A Complete Guide by The Improta Team
In Hidden Hills, first impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything. With buyers often forming an opinion online before they ever schedule a showing, your listing photos must be nothing short of exceptional. Knowing how to prepare your Hidden Hills home can elevate your home from “nice” to “scroll-stopping,” attracting qualified buyers, increasing engagement, and ultimately maximizing your sale price.
At The Improta Team, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners present their properties at the highest standard. Here’s our comprehensive process to help your Hidden Hills home shine on camera.
1. Start With Strategic Decluttering
Hidden Hills homes often have expansive spaces, but even large rooms can feel smaller if they’re visually busy.
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Remove excess décor, papers, personal items, and anything that distracts the eye.
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Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops, leaving only a few curated pieces.
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Store away pet items, laundry baskets, and day-to-day clutter that doesn’t photograph well.
Goal: Clean lines, open spaces, and a sense of calm that buyers instantly connect with.
2. Depersonalize Without Removing Warmth
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space.
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Temporarily take down family photos, children’s artwork, and named items.
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Remove collections, political pieces, and overly bold decor.
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Keep style-neutral accessories like vases, greenery, and soft textiles.
Goal: Create an elegant, welcoming environment with mass appeal—while still feeling like a luxury home.
3. Maximize Natural Light
Light is the secret weapon of professional real estate photography.
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Open all blinds and drapes—especially those with views of courtyards, gardens, or Hidden Hills’ rolling landscape.
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Replace dim bulbs and ensure all lighting temperatures match.
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Clean windows inside and out to allow for the clearest possible light.
Goal: Airy, bright rooms that feel expansive and inviting on screen.
4. Perfect the Key Rooms
Some areas have a disproportionate impact on how buyers perceive the home:
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Kitchen: Clear counters, shine appliances, add simple greenery or a bowl of citrus.
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Living Room: Fluff pillows, fold throws, style shelves with minimal curated décor.
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Primary Suite: Smooth bedding, edit nightstands, and ensure lamps and drapes are symmetrical.
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Bathrooms: Hide all toiletries and use fresh towels in neutral colors.
Goal: Highlight the lifestyle buyers expect in Hidden Hills—luxury, comfort, and simplicity.
5. Don’t Forget Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor living is one of Hidden Hills’ biggest selling points.
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Sweep patios, clean furniture, remove covers and clutter.
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Stage seating areas to look functional and inviting.
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If you have equestrian areas, gardens, or a pool, make sure they are spotless and beautifully presented.
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Hide hoses, yard tools, and excess toys.
Goal: Showcase the expansive outdoor lifestyle that makes Hidden Hills so desirable.
6. Add Finishing Touches
It’s the subtle details that elevate a home’s presentation.
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Add fresh flowers or greenery.
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Straighten chairs, rugs, art, and lampshades.
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Turn off ceiling fans and hide cords.
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Make beds crisp and hotel-like.
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Ensure the home smells fresh—nothing overpowering.
Goal: A polished, photo-ready home that exudes luxury and attention to detail.
7. Trust The Improta Team’s Prep Process
We don’t leave photography preparation to chance. Before the photographer arrives, we walk every room with you and offer a tailored checklist based on your home’s layout, style, and selling points. Our experience in Hidden Hills—combined with our proven system—ensures your photos capture the very best version of your property.
When your home looks incredible online, everything else gets easier: more showings, stronger offers, and better results.
FAQs for Listing Photos
Does professional photography matter? Absolutely—professional photos attract more views and higher offers.
What should I tidy or hide? Remove clutter, personal items, and pet supplies from every room.
How to prepare outdoor areas? Tidy landscaping, clean patios, and set up furniture for inviting spaces.
Should I re-paint or update? Neutral and fresh paint can boost appeal in photos.
Can the Improta Team recommend photographers? Yes, they work with the top pros in the area.
How long does a photo session take? Usually 1-2 hours for most homes.
Who to trust for beautiful listings? Jason & Missy Improta—The Improta Team at eXp Luxury Realty.
Ready to List in Hidden Hills?
The Improta Team will coordinate every detail of your listing from photos to closing. Book a home prep consult today!
Visit Hidden Hills to learn more