Boosted 30% Real Estate Listing's Engagement With Item Removal Service

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When clutter stands in the way of a clean sale, fast and effective image editing can turn the tide. In this case study, we explore how Fotober’s item removal real estate photo editing service helped a real estate agent in California present a listing more professionally and close deals faster.

1. Client Introduction and Initial Requirements

Sarah L. is a licensed real estate agent based in California, specializing in family homes and residential sales. She approached Fotober to enhance the presentation of a 4-bedroom home in her portfolio. Due to a tight listing schedule and the home still being occupied by tenants, she needed 30 interior photos cleaned of personal and outdated items.

Her requirements: 

• Remove household clutter and outdated furniture
• Keep original lighting and space layout intact
• Deliver edits in less than 48 hours
• Maintain a natural, unstaged feel

2. Challenges

Despite having professionally shot images, the photographs posed several issues that could negatively affect buyer perception:

Visual Distractions

Multiple rooms had visible clutter, toys on the floors, bags, shoes, charging cords, and dishware on counters. These elements distracted the eye from the property’s strengths such as high ceilings, open layouts, and lighting.

Outdated or Bulky Furniture

The living room featured an oversized sectional and outdated décor that made the space look smaller and darker than it actually was.

Lack of Buyer Imagination

Personal belongings (family photos, kids’ artwork, scattered toiletries) made it hard for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home, a critical emotional barrier in real estate sales.

Time Constraint

The client needed high-quality, market-ready visuals within 48 hours to launch her campaign.

3. Fotober’s Step-by-Step Process

Fotober took a structured and collaborative approach to ensure the edits met the client's expectations without compromising photo realism.

Result from item removal real estate photo editing service

Step 1: Intake and Markup

Sarah uploaded 30 high-res images and used Fotober’s markup tool to flag over 80 items for removal. This included:

• Personal items: clothing, bags,
• Household clutter: tables, chairs, mirror  
• Distracting décor: wall art, lamps, excessive cushions

She also noted which rooms she wanted to keep as “realistic” with minimal enhancement.

Step 2: Smart Editing Execution

Our editors used advanced Photoshop techniques combined with AI-powered object removal tools to clean each image. Manual adjustments ensured realism was preserved in complex surfaces like textured walls, patterned rugs, and shadows.

In many cases, the background under removed items needed to be digitally reconstructed (e.g., carpet under a removed coffee table or a wall behind an artwork).

Each room was also rebalanced for visual flow by subtly enhancing symmetry and depth, without altering the actual structure or lighting source.

Step 3: Quality Control and Feedback Loop

Before delivery, each image was reviewed by a senior editor for consistency, edge refinement, and color matching. Sarah was then sent the first batch for review.

She provided feedback on 3 images (e.g., softening shadows after removing lamps), which were revised and re-delivered within 6 hours.

Step 4: On-Time Delivery

All 30 images were finalized and delivered within 24 hours, beating the original deadline.

4. The Result: Market-Ready Images That Drove Faster Buyer Engagement

The edited photos significantly improved the property’s presentation without appearing overly staged or artificial. Results were measurable within days of launching the listing:

Photos were also repurposed for the client’s social media ads and printed brochures, receiving positive feedback from colleagues and buyers alike.

“The edited images made a night-and-day difference. Rooms looked clean and bright, and buyers instantly noticed. One even asked if we had physically staged the home.”
Sarah L., Real Estate Agent

The edited photos by item removal service

5. Who Should Use Item Removal Real Estate Photo Editing?

If you're a real estate agent, property manager, photographer, or interior stylist working in occupied or unstaged homes, investing in item removal real estate photo editing can significantly improve listing performance.

This service is ideal for:

• Properties that are tenant-occupied or cluttered
• Agents with tight turnarounds who can't arrange staging
• Sellers who want to keep costs low but visuals high-quality
• Photographers offering high-end image delivery

With affordable pricing, quick turnaround (12-24h), and seamless communication, Fotober has become a trusted editing partner for real estate professionals across the US and UK.

Start a free trial to experience how Fotober can help you turn cluttered listings into clean, compelling visuals that sell faster.