Talk the Talk: Real Estate Terms Every Photographer Should Know

As a real estate photographer, you are more than just a camera operator; you are a key partner in your client’s transaction. To gain an agent’s trust and truly understand their listing needs, you need to speak their language.

Using the correct real estate terminology shows competence, builds confidence, and streamlines the communication process; which is vital when you’re delivering complex assets like virtual tours, 3D floor plans, and property websites.

Here is a cheat sheet of essential real estate lingo every photographer should know.

Key Listing Terminology

These terms define the property and the client’s goal:

• MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The comprehensive database where brokers share information about properties for sale. This is where most of your media assets (especially photos and virtual tours) need to be uploaded.
• Listing Appointment: The first meeting where an agent meets with a seller to secure the contract to sell the home. A common mistake is scheduling your shoot before the agent has secured the listing.
• Curb Appeal: The attractiveness of a property as viewed from the street. Your exterior shots and yard photos are crucial for establishing curb appeal.
• Staging: Preparing a home for sale by strategically placing furniture and décor to make it more appealing to the widest range of potential buyers. Always photograph a staged home, not an empty or cluttered one.
• Showing: A scheduled visit for a potential buyer to view the property in person. Your high-quality media is what drives buyers to book a showing.
• Pending: A property status indicating that a buyer and seller have a signed contract, but the transaction hasn’t officially closed (usually waiting on inspections, financing, etc.).

Understanding Property Measurements

When you deliver assets like our ANSI-standard floor plans, knowing these terms is vital:

• Square Footage (Sq. Ft.): The total living area of the house, often calculated based on exterior wall measurements. This number is critical for MLS and must be accurate.
• GBA (Gross Building Area): The total area of the property, including all finished and unfinished areas, often used for commercial or multi-family properties.
• GLA (Gross Living Area): The residential space that is finished, heated, and above ground. This is the figure most commonly used for residential sales listings.
• Baths/Beds: Refers to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. A “3/2” is three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Make sure your floor plan clearly depicts these counts.

Transaction & Marketing Lingo

These terms relate to the business side of the transaction and how your media is used:

• Lead Generation: The process of attracting and converting potential buyers or sellers. Your immersive media (virtual tours, 3D plans) are key tools for generating buyer leads.
• Conversion Rate: The percentage of visitors to a listing page (or property website) who take a desired action, such as contacting the agent. Quality media improves this rate.
• Escrow: A neutral third party that holds funds and documents until all conditions of a contract are met, ensuring a smooth closing.
• Value Proposition: The unique benefit an agent offers to their client (e.g., “I offer the best marketing package in the area”). Your cutting-edge media, like the Listing Spotlight property website, is a huge part of your agent’s value proposition.
• Due Diligence: The period during a transaction when the buyer conducts inspections, reviews documents, and investigates the property to ensure it meets their needs.

By seamlessly integrating these terms into your discussions, whether you’re explaining the benefits of your Giraffe PRO Camera or reviewing a 3D Floor Plan; you immediately elevate your status from a simple vendor to a professional partner. Start talking the talk, and watch your client relationships (and your business) grow.

Want to improve your property marketing, photography, virtual tours and floor plans? Build your plan today.