What should Pierce County sellers expect from listing photos and video?
Expect professional photography as the baseline, plus video, drone, a floor plan, and a 3D or virtual tour on most homes — because buyers decide which homes to tour from their phones. A strong package includes 25–40 well-lit, accurately edited photos, exterior and aerial shots that show the lot and setting, and video that walks buyers through the layout. Your job is to prepare the home, pick a dry, bright day, and get it photo-ready; your listing agent should handle scheduling, shot lists, and making sure every image is accurate.
Your listing photos are your first showing. With 2,954 homes for sale in Pierce County in October 2026 — up 13.7% from a year earlier (NWMLS InfoSparks) — buyers are scrolling past dozens of options. The homes with the best visuals get the clicks, the showings, and ultimately the offers.
Here’s what a professional package looks like and how to prepare. For the bigger picture on selling, see our Pierce County home selling guide.
What a strong media package includes
- Professional photography. Wide-angle, well-lit images of every main room, plus key details. Bright, true-to-life color — no over-saturated skies or warped rooms.
- Exterior and drone shots. In Pierce County, the setting sells: Mount Rainier views, mature trees, acreage, shops, water access. Aerial photos show lot size and proximity to amenities. Drone work should be done by an FAA-certified pilot.
- Video. A walkthrough helps buyers understand flow in a way photos can’t. At The Barnard Group, we create five videos for every listing — two horizontal long-form videos and three vertical short-form videos for social platforms.
- Floor plan. Buyers love knowing how rooms connect, especially out-of-area buyers.
- 3D or virtual tour. Lets relocating buyers walk through from anywhere. Out-of-state and military buyers often narrow their list this way before flying in.
- Twilight photos for homes with great exterior lighting, views, or outdoor living spaces.
Our post on what a listing agent’s marketing plan should include covers how media fits into the full launch.
How to prepare for photo and video day
The week before
- Finish repairs, touch-up paint, and deep cleaning.
- Declutter every surface — counters, dressers, bathroom vanities, and the fridge door.
- Replace burned-out bulbs and use matching color temperatures.
- Mow, edge, lay fresh bark, and clear moss from walkways and roofs if you can.
The morning of
- Open every blind and turn on every light.
- Hide trash cans, pet bowls, toiletries, cords, and personal photos.
- Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house.
- Make beds, fluff pillows, and put down the toilet seats.
- Plan to be out of the house — or at least out of the shot.
Working with Pacific Northwest weather
Gray skies and wet pavement are a reality here from fall through spring. Good photographers plan around it: shooting exteriors on the brightest window available, using sky replacement carefully, and capturing interiors on any day. If your home has a great view, it’s worth waiting for a clear day for those shots. Our guide to selling in fall and winter in Pierce County has more seasonal tips.
Accuracy matters
Great photos highlight a home — they shouldn’t misrepresent it. Editing should fix lighting and color, not hide defects, remove permanent features, or change views. If a listing uses virtual staging, it should be clearly labeled so buyers know what they’re seeing. Accurate visuals protect your sale: buyers who feel misled at the showing rarely write offers, and they’re more likely to renegotiate later.
Questions to ask your listing agent
Media packages vary widely from agent to agent. Ask exactly what’s included — photos, video, drone, floor plan, 3D tour — who produces it, and whether any of it costs you extra. Our guide on how to choose a listing agent in Pierce County has more questions to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos should a listing have?
Most strong listings include 25 to 40 photos covering every main room, the exterior, the yard, and key features. Quality and accuracy matter more than quantity.
Is video worth it when selling a house?
Yes, especially for relocating buyers and social media reach. Video shows layout and flow in a way photos can’t and helps buyers decide whether to schedule a showing.
Should I be home during listing photos?
It’s best to be out of the house or out of the shot. It speeds up the shoot and keeps personal items and people out of the photos.
Can listing photos be edited?
Photos can be edited for lighting, color, and clarity, but they shouldn’t hide defects or misrepresent the property. Virtual staging should be clearly disclosed.
Great media gets your home seen — and seen the right way. If you’re weighing a move, The Barnard Group’s complimentary Home Selling Strategy Session walks you through your home’s current value, your options, and a plan built around your timeline. You can book yours at barnardgroupre.com/sellit.
About Josh Barnard
Josh Barnard is the founder of The Barnard Group and has spent over 20 years helping families navigate some of life’s biggest moments through real estate. Known for his “Work Hard. Be Kind.” approach, Josh combines expert market knowledge, innovative marketing, and genuine care to help homeowners make confident decisions about their next chapter. Whether someone is buying their first home, moving up, downsizing, or relocating to Pierce County, his mission is simple: serve people well, create unforgettable experiences, and help families build a life they love.
