Frequently Asked Questions
Photography
How long does it take to photograph a property?
A "photo-ready" property on a standard lot requires 10-15 minutes per 1,000 square feet for still photographs and 2-3 minutes for each panoramic scene depending on the layout. Most "photo-ready" single family homes 2-3,000 sq ft take between 20-30 minutes for still photographs or 30-40 minutes for a full virtual tour. Larger homes or acreage properties require more time for full coverage.
How much time is allotted in the starting package prices?
Base package prices are designed to allow full coverage of most "photo-ready" single family houses in urban and suburban areas. The virtual tour package includes 40 minutes of photography time and the still photograph packages include 30 minutes of photography time. Addition photography time may be required if the home is not photo ready, has a unique layout, is in a rural area with acreage and outbuildings or if the agent has special requests.
What should be done to get a property "photo-ready"?
Since many buyers will be seeing the property for the first time online, you want to make the best impression possible. The property should be in a comparable state to an open house. Simply put, to make your listing look its best, signs of pets, children, laundry and dishes should be reduced as much as possible.
Agents should arrive at the property at least 15 minutes prior to the photography appointment to turn on all lights, open all blinds and correct any situation that may be keeping the home from being "photo-ready".
Additionally, do not schedule photography appointments at the same time that other contractors will be working at the property. This includes but is not limited to: landscapers, window washers, carpet cleaners, painters, construction contractors and floor plan measurers.
- Beds should be made with the nightstands de-cluttered and neatly organized.
- Bathroom counters should be cleared or neatly organized; no toothbrushes, disposable soap bottles or medication.
- Pet beds, feeding bowls, crates and baby gates should be removed from view.
- Kitchen counters should be de-cluttered and neatly organized; common items on kitchen counters neatly arranged can help give the kitchen scale and not feel vacant, i.e. knife blocks, toasters, coffee makers are okay to keep out.
- Kitchen sinks should be empty with dish drying racks removed.
- All lightbulbs should be functioning, especially chandeliers and multi-bulb vanities.
- All Kleenex boxes should be removed; they give a unhealthy feel and look bad.
- All portable fans and heaters should be removed; suggests the home is too hot or too cold.
- Do not schedule your photography appointment on garbage day unless you want the front panoramic scene
Agents should arrive at the property at least 15 minutes prior to the photography appointment to turn on all lights, open all blinds and correct any situation that may be keeping the home from being "photo-ready".
Additionally, do not schedule photography appointments at the same time that other contractors will be working at the property. This includes but is not limited to: landscapers, window washers, carpet cleaners, painters, construction contractors and floor plan measurers.
Does the agent need to be at the property for the photography appointment?
We are happy to meet the homeowner or access the property via a contractor's box but strongly suggest the agent or their assistant is present for the appointment. Properties that are not "photo-ready" will be photographed "as-is" unless the agent has asked for the photographer to arrange items as needed at their discretion. Charges for additional time will apply depending on the amount of work required.