Should I hide family photos?
Hide family photos? Do this if you’re selling while living in the home and want top-dollar offers.
Quick answer
Yes — in most cases you should hide family photos when selling while living in the home. The goal of any listing is to help buyers picture their life in the space. Personal photos pull attention away from features buyers care about: light, flow, storage, and condition.
Why hiding family photos matters
When you’re selling while living in the home, staging becomes your secret weapon. Buyers must imagine themselves in the house. Family photos create a mental barrier: they remind buyers this is someone else’s life, not theirs. That reduces emotional connection and can lower offers.
Real estate photographers and listing agents regularly request photos removed before shoots. For online listings, photos are the first impression. If your listing images show a crowded mantle of family portraits, curious buyers scroll past.
Practical staging plan (do this today)
- Remove obvious personal photos before listing photos are taken. Put them in a labeled box and store them offsite or in a locked closet. Keywords: selling while living in the home, hide family photos, staging while living in home.
- Keep one or two small, neutral frames in secondary rooms only. A tasteful family shot in a private bedroom is fine; main living spaces should be neutral.
- Replace large family walls with simple art or mirrors. Mirrors amplify light. Neutral art keeps the focus on space and layout.
- Digitize sentimental pictures. Store them on a tablet or cloud. During showings you can show buyers family memories privately if needed.
- Use small decor accents that hint at life without personalization: books, plants, folded throw blankets.
Photo and showing checklist
- Before the photographer arrives: remove photos, clear clutter, open curtains, wipe surfaces.
- For showings while living in the home: quickly tuck photos into a bin and place near the door. This saves time and keeps your display consistent.
- Keep valuables and sensitive documents out of sight.
Exceptions and nuance
If you represent a niche market where buyers value a warm, lived-in look (some heritage homes, short-term rental conversions), leave a few curated photos. But even then, keep them subtle and styled.
Why this works — and why it boosts offers
Neutral, depersonalized listings let buyers project themselves into the home. That emotional projection drives faster sales and better prices. Photos are the first marketing asset buyers see; treat them like an ad, not a family shrine.
Tony Sousa has helped hundreds of sellers navigate selling while living in the home. He combines real-world staging discipline with marketing that attracts qualified buyers quickly. If you want a clear plan and fast execution, get professional staging advice and a photographer who understands listing strategy.
Ready to sell and keep living comfortably? Contact Tony Sousa for a tailored staging checklist and listing strategy: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
