Agent want me to pay for professional cleaning before photos

Professional cleaning before photography is a very common recommendation when preparing a home for sale. It is not about whether a homeowner keeps a clean house. Many sellers take excellent care of their homes, but when you live somewhere every day, you naturally become accustomed to certain things that a fresh set of eyes will notice right away. Over time, we can become less aware of details like scents, small areas that need extra attention, or how certain spaces photograph. This is completely normal. It happens to all of us. The purpose of bringing in professional cleaners is not to criticize how someone lives in their home, but to create the strongest possible presentation for the market. As real estate professionals, our responsibility is to help prepare a property in a way that appeals to the widest range of buyers possible. That means creating a clean, fresh, and neutral environment where buyers can focus on the home itself and envision how they would live there. Every home has its own personality, and many things that make a house feel like home are connected to the people who live there, including cooking traditions, family routines, and personal touches. When preparing a home for sale, the goal is simply to create a welcoming experience for a broad audience while respecting the story of the home and the people who have cared for it. Professional cleaning before photos is an investment in marketing. High-quality images create the first impression for many buyers, and a buyer walking into a home that feels fresh, well-maintained, and move-in ready is more likely to capture attention and generate strong interest.

Veronica, the choice to hire professional cleaners is yours, but keep in mind that making your home feel as fresh, neutral, and inviting as possible is the goal. Buyers react quickly to smell, even pleasant or familiar ones, because they are trying to imagine themselves living in the space. Strong cooking scents, perfumes, pet smells, smoke, or cleaning product odors can distract buyers from focusing on the home itself. I'm sure your agent is not trying to criticize your home or your lifestyle. They are looking at it from a buyer's first-impression standpoint. Shop around for a cleaning service that you feel comfortable with and look at this as a short-term investment.

That does not sound like a normal “must do” unless the listing agreement specifically says you are required to pay for it. A good agent may suggest cleaning, deodorizing, or airing out the home before photos because buyers react strongly to smells, but they should explain it respectfully and focus on marketability, not culture. You can ask, “Is this required, or just your recommendation?” and “What exactly needs to be cleaned?” If the concern is odor only, there may be cheaper options than a $600 deep clean.

Veronica, let me start where nobody else did: your house is clean. You clean it yourself, and I believe you. Cleanliness and scent are two completely different things, and an agent who lumps them together, then delivers it the way yours did, earned your reaction. That was poor communication, not a professional consultation. Now let me give you the honest industry answer, because you deserve the real one, not a lecture. First, about the photos: cameras cannot smell. If the stated reason for a $600 industrial cleaning is the photo shoot, that reasoning does not hold. For photos, what matters is decluttering and tidying, which you have already done yourself. Where scent does matter is showings and open houses, and here is the truth that applies to every seller on earth, not to your kitchen specifically: buyers decide with their emotions in the first minute inside a home, and any distinctive scent, whether it is cooking spices, cigarettes, pets, perfume, or scented candles, registers as "someone else's home" instead of "my future home." I have asked smokers, dog owners, and candle collectors to do the exact same thing. It is not about your culture. It is about making the house feel like a blank page for a stranger's imagination. But you do not need $600 of industrial cleaning to get there. Here is the practical version: - Air the house out well for several days before showings begin, and pause cooking with strong aromatics that final week. That alone solves most of it. - Scent lives in soft surfaces, not on the counters you scrub. Wash the curtains, steam clean the carpets and sofa (a rented machine costs a fraction of $600), and you have done what "professional cleaning" would do. - Skip heavy air fresheners. Masking scents make buyers suspicious. Neutral is the goal. - Ask a friend who does not live there to walk in and tell you honestly what they notice. Noses go blind to their own home in both directions. One more thing, about the relationship. Prep costs like cleaning are normally the seller's expense, so that part of your agent's request is standard. But you should be able to tell your agent that his comment landed badly and hear something better than a shrug. You are the client. A professional explains the why respectfully, offers options at different price points, and treats your home and your kitchen with respect while doing it. If he cannot manage that, that tells you something more important than the cleaning question. I am a real estate professional in the Los Angeles area, where I work with sellers from every culture and cuisine on the planet. If you would like, I am happy to connect you with an agent in Phoenix from my network who will handle both your sale and this conversation with more care. Zoltan

I don’t think it’s unreasonable for an agent to recommend professional cleaning before listing photos because first impressions matter, both in person and online. A deep clean can help a home show its best. That said, I don’t think it should be presented as a requirement, especially if the home is already clean. If the concern is an odor, the conversation should be respectful and focused on how buyers may perceive the home, not on anyone’s culture or cooking. I’d ask the agent to explain why they feel professional cleaning is necessary and whether there are other options. If the conversation makes you feel uncomfortable or disrespected, it’s okay to speak up or even consider working with an agent whose communication style is a better fit.

I'm sorry you're dealing with that, it would understandably feel upsetting. Professional cleaning before listing photos isn't always required. Many agents do recommend a deep cleaning because it can help a home show its best in photos and during showings, but it shouldn't be presented as a mandatory expense without a clear explanation. If your agent mentioned the smell of spices, it's reasonable to ask for more specifics. Buyers can notice any strong scent, whether it's from cooking, pets, air fresheners, or smoke, so the concern should be about creating a neutral environment for as many buyers as possible, not about anyone's culture. Ask your agent why they believe professional cleaning is necessary and whether there are less expensive alternatives. If you feel the comments were disrespectful or you're not being treated professionally, it's okay to discuss your concerns directly or even seek a second opinion from another agent. You should feel respected while also receiving honest advice about preparing your home for sale.

Professional cleaning before listing photos is common, but it is not a strict requirement in every situation. Many agents recommend a deep clean or “pre-listing clean” because listing photos are often the first impression buyers have of a home. The goal is typically to ensure the home shows as clean, neutral, and as bright as possible in photos and during showings. That said, there is a difference between: • A standard clean home (which may be sufficient in some cases) • A deep or professional clean (which can help with presentation and photography quality) Costs like $500–$600 for a deep clean are fairly typical in many markets, especially for larger homes or homes needing extra preparation. However, decisions around cleaning should be based on: • The current condition of the home • The expectations in your local market • The level of marketing your agent is planning (professional photos, staging, etc.) If you feel uncertain, it’s reasonable to ask your agent: • What specifically needs improvement for photos • Whether a partial clean or targeted cleaning would work instead • How this impacts expected buyer perception or sale price A good listing strategy should balance presentation standards with respect for your home and your situation. If there are concerns about tone or communication, it may also help to have a clear conversation with the agent or broker to ensure expectations are aligned moving forward.

Professional cleaning before listing photos is fairly common in real estate, especially in competitive markets where presentation can significantly affect buyer perception online. However, there’s an important difference between: • A professional recommendation about market presentation and • Making a seller feel personally criticized or culturally judged. From a marketing standpoint: Agents often recommend deep cleaning because buyers are highly sensitive to: • Odors • Dust and buildup • Air quality • Overall first impression during showings and photography Even very clean homes can retain noticeable cooking, pet, smoke, or environmental odors that homeowners may no longer detect themselves. About the comment regarding spices: The concern an agent should be communicating is not about culture, but about creating a neutral environment that appeals to the broadest possible pool of buyers. That conversation should always be handled respectfully and professionally. The good news: Professional cleaning is usually a recommendation—not a legal requirement to list the property. If $600 feels excessive, you could discuss alternatives such as: • Targeted deep cleaning • Carpet or upholstery cleaning • HVAC filter replacement • Air purification or odor neutralization • Cleaning only the highest-impact areas before photography What I usually tell sellers: Buyers form opinions within seconds of entering a home, and scent is one of the strongest emotional triggers during showings. The goal is simply to reduce distractions so buyers focus on the home itself. That said, you should still feel respected throughout the process. If communication feels insensitive or dismissive, it’s completely reasonable to ask for clarification or seek a second opinion from another agent. — Becky Groe Coldwell Banker Realty

You don't need to hire professional cleaners to address odors. You can use an ozone generator, but everyone, including pets, must be out of the place while it runs. The agent mentioning odors is being honest, not rude. There are other odors buyers also object to: smoke, plug-ins, cats, dogs, musty, fish, grease...and we have to let the owners know that buyers will object. It's our job, to help them get the highest price. Telling a cat owner they have a problem with a cat smell, is not "being rude to cat owners." It's being practical. So...if there IS a spice odor that most buyers won't appreciate, take care of it if you want top dollar. It doesn't hurt to have a professional do a deep clean & shampoo carpets before listing. You want to make your house the best it can possibly be. Besides, lots of buyers want professional cleaning. But find & hire your own. I know cleaners that are a lot cheaper than that.

Hi Veronica, It's never easy for a Realtor to tell someone that their house has a smell to it. It doesn't mean that your house smells bad, but that Agent is out with a lot of Buyers on a regular basis. They know when a house smells like anything a Buyer will comment on it and it will sway their decision. I can tell you from experience, I have had many Buyers complain about the smell of curry- one of my favorite ingredients. I know the smell won't last, and I'll feel irritated and hungry when I leave that showing- because that could be the right house for them and they couldn't get past the smell! It's our job to make sure that our Clients are in the very best position to sell their home for top dollar. And sometimes that means telling them something that they don't want to hear. Smells will keep buyers away. If and when that happens, Sellers will lose money. Ozone machines work great when removing smells from homes. Best of luck to you! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Wanting your home to show its absolute best before photos is normal. Smell matters a LOT in real estate because buyers immediately form opinions emotionally when they walk in. That said, there’s a BIG difference between: • respectfully discussing presentation/odor concerns and • making someone feel judged or insulted about their culture or home. Cooking spices, pets, smoke, candles, and even strong cleaning products can all create lingering scents that homeowners stop noticing over time because they live with them daily. Professional cleaning can sometimes help before photography/showings, but it should be presented as a marketing strategy — not as criticism. Also, $600 may or may not be reasonable depending on: * home size * whether it includes deep cleaning/carpet cleaning * odor treatment * staging prep If the communication made you uncomfortable, it’s okay to ask more questions or even seek a second opinion. You should feel respected and supported throughout the selling process. PS. I pay for all this for my clients so they dont have to stress about it. Cassidy McWherter The Agency [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) 801-661-1353

When preparing a home for sale, the goal is to create an environment that appeals to the largest possible pool of buyers. That includes presentation, cleanliness, lighting, clutter reduction, and yes — minimizing odors. Smells are very personal, and buyers can be sensitive to anything unfamiliar or overly strong, whether it is pets, smoke, cooking, mildew, perfumes, or even sports equipment. Professional photography and strong presentation help get buyers through the door. An odor-free environment helps once they are inside. For example, I have two teenagers involved in school sports. My mudroom smells like a locker room most of the time. If I were selling my own home, I would need to address that before showings and photos. That said, how your agent communicated this matters. An agent’s job is to help you achieve the strongest price and terms the market will support, and sometimes that requires delivering uncomfortable feedback about condition, presentation, or marketability. But those conversations should still be handled professionally, respectfully, and carefully. Recommending a deep cleaning before photography is not unusual. However, the wording and delivery should never make a client feel personally attacked or disrespected. Clear, tactful communication is part of the job.

It's normal for agents to recommend professional cleaning before photos, but the way it’s communicated matters a lot. Real estate is about presentation, not criticism of someone’s lifestyle or culture. Buyers react strongly to smells in a home, whether it’s pets, smoke, heavy perfume, or cooking odors, because photos can attract them online, but scent affects them emotionally once they walk through the door. That said, your agent should explain it respectfully and professionally, not in a way that feels personal or insulting. I’ve had situations where sellers were used to certain smells in the home and genuinely didn’t notice them anymore, while buyers picked up on them immediately. Sometimes a deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, or air treatment can make a big difference in how the home shows. For me, the goal is not to erase your culture or personality. The goal is to create the broadest possible appeal for buyers so your home sells faster and for the strongest price. If the conversation felt disrespectful, I’d address that directly with the agent. But recommending extra cleaning before listing photos and showings themselves is not unusual in this business.

It’s not unusual for a listing agent to recommend a professional cleaning before photos, but the way it’s communicated matters a lot. In most cases, agents are trying to get the home to a “market ready” condition so it photographs well and appeals to the widest pool of buyers, and that often includes a deep clean that goes beyond regular day to day upkeep. That said, describing your home as needing cleaning because it “smells like spices” can absolutely feel insensitive, and a professional agent should be careful not to frame feedback in a way that feels personal or tied to culture. A good next step is to ask your agent to clearly explain what specific concerns they are trying to address, such as kitchen residue, carpet odors, or general staging standards, rather than vague comments. You also have every right to request a second opinion from another experienced listing agent if something feels off. Ultimately, the goal is to present your home in its best light while still being respectful of you and your home, and those two things should always be able to coexist.

Honestly, both things can be true at the same time. It can be standard practice and it can be handled poorly. A lot of agents do request professional cleaning before a photo shoot, and there's a real reason for it: photos are permanent. Once they're out there on the MLS, they're the first impression for every buyer who sees your home. Agents want to put their best foot forward, and most want to make sure nothing in the photos becomes a reason for someone to hesitate. If the house has a smell that might be unappealing to another buyer, that can ruin the buyer's perception of the home. That said, the way it's communicated matters just as much as the request itself. "Your house smells like spices" is a clumsy way to say it, and if that's how it came out, I understand why it stung. A good agent finds a way to have that conversation without making you feel judged. There's no reason it can't be framed simply as part of the prep process, because that's really all it is. So is the request itself unreasonable? No. Is $600 on the high end? Depends on your home's size, but yes, that's worth pushing back on or at least shopping around. Is the delivery your agent used okay? Probably not. If the communication felt off on this one, pay attention to that. How an agent talks to you before listing is how they'll talk to buyers, other agents, and you throughout the whole process. That part matters.

It's normal for agents to want houses professionally cleaned before photos, but $600 seems really high unless it's a huge house. A basic deep clean is usually $150-300. The comment about spices is where this gets tricky. If there's a strong smell that buyers might notice, that's a legitimate concern - some smells can turn people off during showings, even if the house is clean. But the way he said it might've come off wrong. You have options. You could get a second opinion from another agent about whether the smell is actually a problem. You could also just air out the house really well, use some odor neutralizers, and see if that helps before paying for professional cleaning. If you think he's being disrespectful or discriminatory, find a different agent. You shouldn't work with someone who makes you feel bad. But if the smell is genuinely strong, it's worth addressing because it will affect showings, not just photos. Get quotes from a couple cleaning companies and see what they say. If it's way less than $600, your agent might be exaggerating.