A realtor usually relies on a virtual tour provider to take the photos of the houses he or she lists. As well as that, they might opt to do the virtual tour photography themselves – this way they can save some money, but the result may not be as good as expected. What is the interest realtors have when it comes to using professional photographers for their virtual tours?
Although this matter depends on every particular realtor, the majority is very likely to think alike. Most of them admit they consider hiring an outside photographer as long as the prices are reasonable. In the United States it is likely for a professional photographer to take about $250 to go to a listing, take what he or she considers to be "staged" photos and to create a windows movie presentation to music on CD.
Some realtors may find that they like their own photos better; however, it is difficult enough to make time to go and take photos of every listing, much less to then sit and put together a tour (you should know that virtual tour photography takes time). They even admit they wouldn't mind being able to email a virtual tour provider photos that they took and have them email them back a presentation which could be saved to disk.
Having said that, any virtual tour provider should consider doing that; it could be
more profitable because they would not limit themselves to their local areas. Instead, they could provide the service to anyone, anywhere. Of course if they specialize in virtual tour photography and that is the only thing they are looking to do then they should market themselves by offering a "POGO" offer – that means Pay for One, Get One.
Have in mind that realtors do not really care for any of the virtual tours that require stitching because they always look like the "egg" tours, sort of distorted. Instead, they like the ones where the camera seems to zoom in and out. They may often seem picky to photographers, but they know what they want. If there would be a high quality 360 virtual tour out there, they would definitely consider it, but every so often they say they are not satisfied with the existing tours.
As a realtor it is important to meet a photographer who has had some sort of staging experience or who is at least able to say they completed a staging course – that would be essential for anyone who is interested in virtual tour photography. Also, a photographer needs to consider access to the homes. They can always ask the agents to meet and let them in but it might be easier to check with the local realtor board and see if they offer memberships. This way photographers can have a lockbox key and let themselves in at anytime. It may seem odd, but this is realtors’ perfect solution: paying someone who can let themselves in, take awesome photos, and make a nice virtual tour that can be used on the website, on CDs that accompany the brochures and so on.
Anyone who is looking into becoming a virtual tour provider should talk to several realtors in their area and find out their specific needs. That may be different from their idea of virtual tour photography, but it would definitely improve their relationship with the realtor, and in the end bring them more money.
