As much as real estate photography is about showcasing the home, it’s also about managing the sellers. After all, they’re often present during the shoot, and their cooperation can make the process much smoother. However, sellers can sometimes feel anxious or unsure about how the shoot will go, and some might even want to “help” during the process. As the photographer or real estate agent, it’s your job to keep things running smoothly while making the seller feel comfortable and confident.
In this post, we’ll explore how to manage sellers during a real estate shoot, from setting expectations upfront to keeping the process stress-free for everyone involved.
Why It’s Important to Manage Sellers
Sellers play a key role in preparing the home for the shoot, but once the photographer arrives, their involvement should be minimal. Too much interference from the seller can slow down the process or lead to less-than-ideal photos. That being said, it’s important to be respectful and considerate of the seller’s concerns and ensure that they feel comfortable throughout the process.
How to Manage Sellers During a Real Estate Shoot
- Set Expectations Before the Shoot One of the most effective ways to manage sellers is to set clear expectations before the shoot begins. Let them know how long the shoot will take, what areas of the home will be photographed, and what they can do to help the process run smoothly. Encourage them to finish any last-minute prep work before the photographer arrives, so the shoot can start on time.
- Encourage Sellers to Leave During the Shoot If possible, encourage the sellers (along with kids and pets) to leave the home during the shoot. It’s much easier to capture the best angles and lighting when the space is empty and free of distractions. If the seller prefers to stay, ask them to remain out of the way while the photographer works.
- Be Patient and Answer Questions Sellers may have questions or concerns during the shoot, especially if it’s their first time going through the process. Take the time to answer their questions and reassure them that their home is in good hands. A little patience can go a long way in building trust and ensuring the seller feels confident in the final results.
- Handle Feedback with Care Some sellers may offer feedback or suggestions during the shoot. While it’s important to listen to their concerns, remember that the photographer is the expert in capturing the best angles and lighting. Politely acknowledge their input and explain why certain decisions are being made (e.g., why a particular room is being shot from a certain angle). Maintaining open communication will help prevent any misunderstandings.
- Remind Sellers That This Is a Professional Process Some sellers might want to give a full “tour” of the home or point out features they believe are important. While it’s great to have input from the homeowner, remind them that the photographer will capture all of the key details in a professional manner. Politely let them know that the photographer has a process for getting the best shots and that their cooperation will help the shoot go smoothly.
Real-World Example: How Seller Cooperation Improved the Shoot
We once worked with a seller who was very eager to be involved in the shoot. They wanted to point out every feature of the home and give suggestions for how the photographer should capture each room. After a friendly conversation about how the shoot would go, we were able to gently steer the seller toward a more hands-off approach. They trusted the process, left the home during the shoot, and were thrilled with the final results. The photos turned out beautifully, and the home sold quickly.
Activity: Set Expectations for Your Next Shoot
If you’re preparing for a real estate shoot, take some time to set clear expectations with the seller. Make a list of the key points you want to cover, such as how long the shoot will take, what areas of the home will be photographed, and how they can help make the process smooth. By communicating these expectations early, you’ll help the seller feel more comfortable and ensure a stress-free shoot.
Discussion Question: Why Is It Important to Manage Seller Expectations During a Shoot?
Discuss why managing seller expectations is key to a successful real estate shoot. How can clear communication and setting boundaries help ensure that the process goes smoothly? Talk about how the seller’s involvement can either help or hinder the shoot, depending on how well they understand the process.
Wrapping It Up
Managing sellers during a real estate shoot is all about setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication. By keeping the seller informed and involved (but not too involved), you can ensure a smooth and stress-free shoot that results in beautiful, professional photos. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll cover how to wrap up a real estate shoot and ensure that everything is ready for the listing!
