Real Estate photography prices?

jmphotocraft · January 7, 2010

I've been doing some of this for just one realtor, going off of what one other realtor/friend told me was the going rate ($300 for a whole house, interior and exterior). Now my realtor wants to negotiate prices for different levels of property value.

Can anyone share their rates? I realize location matters, but it would help to get any info.

Thanks.

obligatory eye candy:

takeflightphoto · January 7, 2010

Why would property value matter? You still have to take the picture, post it, and deliver it. If you deliver 10 shots for $300, then 15 oughta be worth $450 or 5 worth $150. Or an hourly onsite rate, plus per shot fee. A more expensive house might warrant more pictures, but I don't see how it should affect the price of an individual shot.

jmphotocraft · January 7, 2010

You're right of course, but that's not how the realtor sees it. Their ability to pay my fee depends on their commission. If their commission isn't going to be very big they may just take crappy photos themself. There are so many downright horrible photos on MLS, their amateur efforts won't stand out. I'd rather work with them and get, say, $200 for a lesser property than nothing. And at any discounted rate I won't stress over the photos as much or take as many and I will spend less time on that job overall. My shots will still be better than anything they can get, and I do less work and still get paid.

This guy only charges $150 for a 3000sf house:
http://www.nerealestatephotos.com/photos.html

Snowgirl · January 8, 2010

jmphotocraft wrote:

You're right of course, but that's not how the realtor sees it. Their ability to pay my fee depends on their commission. If their commission isn't going to be very big they may just take crappy photos themself. There are so many downright horrible photos on MLS, their amateur efforts won't stand out. I'd rather work with them and get, say, $200 for a lesser property than nothing. And at any discounted rate I won't stress over the photos as much or take as many and I will spend less time on that job overall. My shots will still be better than anything they can get, and I do less work and still get paid.

This guy only charges $150 for a 3000sf house:
http://www.nerealestatephotos.com/photos.html

Somewhere on here there's a thread about discounting prices and selling yourself cheap. My recommendation is that you don't do it. If a realtor wants to take their own crappy photos - that's their loss and their clients'. Your time, efforts etc. are worth money - same as theirs. You are NOT on commission - that's their problem. And realistically - how may gzillion dollar homes are there out there vs. normal, modestly priced places? 'nuff said.

promoguy · January 8, 2010

From a non photo business perspective, I might like to suggest that real estate agents in general, do not like to spend money. If it takes the same time and effort charge them the same price. Maybe some good photos other than from their instamatic, might sell the home quicker thereby getting money into their bank account also quicker.

Robertk · January 10, 2010

As long as she is going to pay more on the more expensive houses then you do not have much of a problem. Its likely you going to less pictures as the houses will be smaller and have fewer features. Just make sure you get paid well on the larger more expensive houses.

timk519 · January 12, 2010

jmphotocraft wrote:

YThis guy only charges $150 for a 3000sf house:
http://www.nerealestatephotos.com/photos.html

You really don't want to go there.

Relators are paid a percentage of the home value, so why not use that (say 0.5% of the sale value), w/a minimum charge of ~$200. If you get lots of business from someone, give them a lower minimum charge.

The people who think you should charge based on the amount of effort expended just don't get it.

Real Estate photography prices?

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