Alberta Real Estate Market Brief — Jan 28, 2026 (Listing prep + photos)

Jan 28

Updated: — Focus: Listing prep + photos Read time: ~2 minutes

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Photos don’t “just show” a home — they set the price perception. The right prep + shot list can reduce days-on-market, protect your sale price, and attract cleaner offers.

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Fast answers (prep + photos)

What’s the #1 photo mistake that costs showings?

Dark, cluttered rooms with poor angles. Buyers swipe away fast if the space feels small or messy.

What’s the fastest prep that makes the biggest difference?

Declutter + brighten: clear counters, remove extra furniture, open blinds, and use consistent warm lighting.

How many photos are “enough”?

Enough to show flow: exterior, entry, main living, kitchen, primary suite, key baths, basement, yard/garage, and 1–2 feature details.

Today’s theme: Make the home look easy to live in — and easy to say “yes” to.

Seller checklist (48-hour photo prep)

Declutter + depersonalize Clear counters, remove extra décor, hide cords, reduce fridge magnets, and store personal photos.

Fix the “small stuff” Burnt bulbs, scuffed paint, loose handles, stained grout, squeaky doors — tiny repairs signal care.

Light + flow Open blinds, match bulb temperatures, add lamps if needed, and stage furniture to show pathways.

Exterior first impression Shovel/clear walkways, tidy driveway, clean the door, and remove bins from the front shot.

Seller edge: great photos amplify a correct price — they don’t replace it.

Buyer tells (what photos reveal)

Angle tricks: extreme wide shots + missing corners can hide layout issues.
Deferred maintenance: staining, old windows, soft floors, ceiling patches = questions to ask early.
Room omissions: if the basement/garage/yard is barely shown, request more details before booking.

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MLS®/market note: General information only (not legal/financial advice). For a custom photo prep plan, request a quick strategy call.

FAQ (prep + photos)

Do professional photos really matter in Alberta?

Yes. Photos are the first showing. Better photos usually mean more clicks, more showings, and stronger negotiation posture.

Should I stage or just clean?

Start with clean + declutter. Then stage key rooms (living room, kitchen, primary bedroom) to show scale and flow.

What rooms should always be photographed?

Front exterior, main living, kitchen, dining (if separate), primary bedroom, key bathrooms, basement (if finished), yard/deck, and garage (if valuable).

How do I avoid “over-editing” concerns?

Keep edits realistic (brightness/straightening). Avoid unrealistic skies, heavy filters, and hiding defects — it creates distrust during showings.

About the author

Abraham (Ibrahim) AlGendy — REALTOR® and former corporate commercial lawyer. Edmonton-based, serving clients across Alberta with a calm, evidence-led approach. Learn more: /about.

Abraham AlGendy