often appear untrustworthy and they also indicate that the seller is cutting corners, or not paying attention to detail. In a market where buyers have access to a plethora of listings, it’s very easy to ignore a property that has poor photographs.

Emotional Appeal

Another thing you need to consider is emotional appeal. Real estate photography isn’t just about evoking an emotional response. It is also about showcasing a home that a buyer can imagine themselves in. You also want to try and create a sense of attachment and desire if you can. Images that have been professionally edited can help with this. You can adjust the colors, lighting, and more to evoke a sense of warmth. When buyers feel as though they can connect to a property emotionally, you can help to create a sense of home, with visual imagery being a powerful tool when it comes to selling your home.

In some cases, properties may be outdated or empty. This results in them being less visually appealing. Virtual staging can play a huge role here, and it is a great way for you to elevate your property beyond photo editing. With that said, for most properties, photo editing is one of the best ways for you to not only increase your chances of making a sale but to also make sure that you are not overlooking small details that make a big difference.

First impressions matter in real estate. When potential buyers browse listings online, they make split-second decisions based on photos. Cluttered spaces with personal items, excess furniture, or distracting objects can make even beautiful homes look small, messy, and unappealing.

Object removal techniques can transform cluttered real estate photos into clean, attractive images that showcase a property’s true potential. Professional digital object removal services eliminate everything from furniture and personal items to temporary eyesores like garbage bins or parked cars. This simple enhancement can make spaces appear larger, brighter, and more inviting.

We’ve seen properties that struggled to attract interest suddenly generate multiple showings after updating listings with decluttered photos. The investment in professional photo editing pays off through faster sales and potentially higher offers, as buyers can better visualize themselves in the clean, spacious environments they see online.

Key Takeaways

• Professional object removal in real estate photography makes spaces appear larger, cleaner, and more appealing to potential buyers.
• Removing distracting elements from photos helps buyers focus on a property’s best features rather than its temporary flaws.
• Properly edited real estate photos can lead to increased buyer interest, more showings, and potentially faster sales at better prices.

The Importance of Professional Real Estate Photography

In today’s competitive real estate market, the quality of listing photos directly impacts buyer interest and selling speed. Professional photography showcases properties in their best light and creates a strong first impression.

Benefits of High-Quality Images in Listings

High-quality real estate photos attract significantly more views online compared to listings with amateur photography. According to industry data, homes with professional photographs sell faster and for higher prices than those without.

Professional images help potential buyers form an emotional connection with properties before they even visit. These photos highlight a home’s best features while minimizing distractions.

When buyers browse multiple listings, professional photography helps your property stand out from competitors. Clear, well-lit images signal to buyers that the property is well-maintained and valuable.

Professional photographers understand how to use lighting, angles, and composition to make spaces appear larger and more inviting. They can emphasize important selling points while downplaying less appealing aspects.

The Role of a Real Estate Agent in Photo Preparation

We believe real estate agents play a crucial role in preparing properties for professional photography. A good agent will advise sellers on decluttering and staging before the photographer arrives.

Agents should create a comprehensive shot list highlighting the property’s key selling points. This ensures no important features are missed during the photography session.

Experienced agents understand which items should be removed or rearranged to improve visual appeal. They can guide homeowners on how to prepare each room for maximum impact.

When physical decluttering isn’t possible, agents can arrange for virtual decluttering and object removal services. These digital solutions can transform cluttered spaces into clean, attractive images.

The best agents maintain relationships with professional photographers who specialize in real estate. This collaboration ensures consistent, high-quality results for every listing.

Staging and Decluttering Home Interiors

Proper staging and decluttering transform ordinary real estate photos into compelling visual stories that attract potential buyers. These techniques help showcase a property’s best features while creating spaces that feel welcoming and full of possibility.

Decluttering Techniques for a Clean Look

Removing personal items is essential for creating neutral spaces where buyers can envision themselves living. Family photos, collections, and personalized décor should be the first items to go. We recommend focusing on creating a professional and clean look in your real estate photos.

For physical decluttering, follow these steps:

• Remove excess furniture to make rooms appear larger
• Clear countertops in kitchens and bathrooms
• Organize bookshelves and display only a few decorative items
• Hide cables and electronics for a cleaner appearance

For digital decluttering, object removal techniques can eliminate items that couldn’t be physically removed before the photoshoot. This includes distracting elements like trash bins, pet items, or excessive décor.

Essentials of Effective Home Staging

Home staging goes beyond decluttering to actively arrange spaces for maximum appeal. We focus on creating balanced compositions that highlight a property’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses.

Key staging principles include:

• Furniture arrangement that improves flow and showcases room functionality
• Strategic lighting to create warmth and highlight architectural features
• Neutral color schemes with selective accent pieces
• Appropriate scale of furniture and décor for each space

Virtual staging offers a cost-effective alternative to physical staging, allowing empty or poorly furnished spaces to be transformed digitally. This technique helps buyers imagine what the home could look like with their own furnishings.

For quick digital transformations, AI decluttering tools can remove unwanted items from photos in seconds, making even furnished rooms appear clean and inviting.

Object Removal and Its Effect on Perception

The way potential buyers perceive a property is heavily influenced by the visual presentation of real estate photos. Object removal techniques can transform cluttered spaces into clean, appealing environments that help viewers imagine themselves living there.

The Process of Item Removal for Clearer Spaces

We start by identifying distracting elements in the photo that detract from the property’s appeal. Common items we remove include personal belongings, excess furniture, wall fixtures, and unsightly objects like garbage bins or cords.

Professional editors use advanced software tools to carefully erase these elements while maintaining the natural look of the space. This isn’t simply deleting objects—it requires skillful reconstruction of what would appear behind them.

The goal is to create cleaner and more visually appealing images that showcase the property’s best features. When done correctly, object removal makes rooms appear larger, brighter, and more inviting.

Before-and-after comparisons often show dramatic improvements in how spaces are perceived. A cluttered living room can transform into an elegant, spacious area that highlights architectural features and selling points.

Ethical Considerations in Photo Editing

While enhancing real estate photos through object removal is effective, we must balance improvements with honest representation. The line between enhancement and misrepresentation requires careful navigation.

Acceptable editing practices:

• Removing temporary objects (toys, laundry baskets)
• Eliminating seasonal items (holiday decorations)
• Erasing cords, small wall marks, or minor blemishes

Questionable practices:

• Removing permanent fixtures or structural elements
• Digitally repairing significant damage
• Making rooms appear substantially larger than reality

We believe buyers deserve accurate representations of properties while still seeing them in their best light. Transparency about editing is key to maintaining trust in the real estate marketplace.

The goal should always be to help buyers visualize potential, not to hide flaws they’ll discover during viewings. This balanced approach increases perceived value without crossing ethical boundaries.

Maximizing Natural Light and Lighting Techniques

Lighting makes all the difference in real estate photography, transforming ordinary spaces into appealing, welcoming environments. Proper light management can make rooms appear larger, highlight architectural features, and create an inviting atmosphere.

Incorporating Natural Light for Enhanced Photos

Natural light is the best friend of real estate photography. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes properties more appealing to potential buyers. To maximize natural light, we recommend removing distractions that block windows or cast unwanted shadows.

Clean windows are essential for letting in maximum light. Ensuring windows are free of smudges will allow natural light to flood the space beautifully. This simple step can dramatically improve photo quality.

For best results, schedule photo shoots during the “golden hours” – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This timing provides soft, flattering light that minimizes harsh shadows and creates a warm glow throughout the property.

Position furniture to allow light flow rather than blocking it. This strategic arrangement enhances the perception of space and brightness in your photos.

Artificial Lighting Solutions for Even Exposure

When natural light isn’t sufficient, artificial lighting becomes crucial. Poor lighting cannot be completely fixed in editing, so getting it right during the photoshoot is essential.

We recommend using a combination of these techniques:

• Flash diffusers: Soften direct flash to prevent harsh shadows
• Portable LED panels: Provide even, controllable light in dark corners
• Multiple light sources: Create balanced illumination throughout the space

Light layering is particularly effective for interior shots. This involves using different light sources at varying heights to eliminate shadows and create depth.

For rooms with mixed lighting (natural and artificial), use color temperature balancing tools. This prevents the orange or blue color casts that make properties look uninviting or institutional.

Enhancing Curb Appeal Through Photography

The exterior of a property creates the first impression for potential buyers. With effective photography techniques, we can transform ordinary property exteriors into striking images that attract more interest and possibly higher offers.

Strategies for Capturing Attractive Exteriors

When photographing property exteriors, timing is crucial. The golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides soft, flattering light that enhances visual appeal of any property.

We recommend using a wide-angle lens to capture the entire facade while maintaining proper perspective. This gives potential buyers a comprehensive view of what they’re considering.

Object removal plays a vital role in exterior photography. Garbage bins, parked cars, utility boxes, and seasonal decorations can be digitally removed to create cleaner, more appealing images.

Sky replacement is another powerful technique. A bright blue sky or dramatic sunset can dramatically improve a property’s curb appeal, even if the weather wasn’t cooperative on shooting day.

Proper exterior editing techniques should also include lawn enhancement, fixing patchy grass, and ensuring vibrant landscaping colors that make the property stand out from competitors.

The Final Touches: Cleaning and Decor

Beyond digital item removal, physical preparation of spaces creates the foundation for stunning real estate photography. Proper cleaning and strategic decor placement work together to showcase a property’s best features.

Cleaning Best Practices for Immaculate Spaces

When preparing for real estate photos, a spotless environment is non-negotiable. A clean, clutter-free kitchen makes a big difference in how spacious a property appears. We recommend starting with a deep clean of all surfaces, particularly in high-value areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Windows should be crystal clear, as smudges become highly visible in professional photography. Floor cleaning is essential—vacuum carpets and mop hard surfaces until they shine.

Pay special attention to these often-missed spots:

• Ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Baseboards and trim
• Appliance exteriors
• Shower doors and mirrors

Remember to empty all trash bins before the photo session. Even small details like organizing cables or removing pet items can significantly improve the final image quality.

Selecting Decor to Complement Real Estate Imagery

Strategic decor can elevate real estate photos from good to exceptional. We suggest using minimal, tasteful decorative elements that add warmth without overwhelming the space. Object removal services help enhance visual appeal, but starting with thoughtful decor makes this process easier.

Fresh flowers or simple green plants add life to sterile spaces. Consider these proven decor approaches:

Do:

• Use neutral artwork that complements wall colors
• Place a few coordinated throw pillows on sofas
• Add a single decorative bowl or vase as a focal point

Don’t:

• Overcrowd surfaces with personal items
• Use bold patterns that distract from architectural features
• Display controversial or taste-specific decorations

Balance is key—we want just enough decor to make spaces feel inviting but clean enough that potential buyers can see every aspect of the house without distractions.

Advanced Marketing Techniques

Modern real estate marketing goes beyond simple object removal. These digital enhancements create powerful visual experiences that connect with potential buyers on an emotional level and drive faster sales at better prices.

The Impact of Virtual Staging on Buyer Interest

Virtual staging transforms empty or cluttered spaces into beautifully decorated rooms that help buyers envision themselves living there. This technique costs 90% less than traditional staging while achieving similar results.

We’ve found that virtually staged listings receive up to 40% more inquiries than those showing empty rooms. The investment typically ranges from $25-75 per photo but can increase offer prices by 1-5%.

Key benefits include:

• Flexibility to show multiple design styles for the same space
• Speed with 24-48 hour turnaround times
• Cost-effectiveness compared to physical staging

Virtual staging works best when combined with item removal to first create a clean canvas. This two-step process highlights architectural features while adding emotional appeal.

Creating a Compelling Virtual Tour Experience

Digital decluttering enhances virtual tours by removing visual distractions and creating seamless experiences. High-quality tours require pristine spaces where buyers can focus on the property’s features.

We recommend including these elements in your virtual tours:

1. Interactive hotspots highlighting special features
2. Measurement tools for furniture planning
3. Natural lighting enhanced through editing

Tours that incorporate decluttered images keep viewers engaged 5-7 times longer than standard photo galleries. This increased engagement translates directly to more in-person showings.

Remember that consistency matters. Each space should maintain the same level of cleanliness and enhancement throughout the tour to maintain professional credibility.

The Impact on the Real Estate Market

In today’s competitive real estate market, the quality of property images directly affects buyer interest and sales outcomes. Clean, decluttered photos have become a crucial marketing tool that influences property perceptions and purchase decisions.

How Improved Photography Influences Sales

Properties with professionally edited photos where distracting objects have been removed sell faster and often at higher prices. When potential buyers browse listings online, their first impression comes from photos. Clean, decluttered images make spaces appear larger and more inviting.

We’ve observed that homes with decluttered photography receive:

• More initial inquiries (up to 61% more online views)
• Shorter time on market (typically 32% faster sales)
• Higher final sale prices (3-5% premium on average)

The removal of distracting items enhances visual appeal and helps buyers envision themselves in the space. This psychological connection is crucial for moving prospects from casual browsers to serious buyers.

Trends and Expectations Among Modern Realtors

Today’s successful realtors recognize that object removal in property photos is no longer optional—it’s expected. The standard for listing photos has risen dramatically in recent years.

Current trends among top-performing agents include:

1. Comprehensive editing packages that include decluttering, color correction, and virtual staging
2. Consistent visual branding across all listings
3. Regular training on latest photo enhancement technologies

Most buyers now expect to see pristine, magazine-quality images when shopping for homes. We’ve found that 92% of realtors report that clients specifically comment on photo quality during property discussions.

Poor execution of item removal can backfire, creating unnatural-looking spaces. This highlights why many agents now partner with professional editing services rather than attempting amateur edits.

Conclusion

Object removal in real estate photography is a game-changer for property marketing. We’ve seen how removing distractions can transform ordinary listings into compelling visual stories that attract more potential buyers.

Professional editing services make removing distracting objects accessible to all real estate professionals. The investment in decluttering photos typically pays for itself through faster sales and higher property values.

Remember these key benefits:

• Enhanced visual appeal – Cleaner photos create stronger first impressions
• Highlighted property features – Removal of clutter draws attention to selling points
• Emotional connection – Decluttered spaces help viewers envision themselves in the home

In competitive markets, every advantage matters. We encourage incorporating object removal as a standard practice in your real estate marketing strategy.

The best approach combines thoughtful physical staging with strategic digital decluttering. This dual method ensures your properties shine online and in-person.

As technology advances, we expect even more sophisticated tools for property presentation. Staying current with these developments will keep your listings ahead of the competition.

Clean, decluttered images aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential in today’s digital-first real estate market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Object removal and decluttering are essential aspects of real estate photo editing that significantly impact property marketing. These common questions address the technical and ethical considerations involved in preparing professional real estate imagery.

What are the benefits of decluttering real estate photos for property listings?

Decluttering real estate photos helps properties appear more spacious and attractive to potential buyers. When we remove distractions, we draw attention to the home’s best features rather than personal items or mess.

Cluttered images make properties look smaller and less desirable. By eliminating visual noise, we create an inviting atmosphere that allows buyers to envision themselves in the space.

Professional photo decluttering also helps properties stand out in online listings where first impressions happen in seconds. Clean, uncluttered images typically result in more inquiries and faster sales.

What techniques are used by professionals to remove unwanted objects from property photos?

We use advanced photo editing software with specialized tools like clone stamping, content-aware fill, and patch tools to remove unwanted objects. These techniques allow us to replace distracting elements with appropriate background textures.

For larger objects like furniture, we carefully rebuild the background while maintaining proper perspective and lighting. Some edits require layering techniques to ensure natural-looking results.

Professional editors often create custom brushes that mimic textures of walls, floors, and ceilings for seamless object removal. The goal is always to make edits undetectable to viewers.

How can decluttering a space visually affect the potential buyer’s perception?

Decluttered spaces appear larger, brighter, and more valuable to potential buyers. When we remove distractions, buyers can focus on architectural features and the property’s potential rather than current occupants’ belongings.

Removing distracting features can increase a home’s perceived value. Studies show that decluttered spaces create emotional connections with buyers who can more easily imagine their own possessions in the space.

Clean, organized photographs also suggest the property has been well-maintained, which builds buyer confidence. This subtle psychological effect can significantly impact purchasing decisions.

Can object removal in real estate photos be considered misleading to potential buyers?

We follow ethical guidelines that differentiate between enhancement and misrepresentation. Removing temporary objects like clutter, vehicles, or garbage cans is generally considered acceptable enhancement.

However, permanently removing structural flaws, cracks, water damage, or other property defects crosses into misleading territory. Most real estate photography ethics codes require disclosure of significant alterations.

The industry standard is to present the property in its best light while maintaining honesty about its fundamental condition. Different regions may have specific regulations regarding what constitutes misleading real estate imagery.

What software tools are commonly used for cleaning up real estate imagery?

Adobe Photoshop remains the industry standard for professional real estate photo editing with its comprehensive tools for object removal and image enhancement. Lightroom is often used for initial adjustments and batch processing.

Specialized real estate editing software like Phixer offer streamlined workflows for common editing tasks. These platforms often include templates and presets specifically designed for property photos.

For teams with multiple editors, cloud-based solutions with collaboration features help maintain consistency across property listings. Many professionals use a combination of tools depending on the complexity of the edits required.

How does the process of virtual staging differ from object removal in real estate photography?

Object removal focuses on eliminating unwanted items from existing photos, while virtual staging adds furniture and décor to empty spaces. Both techniques help buyers visualize a property’s potential.

In virtual staging, we digitally insert realistic 3D furniture models into vacant rooms after removing any existing items. This process requires careful attention to scale, perspective, and lighting to create convincing results.

While object removal typically aims to enhance what’s already present, virtual staging completely transforms empty spaces into lifestyle vignettes. Both techniques serve different purposes in the real estate marketing toolkit.