4 Mistakes to avoid when listing your home

by Lena and Rich Benenati 05/18/2025

Mistakes to avoid when listing your home featured image

One essential part of the home selling process is how you advertise your property. Having quality photos can make or break the first perception potential homebuyers have of your property, so avoiding a few rookie mistakes can help you maintain the quality of your listing photos.  

Not taking enough photos

In the age of digital photography, you can never take too many pictures. Try to experiment with different lighting, angles and setups, and don’t shy away from taking as many photos as necessary to get the perfect shots, showcasing your beautiful property. 

Avoid close-ups

Your home should be spotlessly clean and tidy when taking photos; however, you don’t have to get a shot of every small nook and cranny. Instead, consider taking wide shots, which can help your home appear spacious and more welcoming.  

Be mindful of mirror reflections & other distractions

Even the best shot in the world can be ruined when unplanned objects or reflections of shadows appear of the photographer. These things can distract your audience from the focus of the photo, your home. Plan your angles so you don’t get any flashes, glare or reflections in your photographs. 

It’s best to take your pets out of the room or area before you start shooting photos. Remember, potential home buyers may not love your cat or dog in the same way you do.  

Not using time of day to your advantage

The different (or lack) of lighting your home receives throughout the day can make or break your photos. Consider taking photos of your home at midday, when there are the least number of shadows present.  

Then, take some photos at golden hour (just before the sun sets) to capture warmer tones. Finally, right after dusk, turn the lights on inside your home and take some shots from outside to give the illusion of a warm, cozy place where the light are always on. 

By being dynamic, creative and open to different perspectives, your listing photos can pop wonderfully and showcase your home with style. 




About the Author
Author

Lena and Rich Benenati

Lena and I have been helping our clients buy and sell real estate since 2002, marking over 26 years of combined market experience! We will earn your trust by utilizing proven marketing strategies, certified professional negotiating skills, and targeted technology. Add to this our local market insight and consistent follow up, and it adds up to a great experience for you! A family owned and operated business, we strive to be your trusted adviser, helping you navigate the home buying and selling processes. It is our mission to combine our extensive experience and superior customer service together with a positive attitude to ensure that you enjoy your buying or selling experience. Our customer service extends beyond the sale, providing you with useful information regularly and connecting you with the resources you need, when you need them. This is why an exceptionally high 80% of our business is referred to us by our past clients. We look forward to exceeding your expectations, in English or Spanish as you desire. Lena & Rich, a team you can trust, for everything real estate.