Your first showing happens online. In Milan and across 38358, buyers scroll fast and make snap decisions based on photos. If your images highlight space, light, land, and outbuildings clearly, you set strong expectations and earn more showings. This guide gives you a step-by-step checklist, a room-by-room plan, and local timing tips so your photographer can capture your home at its best. Let’s dive in.
Why great photos matter in Milan
High-quality photos draw more views, more showings, and often shorter days on market. In the Milan area, buyers pay close attention to lot size, exterior condition, and any outbuildings. Clear, accurate photos help buyers understand the property context and reduce wasted showings.
A little prep goes a long way. Minor repairs, deep cleaning, and smart staging are small investments that can support faster sales and stronger offers.
Plan your shoot timeline
2–4 weeks out
- Hire a professional real estate photographer or confirm the one your agent provides. Ask to see Milan or Gibson County samples.
- Choose a date with favorable weather and good light. Spring and fall often deliver the best exterior colors and landscaping.
- Schedule cleaning, landscaping, touch-up paint, and staging. Your agent can share trusted local vendors.
1 week out
- Declutter and depersonalize. Remove personal photos, knickknacks, and refrigerator magnets.
- Tackle small fixes. Tighten door hardware, touch up paint, and fix squeaks.
- Replace burned-out bulbs. Aim for consistent warm or neutral LED light throughout.
- Deep clean kitchens and baths. Make sure appliances are spotless and functioning.
1–2 days out
- Mow and edge the lawn. Freshen beds with mulch or seasonal planters.
- Clear driveways and porches. Move cars, toys, hoses, and tools out of sight.
- Remove window screens if they block views and are easy to reinstall.
- Plan for pets. Arrange boarding or a comfortable area away from the shoot.
Day-of checklist
- Exterior: Clear driveway and porch, remove small items, and turn on exterior lights.
- Interior: Open blinds and curtains, turn on all lights, and turn off ceiling fans.
- Staging: Make beds, clear countertops, and hide trash cans and pet bowls. Leave one simple accent like a bowl of fruit or a vase.
- Access: Provide secure entry instructions. If using a drone or larger crew, give neighbors a heads up.
Room-by-room prep
Front exterior and curb appeal
- Clean siding and windows if needed. Sweep porches and steps.
- Mow, trim, and weed. Add a fresh doormat and simple planters.
- Make sure house numbers are visible and tidy.
Entry and foyer
- Clear floors and surfaces. Keep one simple accent or a mirror.
- Stash shoes and coats out of sight.
Living areas
- Arrange seating in a conversational layout. Keep walkways clear.
- Remove visible cords and excess side tables.
- Reduce glare on TVs or turn them off.
Kitchen
- Clear counters to show workspace. Store small appliances.
- Leave one attractive item like a cutting board or fruit bowl.
- Empty the sink and clean all surfaces.
Dining room
- Use a simple centerpiece. Avoid full place settings.
- Pull out one chair slightly to show scale and access.
Bedrooms
- Use neutral bedding and balanced lamps.
- Remove personal items and extra furniture to open the space.
Bathrooms
- Replace towels with clean, neutral sets.
- Put toiletries away. Shine mirrors and fixtures.
- Check caulk lines and touch up if needed.
Laundry and mudroom
- Clear detergents and baskets. Tidy shelves.
- Keep floors and surfaces clean.
Garage and outbuildings
- Declutter to show storage potential.
- If you have acreage, make fencing and barns neat and visible.
Backyard and outdoor living
- Stage seating and grill areas if you have them.
- Coil hoses, remove toys, and trim plants.
Basement and attic
- Improve lighting and sweep floors.
- Remove hazards and highlight usable space.
Must-have shot list
Aim for 20 to 40 images for a typical single-family home, with more for larger properties. Ask your photographer to capture:
- Front exterior wide and angled views
- Front door or porch detail
- Backyard wide view and property context
- Outbuildings, barns, or sheds
- Kitchen wide, plus detail if needed
- Living and family rooms wide
- Dining room
- Primary bedroom and bath
- Additional bedrooms and main bath(s)
- Laundry or utility room
- Garage interior and mechanicals if noteworthy
- Unique features like a fireplace, sunroom, pool, barn, creek, or orchard
- Aerials that show lot boundaries and nearby context when appropriate
Work with your photographer
Resolution and editing
- Request high-resolution files for MLS, social media, and print.
- Expect basic edits like brightness, color balance, and lens correction.
- Avoid edits that misrepresent room size or remove permanent flaws.
Lighting and composition
- Use natural light when possible with balanced fill lighting.
- Keep bulb color temperatures consistent to avoid odd hues.
- Wide-angle lenses are useful, but rooms should look true to size.
Tours, video, and virtual staging
- Short walkthrough videos or 3D tours can help higher-priced listings or remote buyers.
- Virtual staging is a good option for vacant homes. Disclose virtual staging clearly in the listing.
Drone and aerials
- Aerials can show acreage, outbuildings, and proximity to roads or fields.
- Commercial drone use must follow FAA rules under Part 107. Confirm your operator’s credentials and insurance and avoid flying over people.
Seasonal timing tips for 38358
- Spring and fall often deliver the best exterior photos, with green lawns or warm foliage.
- In summer, schedule early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh light and to show cool, comfortable interiors.
- Overcast days can work for interiors, but consider rescheduling exteriors if curb appeal is a key selling point.
- Near farmland, show the setting clearly without implying crop cycles or tenant arrangements.
Legal and MLS basics
- Photos must accurately represent the property. Avoid edits that add features that do not exist.
- If you use virtual staging or edit out personal items, follow local MLS rules for disclosure.
- Be mindful of neighbors’ privacy. Avoid close-ups of neighboring properties or identifiable people without consent.
- Share alarm codes or disable alarms for the shoot. Make any unsafe areas off limits.
Local help and ballpark costs
- Who to hire: real estate photographer, home stager, professional cleaner, landscaper, and a handyman for quick fixes.
- How to find them: ask your listing agent for vetted local pros, and check community groups or online reviews.
- Typical ranges: photographers often charge 150 to 500 dollars depending on package and image count. Drone, video, or 3D tours add to the fee. Cleaning, landscaping, and staging vary by scope, so get local quotes.
Ready to list with confidence?
Great photos start with smart prep and a plan that fits Milan buyers. If you want a customized checklist and hands-on coordination with trusted local vendors, reach out. With design-forward staging and a curated marketing plan, your home can shine from the first click to the final showing. Connect with Amy McLemore to Request a Free Home Valuation and get your photo day on the calendar.
FAQs
How many listing photos should I include for a Milan home?
- Aim for 20 to 40 images that cover all main rooms, exteriors, and property context, with more for larger lots or multiple outbuildings.
What time of day is best for exterior photos in Gibson County?
- Early morning or late afternoon offers warm, flattering light, though mid-morning can help avoid long shadows on the front yard when needed.
Do I need a permit for drone photos of my property?
- Your drone pilot must follow FAA Part 107 rules for commercial flights; local permits are rarely needed for small shoots, but avoid flying over people and near airports.
Is virtual staging a good idea for a vacant Milan listing?
- Yes, it is cost-effective to help buyers visualize space, but you should disclose virtual staging and keep images accurate.
Can professional photos improve my sale price?
- Strong photos attract more buyers and can support better offers; while not guaranteed, quality visuals often shorten time on market and improve outcomes.
