How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos: A Seller’s Guide

How do I get my home ready for pictures???

When I meet with sellers prior to listing their home, this question almost always comes up. In today’s real estate market, first impressions are everything—and those impressions happen online. Most buyers scroll through internet listings long before they ever step inside a home, which means professional, well-executed real estate photography is one of the most powerful tools we have when selling you home. Proper preparation ensures your property looks bright, spacious, and irresistible in every shot. 

Below is a comprehensive guide to help homeowners get their property truly “photo ready.”

 

how to get the best real estate pictures

Why Photo Preparation Matters

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What are Chicago’s Top Luxury Condo Buildings?

Chicago’s luxury condo market continues to evolve, offering high-end buyers an exceptional mix of architectural significance, lakefront views, and five-star services. From modern glass towers to landmark conversions, the city’s premier buildings blend privacy, design, and convenience. Below, are a selection of what I consider to be the top luxury buildings in Chicago today—along with some insights into the current market.

 

Top Luxury condo buildings in Chicago 

Lincoln Park 2550

A rare gem in Lincoln Park, 2550 N. Lakeview offers expansive park and lake views without the density of the downtown core. The building is known for its incredible grounds, including a private 1.25-acre park designed by Lucien Lagrange Architects.…

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Your Timing Matters.

I've seen it firsthand - your timing can make a meaningful difference when selling your home in Chicago. From seasonal patterns to shifting buyer demand, understanding when to list can impact both the final price and the speed of your sale. While broader market forces like interest rates and inventory levels set the tone, you need a realtor who knows the the rhythms of Chicago’s seasons. Below are my pros and cons to help you answer the question - when is the best time to sell my home?

Advice from top Chicago realtor, Ryan Hardy

Chicago Market Snapshot: 2025 Trends

Chicago’s housing market in 2025 remains stable and active. Home prices have shown moderate growth year-over-year, supported by low inventory and steady buyer interest. While mortgage rates remain higher…

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What Questions Should I Ask a Realtor Before Selling My Home?

When it comes time to sell your Chicago home or condo, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important steps you can take. A skilled real estate agent doesn’t just place your property on the market — they help you prepare it, price it correctly, and position it within the market to attract serious buyers. When interviewing realtors, the best way to ensure you’re making the right choice is to ask the right questions before you list. By doing so, you’ll gain insight into how an agent works and how they can help you achieve the strongest possible outcome.

questions to ask before selling your home

How Many Homes Have You Sold?

This is called a knockout question. It cuts to the chase and there's nowhere to…

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Lincoln Park Luxury Real Estate Market 2025

- As a realtor in Chicago, I have been selling luxury homes and condos in Lincoln Park for almost 15 years. I have never seen it so hot. Homes are selling quickly, and the next home sells for even more. There is an extreme lack of inventory, and its driving property values higher.

If you're a seller, it's a great time. If you are a buyer, you're probably very frustrated. 

 

2025 2026 Luxury real estate market Lincoln Park Chicago

Luxury Real Estate in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park continues to stand out as one of Chicago’s most sought-after neighborhoods, particularly in the luxury segment. Its appeal lies in a rare combination of walkability, lakefront access, expansive green spaces, top-ranked schools, and a thriving retail and dining scene. Coupled…

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A Strong Market and Smart Preparation for Fall Listings

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As we move into fall 2025, Chicago’s housing market continues to show strength and resilience. Higher interest rates?  Doesn't seem to matter. Buyers remain motivated across the city, and sellers who prepare wisely are seeing excellent results.

This week I am focusing on four neighborhoods — Gold Coast, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and West Town — highlighting the unique real estate opportunities they offer. While each has its own character and market dynamics, all share one common theme: buyers are active, and well-marketed homes are selling.

Chicago real estate market update from Real estate agent, Ryan Hardy

By the numbers: August 2025

The latest August data shows a positive outlook across the Chicago metro. The median sale price across the…

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Who is the Best Realtor in Chicago? 

Chicago’s real estate market is as multifaceted and diverse as the city itself. From luxury high-rises along the lakefront to historic greystones lining residential streets, every neighborhood has its own personality—and every property tells a story. In a market this varied, having the best realtor isn’t just a luxury. It’s essential.

 

What Truly Sets a Top Real Estate Agent Apart?

What does it really mean to be the best realtor in Chicago? It goes far beyond listing homes and opening doors. The best agents combine deep market knowledge, strategic thinking, careful preparation, and genuine client advocacy to create an exceptional experience from start to finish. Here’s what truly sets Chicago’s top…

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Discover Lincoln Park: One of Chicago's Premier Neighborhoods -

One of the most popular neighborhood's on Chicago’s North Side, Lincoln Park is a beautiful neighborhood known for its rich history, parks, and a strong sense of community. With its picturesque streets, historic architecture and close proximity to downtown, Lincoln Park has some of Chicago's most sought-after real estate. 

 A Lincoln Park Realtors guide to Lincoln Park Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park’s real estate market remains robust, driven by its desirable location and quality of life. As of late 2024, single-family homes in Lincoln Park are experiencing steady demand, with prices reflecting the neighborhood’s appeal. Here’s a snapshot of current trends:

  • Market Dynamics: Single-family homes in Lincoln Park can range from charming…

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How to appeal your property taxes in Cook County -

I know, it seems like a daunting task... However if you do it right, it's not hard and you can save thousands. I've successfully done it twice and my taxes are significantly lower than they would be otherwise - here's how.

First thing you need to know is that Cook County property taxes are reassessed on a triennial schedule (every three years) and for that reason, a successful appeal lasts for three years. When your taxes will be reassessed depends on what neighborhood you live in.

Option 1: The easy way

Hire a law firm to represent you in the appeals process. This is what I've always done and although it does cost money, it saves lots of time and energy. They've done it thousands of times,…

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Chicago's Most Expensive Home

Chicago most expensive home

What's the most expensive home for sale in Chicago? 


Have you ever wondered? Sometimes it's a condo, but usually it is a single family home. Either way, this post will always display the most expensive home for sale in Chicago - so check back for updates.



5 of the most expensive homes ever sold in Chicago

1. 9 W Walton St | $58.750m

9 W Walton. Ken Griffin, the billionaire hedge fund manager and founder of Citadel, made headlines with his record-breaking purchase of a penthouse at 9 W Walton in Chicago. In 2018, he purchased the property from the developer for $58.75 million, setting a new benchmark for the most expensive home ever sold in the city. At the time, the penthouse spanned multiple…

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Midwest Real Estate Data LLC Logo The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Jameson Sotheby’s are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing.

Listings courtesy of NEIRBR Northeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors as distributed by MLS GRID

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Listing information last updated on December 10th, 2025 at 2:08am CST.