4 points (and 1 bonus) to consider if you are looking to partner with a professional photographer for your Real Estate business.

Whether you are just getting into the real estate business and know this is a smart investment, or you are a seasoned Realtor looking to change things up, here are a 4 points (and 1 bonus) you want to consider when looking for a real estate photographer or videographer to help you sell your listings.

1. What services do they provide? 

What do you want to include with your marketing for each listing? Can they provide everything you need?  If they don’t, it may mean hiring and dealing with multiple companies with multiple appointments, which is inconvenient for you, and the sellers.

The best providers will offer many services including: 

• High quality photography

• Video

• 3D Virtual Tours

• Floor plans

• Web sites

• Social media content

• Aerial (drone) services

At Realty Photo Haus, I am happy to provide all the above services for my clients. If you need something I don’t offer, I will do what I can to accommodate. 

2. What is their “offer”? 

You can definitely select a provider based on the lowest price, but are you able to get everything you want?

What else do they provide to add value to the price you are paying?  For instance, I provide a free branded and MLS compliant website for every listing.  The website can be custom edited to provide the information and “curb appeal” that you want.  It can also have custom domain to make it really easy to share with other real estate agents or prospective buyers. 

If you are price shopping and all you ask for is a price list, you may not be getting all the information as to what is included.

I focus on providing value to my clients and have packages that will give you what you need and more. The best way to find out is to contact us! A la carte services are also available for those times when you don’t need everything!

3. How do they approach the relationship with you?  

Do you want a transactional experience or do you prefer to build a relationship and feel comfortable knowing who you are working with?   Some large providers have many photographers, and you may not always get the same one.  This means when you place an order, you might not know exactly who is going to show up, it also means you might get a different style than you like. 

Right now, every client gets me, the owner. I enjoy the relationship I build with every client. Learning about how they are growing, their struggles and working towards their goals helps keeps my fire burning hot and reaching for the stars to deliver what you want and need! This forms a large part of my “offer”, you get someone who is personable, will give you honest feedback and is rooting for your to succeed every step of the way!

4. How convenient is it to do business with them? 

Do you prefer to book online, or would you rather pick up the phone and call to discuss what you need?  Can you just send them a text or email with the necessary info and get the appointment you need? 

When it comes to payment, do they accept your favourite form of payment or are they limited to cash or e-transfer? If there is one thing that should always be painless for a potential client, it is making payment. 

If they accept credit cards, do they include a fee to punish you for using it?  

I take bookings in your preferred method, if you want to call and chat about the listing to determine what should be done or to work out logistics, always feel free to call!  I also accept all forms of payment, and there is never a surcharge to use your credit card, so enjoy collecting points even when paying for your listing photos!

Bonus - Are they insured? 

This one is often overlooked by both Realtors and small business photographers.  What if there is accidental damage to a home or a prized family possession caused by the photographer.  Or perhaps the drone crashes into the home and breaks a window?  Are you going to pay for that, or maybe the homeowner will? 

It’s important that you ensure anyone you hire carries adequate insurance in the event of accidental damage caused by the photographer.  How would your seller feel if you told them the person you hired couldn’t pay for the damage and it would have to come out of their pocket (or yours)!

I am fully insured against accidental loss for any damage that may occur as a direct result of my activities while at a listing. It’s a small thing and likely I’ll never need to use it (knock on wood), but better to be safe than sorry!

What else do you consider when selecting a business partner in your real estate busniess? Let me know in the comments!