Media Partner FAQ’s

 

Media Partners FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ guide for our Media Partners, including photographers, videographers, 3D specialists, and drone operators. Here, we address common questions to help ensure your shoots run smoothly and efficiently.

Before You Shoot

1. Confirm with Your Agent
The night before or the morning of your shoot, reach out to your agent via text message to confirm the appointment. While most agents confirm through Showcase, being a second point of contact is always appreciated. It’s a great opportunity for agents to save your number and get to know you personally. Additionally, confirming allows you to:

• Verify the address, especially if it doesn’t appear on GPS.
• Check for any changes to the appointment (e.g., reschedules, earlier start times, etc.).
• Confirm property details, such as square footage. If you arrive and discover the property is larger than expected, notify the agent that a higher package is required and confirm approval. Always inform Showcase Scheduling of any changes.

2. Prepare for Weather
If rain is in the forecast, check with the agent about their preferences:

• Offer to split the shoot into “interiors only” on the scheduled day and “exteriors only” on a different day with the $69 Outdoor Reshoot Package.
• Clearly communicate that reshoots for rain are not free.
• Obtain the agent’s decision in writing (e.g., via text message) to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.
• If the agent prefers to reschedule, check your calendar for openings or notify Showcase to assist.

3. Cancellations and Reschedules
Same-day reschedules typically incur a $50 cancellation fee unless the issue is weather-related. If you’ve already arrived at the location and the agent cancels, a $50 travel fee may apply. Your proactive communication can often help agents avoid these fees by preparing them ahead of time.

Upon Arrival to the Listing

1. Introduce Yourself
Always introduce yourself to the client or anyone present. If the property is vacant, don’t assume no one is there. Announce yourself throughout the home by knocking on closed doors—even if you believe the home is empty.

2. Address Issues Immediately

• If the key doesn’t work or is missing, contact the agent.
• If the property is supposed to be vacant but someone is living there, contact the agent (this could be the wrong address).
• If someone is supposed to meet you but hasn’t arrived, contact the agent or their assistant. Inform them that if no one arrives within 15 minutes, you’ll need to leave, and a $50 travel fee will be applied. If you have no other listings that day, you can wait a bit longer to complete the job, but always stay calm and professional.
• If anything feels off (e.g., vandalism, broken glass, flooding, no electricity), contact the agent and Showcase immediately.
• If you feel unsafe, leave the property and inform Showcase.

When You’re Inside and Ready to Get Started

• Remove real estate signs from the yard, as they are not allowed in MLS photos. If the sign cannot be removed, notify Showcase for Photoshop edits. Similarly, remove distracting security signs but return them to their original positions.
• Ensure your car is not visible in any photos or window reflections.
• Hide clutter, garbage cans, and distracting items (e.g., pet accessories). Move outside trash bins away from the house.
• Turn on all lights and lamps unless the lighting appears unflattering.
• Turn off ceiling fans (unless shooting video).
• Open all drapes/blinds to allow natural light in. Tilt blinds to direct light toward the ceiling if needed. For broken blinds, raise them completely. If the window view is unattractive, adjust the blinds to minimize it. (Use your best judgement on what will make the listing look its best)
• Turn off TVs (moving images don’t photograph well).
• Close toilet lids.
• Open shower curtains if the bathroom is attractive; otherwise, close them.
• Roll up entry, bath, and kitchen rugs if the flooring is in good condition (consult with the agent if necessary).
• Close all closet doors unless the view into them is clean and organized.
• Avoid capturing your reflection in mirrors, glass, or TVs.

Doing a walkthrough of the home before starting helps you understand the layout, do a mental count the number of images needed, and make adjustments to avoid missing any shots. For “as-is” properties or tenant-occupied homes, focus on basic adjustments like lights, ceiling fans, and blinds. Avoid moving personal items in tenant-occupied listings—let the agent handle it.

 

After the Shoot is Complete

• Return the house to its original condition (or as close to it as possible).
• Replace any items you moved during the shoot, especially in occupied homes. Avoid hiding items if there is too much to move.
• For tenant-occupied homes, do not move anything without the agent’s permission.
• Close all drapes/blinds.
• Turn off all lights or restore them to their original state.
• Lock up and return the key to its original location. If you accidentally take the key with you, contact the agent immediately and return it as soon as possible.

 

During and After the Shoot

Q: What if I missed something (e.g., a bedroom or bathroom)?
A: If the missed space was part of the original job, you must return to capture the shot at no charge to the client. However, if the client failed to specify certain shots (not included in the job notes or communicated during the shoot, such as the inside of the barn on the property, the attic, the local restaurants, etc), they will need to pay for a photographer to come back out.

 

Locks and Key Access

• Sentrilock Boxes: You’ll need a “One Day Code,” which the agent must provide within 24 hours of the appointment time. Showcase Photographers do NOT have Sentri Keys to open them.
• 3- or 4-Digit Lock Boxes: Enter the code and slide the black bar or button down to open. Some may stick, so be patient.
• Schlage Locks: Enter the code and press “Enter” or “Schlage” to unlock. To lock, press “Enter” or “Schlage” again.
• High-Rise Listings: Collect the key from the main desk, often by providing your ID. You may also receive a key fob for building and elevator access, which functions like a hotel key.
• Hidden Keys: If a key is hidden, proceed cautiously and confirm the location with the agent. Hidden keys are often associated with new construction homes where doors are left unlocked during the day. Confirm with the agent whether to leave the home unlocked when departing.

 

Side Notes

• Avoid photographing the interior of garages unless requested or if they are a unique selling point.
• Master closets and walk-in closets should be photographed if clean and organized. Avoid money safes and gun safes in photos for safety.
• Bathrooms are typically photographed horizontally. Include vertical shots for features like showers, and focus on the vanity as the primary image. If it must be captured vertically, you can still do that.
• Laundry rooms should be photographed unless they are cluttered or in poor condition. Even if there are no laundry units inside. Showing the hook up may be a selling feature.
• Basements should be photographed if spacious and well-lit; skip crawlspaces or poorly maintained areas.
• Attic spaces are not photographed unless specified.
• For detached structures, photograph exteriors unless they are living spaces like in-law suites or the notes specify what else to capture.

 

Common Questions

Q: What if I can’t get into the listing or the combo code doesn’t work?
A: If you can’t access the listing, contact the agent immediately. If there’s no response, reach out to Showcase for assistance. If, after 15 minutes into the appointment time, you still cannot access the property, you may leave and inform Showcase. A $50 travel fee will be applied for your time. Always remain calm and professional, as mistakes happen. Sometimes codes change, or keys are misplaced. If you wish to waive the travel fee as long as they reschedule with you, that is okay too.

Q: What if I arrive on time and the listing is not ready?
A: In these situations, remain patient and understanding. Offer to assist with minor preparations if you’re comfortable (e.g., suggesting hiding items in the garage or closets). Start with areas that are ready and communicate with the client as needed. If the delay jeopardizes your ability to stay on schedule, contact Showcase to determine the best course of action.

Q: Can I arrive early?
A: Always confirm with the agent or their assistant before arriving early. If the seller is meeting you, politely check if it’s okay to begin early. If they aren’t ready, avoid rushing them and offer to wait or assist as needed. Building a positive experience for the client can often outweigh minor inconveniences.

Q: What if the house is a disaster and not ready to shoot?
A: If the property is not photo-ready, inform the agent that your schedule allows for only minimal prep time (typically 15 minutes). If the home needs significant attention, suggest they contact Showcase to reschedule. If you’re uncomfortable discussing cancellation fees, notify Showcase and provide documentation (e.g., photos or video clips) to explain the situation.

 

 

Although each market has its own contact number for reaching the Showcase Team, you can always get in touch with us for assistance by calling or emailing:

📞 Phone: (855) 598-7659
📧 Email: showcasephotographers@gmail.com

We’re here to help!