📸 How to Make Real Estate Listings Pop

My Good Side Media
Jul 2
3 min read

Kitchen interior with countertops and appliances. — Kitchen of a home in Hemet, CA.

In a digital-first real estate market, photos are your first—and sometimes only—chance to make an impression. If your listing looks flat, outdated, or uninspired, buyers will scroll right past it.

Here’s how to make your listings stand out using nothing more than high-quality photography, strategic drone shots, and intentional design.

Aerial view of home in Hemet, CA. with red border. — Aerial view of a home in Hemet, CA.

1. 🛰️ Drone Photography = Location Advantage

Drone imagery gives buyers a bird’s-eye view of the property, placing it within its surrounding context. That’s especially important in California, where neighborhoods vary block to block. Aerial shots help showcase:

Lot size and layout
Proximity to parks, schools, trails, or ocean views
Unique topography or privacy elements (e.g., hedging, long driveways)

It’s also a great tool for marketing large parcels, corner lots, and hillside homes.

Pro tip: Include a labeled drone image that shows lot boundaries or local landmarks for added clarity.

Two-story house at sunset with warm lights, a green lawn, reddish roof, and visible garage. The sky is a gradient of soft orange and blue. — Twilight shot of a home in Highland, CA.

2. 🌅 Twilight Photography = Emotional Impact

Twilight images are some of the most clicked-on visuals in real estate. Why? Because they tap into mood. Soft lighting, glowing windows, and ambient landscaping lights evoke a sense of comfort and aspiration. People don’t just want a house—they want a lifestyle.

Use twilight photography to highlight:

Outdoor living spaces with firepits or pools
Architectural details that pop under warm light
Indoor glow visible through large windows or glass doors

Twilight shots are especially powerful for marketing higher-end homes, bungalows, or anything with great landscaping.

Floor plan with labeled rooms: three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, two baths, garage. Total 1193 sq ft, garage excluded. — Floor plan of a home in Hemet, CA.

3. 🗺️ Floor Plans = Buyer Confidence

Buyers love knowing what to expect. A simple floor plan layout allows them to:

Understand flow and function
Plan furniture placement
Visualize living in the space

In fact, listings with floor plans get more time-on-page and generate higher intent leads. They also reduce wasted showings, because buyers can determine if the layout works before they visit.

This is particularly helpful for:

First-time buyers trying to compare options
Out-of-town clients shopping remotely
Multifamily properties, ADUs, and unique floorplans

Aerial view of a house with a yard outlined in red, showing "Garage" and "Bonus Room" text. Surrounding houses, trees, and driveways visible. — Labelled drone shot of a home in Monrovia, CA.

4. 🏷️ Property Feature Labels = Faster Scanning

Today’s buyers are scrolling through dozens of listings at a time—so make yours easy to scan. Adding small, tasteful labels to your listing photos helps highlight what matters and improves memory retention.

Examples of feature labels:

“Chef’s Kitchen”
“Bonus Room”
“Upgraded Bath”
“Hardwood Floors”
“South-Facing Yard”
“Mountain Views”

These callouts give context and help viewers remember why they liked a property, especially when comparing multiple homes.

Subtle overlays with 2–3 words can dramatically improve engagement on social platforms and mobile devices.

Basement bar with glass block base, silver counter, and red pendant lights. Beige walls, dark lamp, and a window add warmth. No text visible. — Bar of a home in Santa Ana, CA.

5. 📐 Detail Shots = Personality & Storytelling

Don’t overlook the power of a close-up. While wide-angle shots help show space, it’s the details that can make a home feel alive and well-loved. Capture:

Designer light fixtures
Hardware (faucets, handles, knobs)
Original flooring or crown molding
Statement tile or wallpaper

These images break up your listing photo set and add visual interest. They’re also perfect for social media reels, carousels, or print materials.

Spacious kitchen-living area with beige walls, wood-look tile floors, large chandelier, stone fireplace, and a wall clock. Bright and airy. — Kitchen of a home in Santa Ana, CA.

6. 📱 Platform-Specific Crops = Scroll-Stopping Content

Make sure your photo assets are optimized for where they’ll live:

MLS: Landscape format, high resolution, no overlays
Instagram: Square or 4:5 verticals with bold visual hierarchy
Facebook Ads: Clear focal point, text-safe zones
Email newsletters: One standout photo + clear feature list

Delivering the same listing photos in a format that’s tailored for each platform makes your content feel purposeful—and increases engagement.

✅ Package Smart for Maximum Impact

Tool/Feature	Why It Works	When to Use
Drone Photography	Adds context, scale, and location story	Always, especially for large or unique lots
Twilight Photography	Emotional hook and lifestyle vibe	Homes with lighting, views, or luxury feel
Floor Plans	Buyer clarity, saves time	All listings over ~1,000 sq ft
Property Feature Labels	Better engagement, easier scanning	All listings on social & mobile
Detail Shots	Personality and style	Renovated or designer homes
Platform-Optimized Crops	Better performance on MLS & social	Every listing

🚀 Final Takeaway

Be intentional with photos. The right combination of drone photography, twilight shots, floor plans, detail images, and quick feature labels can elevate even the most basic home into a must-see.

📍 Want to make your next listing look like a million bucks (even if it's not)?Let My Good Side Media create a polished photo package that brings out every selling point—and helps your property shine.

👉 Book now or learn more at MyGoodSideMedia.com