The 10-minute listing photo checklist before you publish

Most listings don't fail on photo quality — they fail on photo curation. Ten minutes of editing discipline before you publish is often worth more than a better camera.

Lead with the money shot

The first photo does most of the work: it's the thumbnail in search results. Use the strongest exterior (twilight if you have it) or the best living space. Never lead with a hallway, a bathroom or a floor plan.

Cut ruthlessly, order deliberately

Fifteen strong photos beat forty mixed ones. Drop near-duplicates and anything dark or crooked. Order like a viewing: exterior, living, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor space — so buyers build a mental floor plan as they scroll.

Check the details buyers notice

Straight verticals, lights on, lids down, no cars in the driveway, no reflections of the photographer. If any image is virtually staged, label it now — not after the portal or a buyer asks.

Publish everywhere the same day

Portals, your site, social — the first 48 hours are when a listing gets its burst of attention. Have the vertical video and social crops ready before the listing goes live, not a week after.