On the Sunshine Coast — and across Australian real estate generally — the vast majority of buyers begin their property search online. They scroll through photos on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au before they ever book an inspection, and many interstate buyers make offers without visiting at all. This means the photography is not a supplement to the listing — it is the listing, for most buyers, in the critical early stages of their decision.
Which means the state of the property when the photographer arrives matters enormously. A beautifully composed, technically excellent photograph of a cluttered kitchen bench does not sell that kitchen. A mediocre shot of a perfectly staged, light-filled living room outperforms it every time.
Here is how to prepare your property for photography day.
Declutter — Remove At Least 30 Per Cent of What You See
The single most impactful thing most homeowners can do before a photoshoot is remove things. Not because the house looks messy — but because photography exaggerates volume. Items that look normal in person look crowded on screen. As a working rule, walk through each room and remove at least 30 per cent of what you see on surfaces, shelves and benchtops.
Personal items — family photographs, children's drawings on the fridge, pet paraphernalia, religious items — should be stored away. Buyers need to see themselves in the space, not your family in it. Clothes should be out of sight; remove items draped over chairs or hanging on doors. Charging cables, remote controls and everyday detritus need to go.
Wardrobes and storage areas that will be opened and photographed should be organised neatly. If a room simply has too much furniture, consider whether any pieces can be moved to another room or into storage for the day of the shoot.
Deep Clean — Pay Particular Attention to Reflective Surfaces
Photography reveals what the eye overlooks in person. Dusty surfaces, smeared mirrors, water marks on windows and grimy appliance glass all show clearly in photographs. A thorough deep clean — floors, surfaces, windows, mirrors, stovetop, oven glass, bathroom tiles — is essential before a photoshoot.
Windows deserve special attention. In Queensland homes, where outdoor living areas are often a key feature, clean windows maximise the flow of natural light into interiors and ensure the outdoor views come through clearly rather than being muted by grime or salt residue. For Sunshine Coast beach homes, rinsing salt off facades and windows before a shoot makes a visible difference to exterior shots.
Mirrors and glass splashbacks show up prominently in photographs and will show every smear. Clean them to a streak-free finish on the morning of the shoot.
Lighting — Every Globe, Every Switch, Every Lamp
Before the shoot, check every light fitting in the property and replace any dead globes. On the day of the shoot, turn on every light in the house before the photographer arrives — overhead lights, under-cabinet lights, bedside lamps, bathroom vanity lights, and any feature lighting. The aim is to flood every room with consistent, warm light that supplements the natural light coming in through windows.
Open all blinds and curtains fully. If some blinds allow harsh direct sun that creates bright patches on floors or walls, a half-angle can work, but fully closed blinds in a room during daylight photography results in dark, lifeless interiors that do not sell the property.
For Sunshine Coast properties with outdoor entertainment areas, ensure all exterior lighting is working — alfresco downlights, pool lights, path lights, pergola string lights, facade uplighting. These become particularly important if you add a twilight photography session to your package.
Kerb Appeal — The First Frame Sets the Tone
The front exterior photograph is the one image that appears in the listing thumbnail — the image that determines whether a buyer clicks through or scrolls past. It deserves particular attention.
- Mow lawns, edge gardens, sweep paths and driveways
- Remove wheelie bins, cars from the driveway, garden hoses and tools
- Clean the gutters visible from the street (drone shots show them clearly)
- Remove cobwebs from the facade and entry
- Add a fresh pot plant to the entry if the approach is bare
- For Sunshine Coast properties: rinse any salt residue from rendered walls or windows
A fresh, tidy exterior sets the expectation for what follows inside. A neglected frontage undermines the rest of the photography even if the interior is excellent.
Pool and Outdoor Areas — Stage Them Like a Resort
On the Sunshine Coast, the outdoor living area is often the hero feature of the property — the space that justifies the price and clinches the buyer's decision. Treat it accordingly.
Clean the pool and run it on a low-speed setting so the water is still and clear blue, not turbulent. Remove pool cleaners, toys, noodles, hoses and chemical bottles from the pool area. Arrange outdoor furniture neatly — chairs should be evenly placed, cushions plumped. Set up the BBQ area as if guests are coming: clean grill, tidy surrounds, perhaps a plant or two for warmth.
If the property has a water feature, fire pit or outdoor shower, ensure they are clean and operational. Switch them on for the shoot if it adds atmosphere.
Kitchen — Clear the Benchtops
Clear kitchen benchtops completely, then add back one or two curated items: a bowl of fresh fruit, a quality coffee machine, a small bunch of herbs in a glass. Everything else — appliances, drying racks, cleaning products, cutting boards, random items — goes into cupboards for the duration of the shoot.
Clean the stovetop and the oven door glass. Wipe down the splashback. Remove dishcloths and hand towels from oven handles.
Bedrooms — Hotel Standard
Make all beds to a hotel-style standard: flat, unwrinkled, with pillows arranged neatly. Remove all personal items from bedside tables except perhaps a lamp and a book. Remove charging cables. Clear clothes from visible surfaces, hooks and chairs. If possible, add fresh flowers to the master bedroom.
Bathrooms — Fresh Towels, Clean Surfaces
Hang fresh, neatly folded white or neutral towels. Clear all personal hygiene items from the vanity — put them in a drawer or bag for the duration of the shoot. Close toilet lids. Clean mirrors and tiles to a streak-free finish. A small plant or candle can add warmth without clutter.
On the Day — A Final Checklist
Do a final walk-through of the entire property one hour before the photographer arrives. Check: lights on, blinds open, surfaces clear, pets and people out of the home, garage doors closed (unless the garage is a feature), cars out of the driveway, pool area staged, outdoor furniture arranged.
Ensure that pets are not in the property during the shoot — their beds, bowls and toys should be removed or hidden. Even a well-behaved pet in a basket can distract from an interior composition.
Sunshine Coast Specifics
Sunshine Coast properties often have significant outdoor entertainment areas — alfresco dining, covered pergolas, outdoor kitchens, pool surrounds — that are as important photographically as the interiors. These areas deserve extra preparation time. If the property has water features, fire pits, or outdoor lighting features, have them operational and ready for the photographer to capture.
If you are adding a twilight photography session, communicate with us about the outdoor and pool lighting ahead of the shoot. We will advise on what should be switched on and when.