When you’re preparing to sell your home in Tampa, professional photography and video aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re essential. In today’s market, your home’s first showing almost always happens online. And in a competitive Tampa Bay real estate landscape, you don’t get a second chance at that first impression.
After more than 40 years of combined experience helping Tampa sellers maximize their home’s value, we can confidently say this: the homes that shine online are the ones that sell faster — and often for more.
Here’s exactly how we guide our sellers to prepare for professional photography and video.
1. Start With a Deep, Strategic Clean
This goes beyond basic tidying. Buyers notice everything — especially in high-resolution photos and video walkthroughs.
We always recommend:
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Professional cleaning (yes, it’s worth it)
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Sparkling windows inside and out
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Clean baseboards, light switches, and door frames
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Freshly vacuumed carpets and mopped floors
Tampa’s natural light is one of our biggest assets. Clean windows alone can dramatically brighten a space and make it feel larger and more inviting.
2. Declutter — But Don’t Depersonalize Completely
There’s a balance here.
We want buyers to picture themselves living in your home, but we don’t want it to feel sterile. Remove excess furniture, clear countertops, and minimize personal items like family photos and paperwork.
In Tampa, where lifestyle is everything — whether it’s waterfront living in South Tampa, new construction in Wesley Chapel, or charming bungalows in Seminole Heights — we stage each home to highlight the lifestyle it offers.
That means:
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Clear kitchen counters (leave just 1–2 intentional décor items)
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Remove magnets and papers from the fridge
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Tidy closets (buyers look inside them!)
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Edit down décor to create visual breathing room
3. Focus on Curb Appeal (Especially in Tampa)
Florida buyers care deeply about outdoor living. Your exterior is just as important as your interior.
Before photography:
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Mow and edge the lawn
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Trim hedges and palm trees
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Pressure wash driveways and walkways
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Remove cars from the driveway
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Hide trash bins and hoses
If you have a pool, clean it and make sure the water is crystal clear. If you have a lanai or patio, stage it. A few clean cushions and neatly arranged outdoor furniture can completely transform how buyers perceive the space.
4. Let There Be Light
We always schedule photography during optimal daylight hours. Tampa’s sunshine is an asset — we use it strategically.
Before the photographer arrives:
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Open all blinds and curtains
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Replace any burnt-out bulbs
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Use matching lightbulb tones (warm or daylight — not mixed)
Video tours, drone footage, and twilight shots are especially powerful in waterfront and luxury properties. We curate the timing intentionally to showcase your home in its best light — literally.
5. Make Minor Repairs
High-definition photography magnifies imperfections.
Loose handles, chipped paint, missing grout, or outdated light fixtures suddenly become very noticeable. A small weekend “fix-it” list can make a significant difference in how polished your home appears.
We walk our sellers through a pre-listing consultation where we identify what truly needs attention — and what doesn’t. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s strategic presentation.
6. Trust the Process (and the Team)
This is where experience matters.
Not all photography is equal. Not all marketing is equal. At The Lewkowicz Group, we don’t just “take photos.” We create a visual marketing campaign designed to attract serious, qualified buyers across Tampa Bay.
That includes:
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Professional HDR photography
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Cinematic video walkthroughs
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Aerial drone footage
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Social media reels
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Targeted digital exposure
Every decision is intentional. We don’t guess — we position.
The Tampa real estate market moves quickly, but preparation is what protects your equity. When your home hits the market looking polished, elevated, and lifestyle-driven, buyers respond emotionally — and emotionally connected buyers write stronger offers.
If you’re thinking about selling in Tampa, let’s start with a strategy session. We’ll walk you through every step, from preparation to professional photography to negotiation, so your home doesn’t just list — it stands out.
Because in this market, presentation isn’t optional. It’s power.
