A Recipe for Real Estate Photo Shoot Success
Commercial Real Estate
A Recipe for Real Estate Photo Shoot Success
As a commercial real estate agent, you understand that high-quality photos are essential for attracting potential buyers. Selling an entire apartment complex can pose challenges, particularly when it comes to getting tenants to participate in the photo shoot. While some tenants may be willing to cooperate, others may require additional encouragement to do so.
The good news is that you and the landlord can collaborate to encourage tenants to clean their apartments before a photo shoot. This will not only enhance the quality of your photos but also demonstrate to potential buyers that the property is well-maintained and that the tenants take pride in their homes.
Collaborating with the landlord to provide incentives can make a significant difference. We have put together some ideas and a checklist to ensure your next photo shoot is a resounding success.
Incentives for Tenants
Here are some incentives the landlord can offer to tenants to encourage them to clean up their apartments for a photo shoot:
Rent Reduction or Credit: The most direct and appealing incentive is a one-time rent reduction or credit. Even a small amount, like $25 to $50, can be a great motivator.
Gift Cards: Partner with local businesses or popular retailers to offer gift cards as a valuable promotional tool. A $25 gift card to a coffee shop, grocery store, or big-box store can go a long way.
Professional Cleaning Service: Offer to have a professional cleaning service come in and clean the apartment after the photo shoot. This is a great way to reward tenants for their cooperation and is a massive time-saver for them.
Entry into a Raffle: For every tenant who participates, the landlord can enter them into a raffle for a larger prize, such as a smart TV, a premium gift basket, or a significant rent reduction.
Apartment Amenity Credits: If the complex offers a pool, gym, or other amenities, consider offering tenants credits or complimentary access for a month.
Tenant Photo Shoot Prep Checklist
Here is a checklist that a landlord can give to a tenant to help them prepare their apartment for a photo shoot. This simple, easy-to-follow guide will ensure that the apartment is ready for its close-up.
Kitchen
In the Kitchen
Clear all items off the countertops, except for small appliances or decorative items.
Hide all dish soap, sponges, and cleaning supplies under the sink.
Empty the trash can and hide it away.
Put away any small kitchen appliances that you aren't using.
Remove all magnets, pictures, and notes from the refrigerator.
In the Living Room and Bedrooms
Make all beds and fluff the pillows.
Put away all clothes, shoes, and personal items.
Clean all visible surfaces, such as coffee tables and nightstands.
Hide all toys, remotes, and charging cables.
Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
In the Bathroom
Clean the toilet, sink, and shower/tub.
Wipe down the mirror.
Remove all personal items from the countertops, shower, and tub.
Put away all towels, bath mats, and floor mats.
Close the toilet lid.
General
Vacuum or sweep all floors.
Straighten all furniture and rugs.
Turn on all lights.
Make sure all rooms smell fresh and clean.
Apartments
How a landlord ensured his Apartments were ready for photo shoots
I recall a particularly challenging real estate photo shoot I had in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The property was a beautiful, well-maintained apartment complex, but we were having difficulty getting the tenants on board for the shoot. The commercial real estate agent and I were concerned about the outcome, especially since a few of the apartments we planned to photograph weren’t looking their best.
Mr. Harris, the landlord, intervened with a simple yet brilliant idea. He offered a $50 gift certificate to a popular local restaurant to every tenant whose apartment was ready for the photo shoot. To make it more personal, he even delivered the gift certificates to each tenant on the day of the shoot.
I’ll never forget the expression on one tenant’s face when Mr. Harris handed her the gift certificate. She was a young woman who had just moved in a few weeks earlier, and her apartment was spotless. Mr. Harris thanked her for her patience and hard work, and she mentioned that she had spent the entire morning cleaning and organizing to ensure her apartment was in perfect condition. The gift certificate was a thoughtful surprise that she hadn’t expected, and her gratitude was genuine.
The photo shoot proceeded smoothly without any issues. Each apartment we photographed was spotless, and the tenants were friendly and accommodating. Mr. Harris's gesture of appreciation made a significant impact. It showed the tenants that their efforts were valued, fostering a sense of community and cooperation that I had never experienced before. The photos turned out beautifully, and the property sold quickly, largely thanks to the tenants' cooperation and Mr. Harris's considerate incentive.
