General FAQs
How can I schedule a photo shoot appointment?
To schedule photo shoots, please reach out via email (dave@getdave.ca) or call/text (647-966-1422). Usually appointments are booked on a first-confirmed, first-served basis.
How much time do you spend at the property?
It depends on the requested package. I allow up to 1 hour for photos and an extra 30 minutes per 1000 sq ft for the Matterport 3D. It is important that the photographer is not distracted and the property be ready as additional charges may apply if the shoot takes longer.
What is your turn around and how do you deliver the products?
I try to make the photos ready, the same day by the evening, if possible. If, by some rare occurrence, it's not possible you will be notified. The files will be uploaded to a cloud platform and a link will be emailed to you to download the photos.
What is the copyright policy for real estate photography?
As it is the standard of real estate photography industry, the agents purchase a none-exclusive, non-transferable license which is valid for the duration of the listing and as the property is sold or reassigned to other agent, the license expires. We retain the copyrights and real estate agents as the licensee, may not give or sell the images to any other party, including but not limited to builders, stagers, other agents, sellers or buyers. As the agents purchase non-exclusive license, the copyright holder may sell multiple licenses for the same photos, though this is very rare. Please contact us to get quote for all other licenses type (architects, stagers, builders and non-expiry).
What is your Cancellation/Reschedule Policy?
We respectfully ask for at least 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule photo sessions. A cancellation fee of $75 will be assessed in any of following events:
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Cancellation / Reschedule within the 24-hour window prior to photo shoot.
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If for any reason our photo shoot can be preceded. (Incorrect lock-box code, agent shows up more than 15min late or not at all, access not allowed by concierge, property not ready for photo shoot, etc.).
What about rescheduling due to snow?
As long as it is not physically snowing, Photo shoots will continue as scheduled. In the case of heavy snow, if road conditions are safe, we can shoot the interior as the seller has probably put a lot of hard work into getting the home ready for the photo shoot and wants to list it a.s.a.p. Exterior photos can be shot at the earliest date available or the entire shoot can be rescheduled to the next available date. If the shooting is done over a two day period, a traveling fee of $75 will be assessed for the return visit.
Do we need to reschedule for rainy/overcast days?
Rescheduling a shoot due to overcast or rainy weather will be up to the agent's discretion. If rescheduling is made with more than 24 hours notice then no cancellation fee will be applied. If the photographer is not notified to reschedule then the shoot will go ahead as planned. The agent has the option to have the sky replaced with blue sky for an additional fee.
What is your pricing?
Please visit the pricing page to find the package and additional services that work for your property. In general the cost photos is $149 and the photographer will take as many photos as the property needs. For condos, photos of the amenities are not guaranteed and are sunbelt to having permission and access to take photos and that there are NO residents using the amenities at the time. If you have any questions or need a quotation for a listing larger than 4,000 square feet, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What is your preferred method of payment?
Our preferred method of payment is E-transfer. Also payments can be made by cash, check or credit card.
Do You Stage?
Staging services are not included with any packages. Due to liability of potentially damaging furniture, appliance, flooring, etc., our photographers do not move furniture, kitchen appliances, pet crates, etc. Although we would love to help you style/design your home, our photographers unfortunately do not have the skill set required to do so. Please make sure all staging and cleaning is done prior to our arrival. Although it is home owner responsibility to make their home ready for the photo session, we recommend hiring a professional home stager to do so.
How can I prepare my property for a photo shoot?
Always start with a thorough cleaning. Make your home as neat and de-cluttered as possible. Please also have all the lights on and window coverings open. Please refrain from having multiple people (stagers, contractors, home inspectors) at the property during the shoot as it drastically slows the process down and can prevent the photographer from getting the best results. Also, it's just rude.
Can I stage/clean the rooms as you shoot?
No. Due to our busy schedules and the fact that staging rooms will take too much time, please make sure the property is completely ready for the photo-shoot prior to our arrival.
Can You Access Properties without agent’s presence?
It is preferred to have you or someone from your office present at the site. Another alternative is detailed information of a lock box (exact location, access code, etc.).
There were people in the amenities and we could get any photos, can you go back to shoot them?
No. Photos of amenities are not guaranteed.
Matterport 3D Tour FAQs
What is Matterport and what are the benefits?
Matterport is a three-dimensional camera system used to create realistic, fully immersive experiences. We use this tool to capture imagery, collect measurements and process data to create, edit and share a 3D rendering of your location. The viewer can enjoy a virtual walkthrough of the property from the comfort of their home at a time of convenience to them. Also, booking platforms such as Broker Bay has now integrated Matterport in to their booking system to allow an Agent book an appointment with a Client to meet online via video chat and view the Matterport 3D Tour together. Click here to find out more.
How much does it cost?
Starting rate for a Matterport 3D Tour is $150 for Condos, up to 1000 square feet, and $200 for houses, up to 2000 square feet. It's $0.05 per square foot after that.
How long does it take on site?
It takes roughly 30 minutes per 1000 square feet, depending on the layout of the property and quantity of furniture.
Is it a large file?
There is no file involved. The finished product will be delivered as a link and/or embedded in a virtual tour. Please see the Pricing page for samples of the Virtual Tour.
How quickly will I receive it after the shoot?
It can take 12-24 hours for the 3D Tour to be processed. The finished product can be delivered to the agent either late the same evening of the shoot or the following morning.
Will you show areas like the furnace room, a crawl space or closets?
All spaces can be shown provided there is access and only if the client wants these areas shown. Please keep in mind, open doors need to stay open during the entire process of scanning a property as the camera needs to have line of sight from one scanned position to the next for them to seamlessly stitch together.
Will you include the exterior of the property with the Matterport 3D Tour?
At the moment, Matterport 3D scans do not work well outside. The camera uses a combination of Image capture and the emitting of UV light and to create a 3D space. UV light from Sunlight overpowers the UV light emitted by the camera making 3D capture outdoors nearly impossible. However, the camera can capture 360º scans that can be added to the 3D tour as separate panoramic images. The camera is not weather proof. 360º scans can only be made in good weather and capture will be up to the photographer's discretion.
Can a Matterport 3D Tour be viewed on any device?
Yes, a Matterport 3D Tour can be viewed on just about any modern device, smart phone, laptop or desktop computer that has a touch screen or uses a mouse.
Can I attach the 3D Tour to my MLS listing?
Yes, you can copy and paste the Matterport link in to the appropriate Multimedia field on your listing.
Do I still need professional photos?
Professional photos are still highly recommended. Depending on what you need the 3D Tour for, you may not require additional photos but in most cases you will still require Professional photos for your MLS listing and other marketing materials.
Do I still need Floor Plans?
Matterport 3D Tours offers a Floor Plan View of each scanned floor but does not offer the same level of detail traditional 2D floor plans would provide. 2D floor plans can be produced when ordering a Matterport 3D Tour of a property, please see the Pricing page for details.
Can I add my own audio to a 3D Tour?
No. Unfortunately it is not possible to add any audio (voiceover or music) to the Matterport 3D Tour.