Did you know, according to several research firms, that there are more than 2 million realtors that work throughout the US? Furthermore, 75% of buyers go with the first agent to talk to. In light of this, it’s crucial for you, as a real estate agent, to figure out how to be noticed in a very competitive market. This can be very stressful.
But, by selecting real estate photographers and employing the right strategies to provide your clients with top quality, you’ll make a mark. So, how do you choose the perfect photographer?
In this article, we’ll go over all the factors you should consider when choosing the right photographer for your company.
In the end, you will be able to provide your customers with the highest quality photos and earn more profit from your business than you have ever before.
Real Estate Photography Experience
When choosing a photographer for real estate, you must ensure that they’ve got enough professional experience in photography for real estate. For instance, If they typically photograph weddings but have only taken photos of homes a couple of times, they may not be a good selection.
This is why you must inquire with the company (or photographer) providing real estate photography about how long they’ve been taking photos of homes. In addition, you need to inquire what number of homes they’ve taken photographs of.
Additionally, you should inquire about experiences related to the different types of houses and the areas within the house, which we’ll talk about right now.
Types of Homes
One of the most critical questions you must ask a potential real estate photographer is the type of properties they have the most experience photographing. So you will be able to determine the most suitable option for your needs.
For instance, if you typically sell bigger houses in the suburbs, you must pick a photographer who photographs these properties instead of one who mainly shoots condos or holiday homes.
Areas of the House and Appliances
Inquire about the specific areas of the property and the appliances that the real estate photography service covers. This will help you make sure that they are taking photos with a focus on specific elements and display them exactly how you would like them to be.
For instance, If they are taking photos of appliances in your home, You might like to document the high-end of these appliances and the features that show how high-tech these appliances are.
When they snap bathroom pictures, do they choose to take photos that make the area appear appealing to the eye? Do they showcase some aspects like hidden storage space or beautiful design in the sink?
Also, you should ensure that photos of your home’s areas and kitchen appliances display everything in a way that is realistic to the size. additionally, choose a real estate photographer who is skilled not only in interior shots of homes but also exterior shots. A well-groomed lawn, deck, or pool will stand out stunningly in the photos they shoot.
It also makes it easier for your customers to comprehend the size of the property as well as what it appears like in general.
Recommendations
One way to narrow your options for photographers is to get suggestions. This is an excellent method since you’ll ask people whom you trust to give these recommendations.
Begin by talking with the professionals from your industry who are real estate agents. For instance, if you have a local realtor association to which you belong, then you can ask them for any suggestions.
Also, get in touch with any real estate agents in the area with whom you have a good relationship, and ask them which realtor they would recommend to their clients.
Then, ask your family members and acquaintances for suggestions. You never know who could have an acquaintance or family member who’s a photographer or has hired a professional to capture photos of their house when they were selling their home. If you’re asking people for their recommendations, it’s recommended to ask the appropriate questions.
For instance, ask them what they enjoyed most when working in conjunction with the photographer. Also, inquire about their prices, what they did that stood out, and if they would recommend their previous clients to use them again.
Testimonials and Reviews
In addition to what other people you are familiar with have to say about the photographer, it’s crucial to learn other people’s opinions about the various photographers you’re thinking of. First, look for any reviews on their photography sites.
But don’t just stop there. To get a better perception of how skilled photography is, check out online reviews.
Utilize websites like Google My Business and Yelp to accomplish this.
If you look at these reviews, remember that some bad reviews are OK. Every business will be a victim of unhappy customers, regardless of whether it’s a successful company. If, however, there are a lot of negative reviews, you might want to consider employing an alternative photographer.
Portfolio
Apart from reviews, another aspect you’ll find on photography websites is their portfolios. This will give you an idea of if you appreciate the photographer’s style.
When you look at portfolios, think about the colors, the objects the photographer’s eye is on, and the way they employ elements like the use of lights and zooming.
This will allow you to determine whether the photographer is the best choice for your business as a real estate agent.
Additional Technical Aspects
There are additional technical factors to consider when deciding on a photographer for real estate. For instance, if you would like your photos to be edited, the photographer must be aware of how to utilize software for editing photos.
In line with your requirements, depending on your needs, you may want to find an experienced photographer who has access to drone technology and understands how to utilize it.
This is useful when you wish to present your customers with a more expansive perspective of their home or property.
Additionally, there are physical technologies to think about, like cameras.
It is also worth considering whether you’d like to engage an experienced photographer with previous experience with videography.
This could be highly advantageous and should be considered. By offering your clients an immersive experience on video, you will be able to help them imagine what it would be like to live in their new home.
Social Media
In most cases, photographers post several of their photos on social media platforms. Instagram is still one of the most popular platforms, which should mean a lot to you. The first is that you can make use of social media platforms to search for photographers for real estate that interest you.
Utilizing hashtags with the trending popularity of freelance photographers, real estate agents, as well as real estate professionals, are able to discover them.
It is also possible to conduct local searches in this manner. For instance, if you’re seeking photography services for real estate, You could search using hashtags for locations that relate to.
Looking through the posts of photographers on social media can offer you the opportunity to determine if you like their style. Similar to looking through portfolios, this can help. It helps you narrow the list of photographers you are considering.
Communication Style
Another aspect to take into consideration when selecting the top photographer for real estate is the way they communicate. In the end, they’ll be the person you’ll have to keep in touch with frequently until the final photos are taken.
In the event that the photographer provides editing services, you’ll be in contact with them more frequently until you get the final image.
To get a better understanding of how photographers communicate, take note of how fast they respond to email messages, how precise they are in their editing and photo-shooting procedures, and how helpful they can be in answering your questions.
Also, do they appear courteous on the phone and when they email? This will assist you in choosing an artist who is easy to work with and also professional.
Cost & Usage Rights
If you’re in search of a photographer for real estate, be sure to be aware of the price. The majority of times, a photography session will cost anywhere from $110 to $300, which could be the approximate figure.
To determine what price is best for you, talk with several photographers about how much they cost. Also, inquire about the fees they will charge you, as they may charge per hour, and others may offer flat rates per job.
In the end, you’ll get an idea of what the costs generally are in your region and the amount that fits your budget.
Take note that even though photographers may have rates that are a bit higher than the average, they still need to be worth a look. If they have something in store, it might be worth the extra cost.
Finally, be certain you hire a photographer that allows usage of the photo’s taken, as more often than not they reserve full usage rights to themselves.
