8 Tips for Real Estate Photographers to deal with Agents

You’re used to dealing with all kinds of clients as a real estate photographer, but none quite like the difficult real estate agent. They’re the ones who have unrealistic expectations, who don’t communicate well, and who can make your job a living hell.

But fear not, dear photographer – with the right strategies, you can not only survive these interactions but even come out on top.

1. Understanding the Challenges

First, let’s look at the specific problems that real estate photographers face when they have to work with difficult agents. For one, they might give you impossible deadlines and expect you to rush through a shoot and give them the final photos within hours.

They may also be vague in their instructions, leaving you guessing what they want. And perhaps worst of all, they may be unprofessional in their behavior, lashing out at you for no reason.

But it’s important to remember that these agents are often under a lot of pressure themselves. They’re trying to sell a property and need to make it look as attractive as possible. And that’s where you come in – so it’s crucial to understand where they’re coming from.

2. Developing Effective Strategies

So, how do you deal with difficult agents? First and foremost, it’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations. Let them know what you can and cannot do, and stick to it. This can include things like turnaround times, pricing, and specific requests.

Another key strategy is to develop strong communication skills. Keep the lines of communication open and be responsive to their needs. And when they do have feedback, listen to it carefully and take it into consideration.

Also, try to build a professional relationship with the agent. Show them that you’re on their team and that you’re working together to achieve a common goal. This can help to build trust and create a more positive working environment.

3. Building a Positive Reputation

It’s also important to remember that your reputation as a real estate photographer is on the line with every job. And let’s face it, word of mouth travels fast in this industry. So it’s important to get a good name and be known as a reliable and skilled photographer.

This will not only help you land more jobs, but it will also make the difficult agents less difficult to deal with. They’ll know that you’re a pro and that you’re going to deliver the goods, and they’ll be less likely to give you a hard time.

4. Leveraging Technology to Streamline the Process

Technology can be a real game-changer when it comes to dealing with difficult real estate agents. For example, using a cloud-based storage system can make it easy for agents to access and approve images, even when they’re on the go.

And digital signatures can help to streamline the contract process, avoiding delays and confusion. By adding these tools to your workflow, you can make the process go more smoothly and quickly for everyone.

5. Handling Last-Minute Changes

Let’s face it, the world of real estate is unpredictable, and difficult agents can make it even more so. They may change their minds about the shoot, ask for additional photos at the last minute, or even cancel the job altogether.

But as a real estate photographer, you have to be ready for anything. My tip would be to have a flexible attitude, be prepared and have a backup plan.

It’s also critical to have a clear contract that outlines the job’s terms and conditions, so you’re protected in the event of any last-minute changes.

6. Ensuring Fair Compensation

When working with difficult agents, it’s important to remember that you’re providing a service that they need. And that service is worth money. You need to ensure that you’re being fairly compensated for your time and expertise.

It’s crucial to have a clear pricing structure that outlines your rates and services and to be upfront about any additional costs that may come up during the job. And don’t be afraid to negotiate.

You are the expert in your field, and your work is valuable. Interested in pricing for real estate photography? Read our article about the profitability of real estate photography here.

7. Maintaining a Professional Attitude

Dealing with demanding or impatient agents can be a real test of your patience. But it’s important to remember that you’re the professional in this relationship. It’s your job to keep your cool and maintain a professional attitude, no matter what.

One of the ways to do this is to be well-prepared for the job. Know what you’re going to do, have a plan, and stick to it. And if you feel things getting out of hand, take a deep breath and step back. The situation will eventually calm down.

8. Using Testimonials to Build a Positive Reputation

Your reputation as a real estate photographer is everything, and it’s important to build a positive one. One of the best ways to do this is to collect testimonials from satisfied clients or throughout your network.

These can be used to promote your business and demonstrate the value of your work. Ask your clients to write a review, or better yet, ask them to film a video testimonial.

These are very effective at getting potential clients to trust and believe in you. And when it comes to difficult agents, a positive reputation can be a powerful tool in getting them to see things your way. 

Conclusion

Dealing with difficult real estate agents can be a real challenge, but it’s not impossible. With the right strategies and a positive attitude, you can not only survive these interactions but also come out on top.

Remember to set clear boundaries, communicate effectively, and build a professional relationship. And most importantly, always strive to build a positive reputation. It will pay off in the long run.

Further readings:
7 Steps for Dealing with a Difficult Team Member
How to Work with Difficult Customers
The Power of Positive Thinking in Customer Service