Before your sellers get to the step of using music to help with the sale of their home, they should focus on showing it in the best possible light. The best way to do that is to make sure any photos of the house used in the initial listing are as good as they can be.

“Contrary to what you might have heard, a buyer’s first impression is no longer that special moment when they first pull up to check out your curb appeal,” according to a Realtor.com published Dec. 15 at FoxNews.com. “In fact, more often than not, they’ve already checked out your place from front to back online — and for all you know, they may have decided to cruise right by.”  This, according to the article, is probably due to the photos of the home your clients have posted.

“5 Things Your Real Estate Photographer Wishes You Knew” can help you and your clients ensure your photos are the best of the best. Here are the five tips you can pass along to your clients to get their homes ready for their closeups, as published on Foxnews.com:

1. It doesn’t matter how many megapixels your (or your agent’s) smartphone has — The right equipment is essential for great photos. A professional-grade camera is best because the larger sensors capture more information, resulting in more appealing photographs. Such cameras use high dynamic range mode to take multiple exposures to maximize the quality of the final photo. Phones with cameras also have HDR, but the quality of those pictures is not as good, according to the article.

“Unless you already have the equipment — and the know-how — it might be more prudent to hire a pro.”

2. Your knickknacks aren’t photogenic — Their collection of personal items may mean the world to your client, but to a prospective buyer, it may look like clutter, especially in an online photo. Have them store those items somewhere until the photo shoot is done.

“Don’t forget the small kitchen appliances and…your shampoo. You want your house to convey a model home feel.”

3. Dirt really shows — Dust and carpet stains will show. Make sure the home is spotless before taking any photos.

“HDR photos are a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the camera captures everything. On the other hand, the camera captures everything,” according to the article.

4. It isn’t just the weather on the big day that matters — “If your yard maintenance crew comes Monday, and there is a storm Monday night, maybe it is a good idea to reschedule your Tuesday photos so that the yard is in perfect condition for the shoot,” said Darryl Glade, CEO of IMOTO, a New Orleans real estate photography company.

5. Little things can make — or break — the photo — Clients should always do a final run-through on the day of the shoot, smoothing out blinds,  curtains, and the like.

“Make sure the toilet lids are closed. Refresh the toilet paper rolls,” Glade said. “These little things can make a big difference!”