When it comes to rural real estate, most buyers fall in love long before they ever set foot on the land—they fall in love online. Read on to learn how to prepare your ranch or farm for real estate photos.
At #1 Properties Ranch & Recreation, we know your ranch, farm, or recreational property is more than just acreage—it’s a way of life. But to catch a serious buyer’s attention, your property must look clean, well-managed, and visually compelling in the very first photo. That’s why preparing for professional photography and video is one of the most important steps in your selling journey.
Rural Property Requires a Different Kind of Prep
Selling a house in town? You mow the yard, straighten the furniture, and snap a few shots.
Selling hundreds of acres with barns, shop buildings, livestock, and equipment? That’s a whole different animal.
Buyers expect authenticity, but they’re also looking for signs that the land and improvements are well cared for. Our job is to highlight your property’s best features—but it’s your prep work that helps us capture them in their best light.
The Seller’s Photo Day Checklist
House Exterior
– Mow around the home, driveways, and sidewalks
– Coil up hoses, put away tools and buckets
– Sweep patios, porches, and walkways(Our favorite quick trick for this is a leaf blower)
– Move extra vehicles or trailers out of view, if possible
EXAMPLE
Home Interior
– Declutter countertops, laundry areas, and pet spaces
– Make beds and open window treatments for natural light
– Turn on all lights for a bright and welcoming look
– Clean windows and ensure all lightbulbs are working
Barns, Stalls & Corrals
– Sweep barn alleys and shop floors
– Clean out manure in turnouts and stalls
– Stack hay and organize visible tools
– Close stall doors for symmetry in photos
Land & Equipment
– Park tractors, trailers, and implements neatly
– Close gates to create clean lines for drone footage
– Remove or tidy up scrap piles or debris
– Double-check water tanks, valves, and fences are visually appealing
Sometimes, It’s the Small Fixes That Make the Biggest Impact
Over and over, we hear sellers say:
“We should have fixed that years ago. I can’t believe what a difference it made in the photos.”
Something as simple as raking the alleyway, fixing a gate latch, or replacing a missing panel can instantly boost your property’s presentation. Don’t underestimate how a little polish can lead to faster sales and better offers.
Need a Fresh Set of Eyes? Call Us Before Picture Day
We get it—when you live and work on the land every day, it’s easy to overlook things that a potential buyer might notice in a photo. We can help you to prepare your ranch for optimal real estate photos.
If you’re unsure how to prep or just want a second opinion, your #1 Properties Ranch & Recreation agent is just a phone call away. We’re happy to FaceTime with you or do a quick walk-through before our photographer arrives. It’s one more way we go the extra mile for our sellers.
Your Land Has a Story. Let’s Tell It Well.
We believe that every ranch and farm has a legacy worth preserving—and presenting it the right way is the first step. Clean, clear, compelling imagery helps buyers imagine their own future on your land.
Let’s make your first impression a great one.
Have Questions? Reach Out Anytime.
Contact your #1 Properties Ranch & Recreation agent today for help prepping your property. Let us show you to how to prepare your ranch for real estate photos. We’re here to help!