The Ultimate Guide: How to Prepare a Property for Marketing

Make your property shine before the first click.

When it comes to real estate marketing, first impressions matter. They’re everything. The way a property is presented online and in person can significantly impact initial buyer interest, emotional engagement, and final sale price. We’ve captured over 17,000 properties across Sydney, and we know what makes a listing stand out.

Here’s our go-to guide to preparing your home or investment property before your marketing campaign kicks off.

1. Declutter & Depersonalise

Create space for imagination.
Buyers need to imagine their own lives in the space. Remove excess furniture, personal photos, mail, magnets, toys, or anything that distracts from the architecture or layout. Aim for a clean, simple look with enough warmth to feel lived-in, but not your life.

Tip: Box things up early – it’s a head start for your move.

2. Deep Clean – Top to Bottom

Clean like it’s going to be photographed (because it is).
Dust the skirting boards. Wipe the mirrors. Scrub bathrooms and kitchens. Steam-clean carpets. Clean windows inside and out. And don’t forget outdoor areas a sparkling balcony or freshly hosed-down pavers add major value. Remove soap bottles from showers, toilet rolls and all personal grooming items from your bathroom. Trust us.

Tip: Hire a professional cleaner – they’ll see what you don’t and will have your property ready for inspections.

3. Style With Intention

Good styling elevates every shot.
If your agent recommends a stylist, take the advice. Well-styled homes photograph better, feel more premium, and create that emotional “yes” moment for buyers. No budget? That’s okay invest in fresh linen, throws, and some greenery to soften and elevate the look. Matching towels in the bathroom and fresh flowers all make a difference.

Tip: Stick to neutral tones with a pop of colour – think coastal Bondi or minimal Inner West.

4. Fix & Freshen Up

Buyers notice the details.
Small repairs go a long way. Patch holes, repaint scuffed walls, replace blown lightbulbs, tighten handles, fix leaky taps. A fresh coat of paint or new handles can completely change a dated space.

Tip: Pay special attention to entryways and doorframes - it’s the first thing buyers see.

5. Light the Way

Natural light sells homes.
Before your shoot or open home, open every blind and curtain. Turn on the lights in darker corners. Avoid cool blue-toned bulbs they feel clinical in photos. Warm, natural light helps create inviting spaces that buyers connect with.

Tip: We’ll advise you on the best time of day to shoot your property for maximum glow.

6. Don’t Forget Outside

Street appeal gets the clicks.
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, rake leaves, remove bins, sweep pathways. Clean the front door. Add a fresh doormat. If the entrance is inviting, buyers are already saying yes before they walk in.

Tip: A couple of potted plants go a long way in softening a facade.

7. Pets & People

On shoot day, it’s best if neither are home.
While we love a good dog cameo, pets and people can slow things down. Give us space to style, shoot, and find the best angles without distractions. We’ll be in and out faster, and the results will speak for themselves.

Tip: Take your dog for a walk or grab a coffee while we do our thing.

8. Plan Your Marketing

Work with your agent and creative team to time it right.
Book your shoot a few weeks in advance and allow time for editing and campaign setup. If your property looks best at dusk we’ll schedule it. Have a big feature like a pool or garden? Let’s time it to capture it at its best.

Tip: Our turnaround is fast – 24 hours for photography and 48 hours for video.

Ready to Market?

We’ll work with you, your agent, and your timeline to deliver polished, high-impact content that makes buyers stop scrolling.