PREPARING FOR THE SHOOT

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, VirtuaHomes has taken the following proactive steps to ensure that we are providing a safe and healthy environment for you, your homeowners, and our team.

1. We’ve requiring our photographers to take appropriate preventative measures including the regular and consistent use of hand sanitizer, frequent cleaning of equipment, and practicing social distancing while onsite.
2. We’ve provided our photographers with disposable gloves to use while onsite.

We are also asking the following as it pertains to your photoshoot to protect the homeowner, the agent and the photographer.

1. Refrain from attending the photoshoot to limit unnecessary personal interaction. Our photographers are professionals and can perform the shoot in an expert manner without your attendance.
2. If homeowner or tenant attendance cannot be avoided, all persons will remove themselves from the property during the photoshoot. This could mean stepping outside or going into a garage while the photographer is onsite.
3. You will urge property owners/tenants to clean and disinfect the property prior to the photographer’s arrival.
4. Our team will not touch or move anything inside of the property for everyone’s safety
5. It is your responsibility to turn on all lights, open blinds, open all interior doors and ensure that personal items are put away prior to our arrival.
6. The photographer may cancel or reschedule the shoot upon arrival if these policies are not followed, which may result in a cancellation fee.

You must agree to consent to these terms prior to scheduling a photoshoot, in the interest of everyone’s safety.

We want to ensure that all agents, homeowners and photographers stay safe and healthy during this challenging time. We cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support. We’re all in this together. Thanks for your understanding and compliance.We believe that we are taking all steps necessary to ensure everyone’s health and safety, and we will continue operating under the above protocols so long as we are in compliance with all local, state, and national regulations. 

• Your assigned photographer will arrive at the property 10-15 minutes before the scheduled shoot to prepare for the shoot.  
• Photography work at the property will begin at the scheduled shoot time.
• Due to our COVID-19 Protocols, the photographer will not shake hands, and the recommended social distancing of 6-feet will be adhered to between our photographers and anyone onsite.
• Once all shoot requirements are completed, the photographer will ensure the property is locked up (for unattended/vacant home shoots).  

Outside

• Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and tidy the landscaping.
• Move cars out of sight (e.g., into the garage or in front of a neighbor’s house).
• Place trash cans, bikes, toys, and other clutter out of sight.

Inside

• Hide or remove any furniture or objects that will get in the photographer's way as they move through the home. Make sure that all doors open freely and that each room is camera-ready from all angles.
• Replace any burned-out light bulbs and turn on all lights. Better lighting means better results!
• Less is more. Remove clutter and knickknacks from flat surfaces (tables, shelves, etc.) and store excess furniture. Put away toys, books, and other personal items.
• Clean kitchen counters and hide small appliances such as toasters or coffee makers. Remove magnets from the refrigerator.
• In bathrooms, clean mirrors, and counters. Close toilet seats.
• Empty or hide all indoor trash cans.
• Hide pet equipment and paraphernalia such as litter boxes, food bowls, beds, and toys. Some home buyers have pet allergies and will reject a home without visiting it if they see evidence of pets.
• Your photographer will shoot photos with an ultra-wide lens. Please plan to be in a different room or on a different floor to avoid being in the shot.

If you need a checklist to help get the property ready for the photoshoot, click on the button below to access our downloadable PDF with your ready to use checklist.