Big Changes Coming to Real Estate Photography

Significant changes in the real estate industry will affect photographers in 2023 but there are things you can do to prepare for what's coming. Below are links pertinent to this video:
My real estate photography series:
amzn.to/3uEig6U
Learn interior photography:
ProInteriors.nathancool.com
Expert Editing for Real Estate Photography:
expertediting.nathancool.com
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Virtual tour software comparison:
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[@piercepixels]

I also really appreciate the research and time you've taken to share this with us! You're like our Photog News Station - "Breaking news"! Merry Christmas to you and all of your family!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you, Brian. And Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

[@jasonrossrealty]

Seriously want to thank you for bringing light to this. Tech companies are constantly devaluing the human beings who want nothing more than to provide quality service and make a living.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome!

[@israeltor]

I agree with you when it directly impacts my business, such as real estate - obviously. But on the other hand, technological progress is inevitable. Think of how old school film photographers or videographers felt when 20 years ago digital cameras and even cell phones are now dominant. I'm diversifying into professional real estate photography and videography because I can't get ll the media I want for my listings at a practical price. I am also diversifying for when Redfin or Zillow makes independent real estate agents obsolete. But Nathan is now fearing these same companies may be coming after the re photographers too 😬 We just have to stay ahead of the curve. I also strongly support re agents and re photographers to unite to push back on these behemoth tech companies that use all our content and hard work to become the go-to sites off our hard work. Without the re agents and without all the beautiful photography re photographers create, those sites would nothing.

[@zacbaleshenry]

Long term Realtor here with about 16 years under my belt. Zillow is a dumpster fire, and they’ve tried for years to eliminate roles within the real estate industry. If it wasn't Zillow, it would be someone else. It’s not that we shouldn’t acknowledge their behavior. But it’s important to remember that in this industry, quality often outpaces sub-categories that try to subvert our sector. Real Estate is complex; we all have to change and grow with the times, but those who understand that adding more tools to your toolbox makes for a better experience for all, are often the ones who survive. I have a photographer I’m very loyal to. And we actively work together in order to create better ways of marketing properties. Zillow is just a sliver of a more significant industry that revolves around maximum exposure- but more importantly, quality of representation/interaction. What I think it comes down to is the agent who often has the clients trust to work with partners who share a common goal of maintaining the integrity of this industry. Thanks for the video and raising some strong points. Just wanted to reinforce some of your underlining themes from someone else in the industry.

[@bill-mckenna]

Thank you so much. My heart goes out to all photographers. If you add in the price of equipment, the time getting the gear ready, the time putting the gear back after the shoot, the time traveling, the physical labor, it's a really hard profession and only one for the truly passionate...

[@bretwills4602]

I would say that the photo mills are the ones who need to worry the most. My clients come to me because they expect a higher level of work and know not everyone can deliver that.

[@jorgergonzalezvisualartist8925]

Thank you Nathan, appreciate the heads up. Have a wonderful holiday season with your family.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you Jorge! And happy holidays to you and yours as well.

[@highlandvisual]

Several months ago I stumbled upon job postings for Zillow "photographer liaison" positions. Mentioned recruitment and management of photographers. Now it all makes sense!

[@kristibphotos1083]

As always Nathan thank you so very much for all your hard work. This industry would not be the same with our you.

[@careyrook5364]

Great! Had not heard about this till now. This is my first year in RE Photography. I've invested, studied hard, and have been practicing just as hard to put out the best product/service that I can. I will continue to do just that. Thank you Nathan for your time and valuable insight.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome Carey!

[@marc5117]

You are the ultimate sage. Thank you, sir!

[@TheMorGroup]

Thank you for researching this and updating the whole world! Appreciate you and this video

[@ottersphotography304]

I was skeptical about the Zillow certified photographer from the start. And quite honestly, I seem to see most of this as being negatives for Zillow overall. I believe their desperation is going to give people the reason to push back against Zillow that seems to have already started happening. Thank you for all this research and information.

[@hwy65photography38]

Thanks for the insight for 2023. I will stay connected with your videos for for news.

[@MichaelCook1981]

I shot a house the other day for my friend that's a Realtor. She was using a photo mill company and wasn't happy with the photos and services. I imagine the turn over rate is high at these photo mills, I know they don't pay very well, I sub contract for a guy and sometimes drive a hour for $50-60. It's getting old fast, I'm working on building up my own business instead of subbing.

[@ejhowardphoto6574]

Hello Michael. I had a similar experience when I started about 4 years ago. I had an agent ask me to shoot exclusively for him and his small team, which I did for 2 years. That opportunity allowed me to learn and grow. I travelled a lot but I got a fair wage. He has since retired and I work alone. I gained skills and a few loyal clients. I'm trying to slowly grow my business to supplement my retirement income. I'm never going back to working for photo mills again. Even if I don't get much work I'm ok with that. Once they know you will work cheap it's all over. Much of what I do is for FSBO's. Stand firm and you'll do great.

[@josesimoes7839]

This has been happening here for some time and it has worked well here in Switzerland, even for real estate photographers.

[@robrome2546]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I had no idea this was going on.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome, Rob. Glad I could help.

[@UrbanSipfly]

As a consumer of products, it's clear that not all things similar are exactly the same to accommodate individual needs.

[@ronwick3533]

I've been a Zillow Certified photographer for many years. I recently communicated multiple times with a Zillow staff member ... primarily concerned that my professional videos are no longer supported via direct uploads to them. I actually prefer to have the videos linked to full HD videos on my own servers. However access to them is currently "buried" in a link under their "See More Facts and Features" obscure sub-category with the link pulled from our MLS "Virtual Tour" info icon. I am hoping this will change "soon" following discussion with my Zillow contact. Merry Christmas to all !!!

[@terrykellyphotography6171]

Thank you Nathan! You’re a wealth of information. Wishing you and your family happy holidays 🎄

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome, Terry. And happy holidays to you and yours as well.

[@brianburke8627]

Thanks for everything you do Nathan!! Great Video!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I appreciate that!

[@HawaiianVirtualTours]

Thanks Nathan! You are greatly appreciated!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@scottmanthey3549]

Great info, exactly spot on. Customer service is always going to be the tie breaker. New sub.

[@MrTubular13]

Very informative, thanks for posting this video

[@Coryo61827]

Just wanted to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season Nathan! All the best for the upcoming new year.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Happy holidays to you and yours as well!

[@autofashi0n]

Another big issue is that the Showing Time platform is one that Real Estate Agents use for some MLS services to schedule showings appointments for properties in the market, that brings a big conflict of interest when it comes to Zillow having all kind of information from you and your clients, like for example knowing what properties and what kind of properties they like, knowing that they are most likely prequalified and then selling or passing that information to their associates agents, etc. In my view as a Real Estate Agent my self, I think that ultimately this companies will find the way to sell properties by them self and without any agent representation!

[@JahdielSaneo]

Thank you for this update!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome, Jahdiel.

[@xTheDomBombShowx]

Always such great content! Thank you for taking the time and effort to put this together! Happy Holidays

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you Dominic, and happy holidays to you as as well.

[@davidcolmenero98]

Thanks!!!

[@mahfeww]

This is a business for those who love providing the best to people. You are awesome Nathan, thank you for doing the work!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@mikeslater1545]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You bet

[@gechaves2]

very good explanation. thanks.

[@bobmellema]

Much thanks Nathan.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome Bob.

[@Studio44a]

Thanks Nathan!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome!

[@poomicat]

Thank you so much for the important info!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You are so welcome Idan!

[@robertenglebright8257]

Great insight. Thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome!

[@johnalbaniphotography9361]

Thank you so much for this info. Appreciate you much

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks John!

[@SilverHouseHD]

Great information man. Thanks for this info. I’ve had my head in the clouds so resources like this are so valuable. Thanks

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Monarch.One.]

Thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome!

[@MilesDixon]

awesome video thanks

[@gatorjack2011]

Thank you, Nathan for posting this. I should have known that something was up with Zillow once I received a notice from them that they were going to sunset the Zillow Certified Photographer program by the end of this year and that they were going to go with ShowingTime+. Thanks for keeping us informed as we do appreciate your advice. Cheers and Merry Christmas.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome Jack, and Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@mosercoaching]

I’ve never been a fan of Zillow. Awesome info!

[@vegasrealestatephotography]

Thanks for sharing this info! I was concerned about Matterport's acquisition of VHT studios, and now have to worry about zillow too! 😦 I helped zillow beta test the 3d tours when they started and have since shot hundreds, was zillow certified and feeling like a complete tool right about now🤦‍♂

[@zacgudakov]

Great video, thank you for shedding light on this

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure Zac!

[@Joe-wo6wj]

Thank you for providing a great insight. This big corporate problem is not just in the real estate industry but across all industries and business. The race to the bottom, quantity vs quality and customer service. Do you think now Nathan with the available platforms like this to bring to light the tactics of big cooperate are we in a better position to gain back ground? Will the power and voice of people like yourself help to shape the business landscape in the future? Less race to the bottom more accountability of big corporates?

[@ialphoto]

Sounds like what Orion and George Street did with wedding photography...and you're right, standing out and offering more is key...

[@matthewmarshall4534]

Thank you for this information.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome, Matthew!

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

As a retired Software Prod. Manager - I really appreciated your SW Engineer perspective on this stuff. Z is threatening - however, their mgmt are knuckleheads, and their stockholders are going to keep pushing for profit $. I do believe an AI company is going to be the real threat - based on what you've listed. Good analysis!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you!

[@fragoutairsoft6602]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I already have to deal with a company that hires college kids to do HDR photos that suck. Not a fan of Zillow but this just adds another layer to why I dont like them

[@JuanDiegoGutierrezvideopro]

Really appreciate these insights, thanks.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@davidg5796]

Thanks for the heads up! Being a part time shooter I wouldn’t have known this until it was to late to fight back.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome, David.

[@Pineapple22]

Thanks for explaining the Big Picture. I am a Certified Zillow Photographer (until the end of Dec 22) and have been wondering what the deal was $$$ 🍍

[@maximilian.R]

I have been a residential appraiser for 17 years, and with this slow down, I had to decide on picking up another side job. The real estate market is crazy slow. What a news? Looks like multimedia services are doomed, also. Thank you very much for this video. The plan was to take this entire month and get set up as a photographer/real estate media provider. Now, I really have to decide on what to do.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Don't be disparaged, it's a move of desperation by Zillow. They haven't been able to successfully dominate media yet and their latest move is proof they never will, but, they will try, and that's where you just need to prepare, like I mention near the end. Don't let this "stop" you, let this "encourage" you. If you never try, you will never succeed. And if you never ask, the answer is always no.

[@maximilian.R]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Yes, your last, few, comments are so true. Great advice! Thank you! I guess I will go for it, since I already have the equipment and already invested about a half of a month to training. By the way, you have great content and a great channel. It seems like you are a great businessman. Wish you all of the success!

[@DavidBesnette]

Whatever zillow does, if you are the best (or one of) photographer around, you will get hired no matter what. My top realtors do so much more marketing outside of Zillow. They have social followings of many thousands of people, and other realtors - and a listing spreads through that like wildfire. They advertise in digital publications and magazines etc. They could probably do it all without zillow. Yes, these are the top realtors, but if you are one of the best in your area, that is who will hire you, zillow or not. Top realtors have a brand, and a look to uphold. Get them hooked on your photos and they won't go anywhere else. Nathan is right - strive to be the best, and offer everything you can and the kitchen sink. Great video!

[@michaelfireborn7217]

Thanks for this.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome Michael!

[@nrice3623]

Nathan, this is very interesting and insightful, both as someone interested in RE photography, and someone currently shopping for a house! Thanks for always sharing your knowledge.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshwhite5988]

Interesting stuff!

[@brianmccloud618]

thank you Nathan very informative

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome, Brian!

[@corydwyer377]

Thank you for this video

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure

[@starlashaulisremax6374]

Ty!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

YW!

[@timreneau]

Legit just saw job listing for Photographers from Zillow (Showtime+) in St. Louis and Kansas City... absolutely crazy. Thanks for sharing.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome Tim. They have those jobs listed on their LinkedIn page too. They are scrambling...crazy for sure.

[@jimdevinney1152]

Thank you, Nathan, Great information. We all appreciate your standing guard for our future. Zillow will be the first to have iRobot knocking on doors for a photo shoot, including BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone shoots,,,,, Yikes! I say that in jest but... Happy holidays man!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome, Jim. And happy holidays to you and yours as well.

[@supermediaprod]

Good to know! great insight 🙌

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinewunder1672]

Interesting, glad I found you, after 17 years of being a top rated home inspector, I'm hanging it up next year to do RE photography., thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Christine, and Merry Christmas to you too!

[@ernie548]

Very informative and articulate. Well done. Thank you.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you Ernie, glad you found this useful.

[@donnybristol]

great video, thanks

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@simongsmith]

I'm not a photographer but found this interesting and learned a lot, thanks

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nick11jack7]

Thanks Nathan, great info. Im curious to know who you, or your other viewers use for floor plans? thanks again

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! And you're welcome. Here's my video on floor plan apps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4XCp3-on9l4ibs

[@auomi8762]

So moral of the story, is to re-read each of your 10 books 2x+ and put in even more practice 😁 Great books and still working through them!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

HA! I agree :) Either way, no matter what, to compete you always need to be better than what others can offer.

[@auomi8762]

@@NathanCoolPhoto I agree! And also to serve others and the rest will come 💪🏾

[@floridarealestatescene]

Great insight!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you!

[@grahamleigh8398]

Hi Nathan. Things are changing very fast. Survival is the game. What will this all look like in a years time. Undercutting will put many out of work. Salute.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Actually, the opposite is true if we look at history: There used to be milkmen who would deliver your morning dairy. There used to be switch-board operators who would connect telephone calls. We once required lamplighters to light our street lights each night. And we used to have video stores like Blockbuster to rent movies to watch. Jobs may appear to be lost, but they aren't; instead, they change. We still need people running the bank; we still need people working at telephone companies; there are more employees at electrical companies and city works than ever before; and there are numerous streaming services that employee armies of developers, marketers, office help, etc. Photography is no different. We don't need film developers any more (or rarely). But there are more photographers today than ever before. More importantly though, is that being a pro photographer, you are more than a shutter release: it's your ability to help clients market their products (houses, cars, or breakfast cereal). Finding the best ways to do that, having the skills and tools to do that, and knowing the best approach to help clients with that is what will give you long-lasting job security. Like any job in the past that may not be here now, it's a matter of leveraging the tech of the time. And when it comes to real estate photography, it's a matter of being better than the competition so that you can charge more and be higher in demand. Don't compete on price; instead, get exceptionally good at what you do and seek out clients who appreciate that.

[@dornie_donko]

Relying on huge corporations is everyone’s first mistake

[@dude463waze6]

2 or 3 years ago, maybe longer, Zillow's estimates started matching whatever the price was that the agent listed the house for. My mom who used to be an underwriter until she retired said that they would partially base what they thought the house was worth on the Zestimate. Now they don't because it's become unreliable. I'm not sure if this is connected.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Yep, super frustrating, and another reason why that feature won't always set Zillow apart.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Zillow buying homes was one person, ten people, two dozen people making a decision. I believe those folks are out and new people are in....if not now, soon enough. Zillow has made themselves an easy resource for buyers and renters. tHank you for the video....We must not sit on our hands while tech changes the game.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! Just to clarify, it wasn't one or a dozen people; instead, Zillow laid off about 2,000 people when iBuyer collapsed. It's estimated that Zillow now employs about 5,700 people, down from over 8,000 a couple years ago.

[@arc-imaging]

Matterport has nearly done the same thing. I'm all for corporations seeking out new avenues of income, but they both are eating the very people who have helped them get to where they are.

[@lj_hepp]

Seems like this may end up blowing up in their face like every other move they make. How are they going to ensure that they have every area covered? How are they going to make sure they have available photographers in busier areas?

[@mattreid9191]

Hey Nathan, thanks for the video. I worked for VRX Media up until a couple weeks ago…I decided not to sign the contract that Zillow sent all the photographers to sign that wanted to keep their jobs. They were going to have all the photographers be Zillow employees and change the pay structure. I was definitely concerned to be a photographer for a company that many real estate agents really dislike. Plus, I just felt like a pawn in Zillow’s scheme to take over the real estate world. It will be interesting to see how their acquisition of showingtime, VRX, etc plays out over the next several months.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome, Matt, and I hope all goes well moving forward.

[@Laketexomaliving]

Hey matt.. What did they want to pay people? Just curious. thx

[@scottprokopphoto]

Great video. Yes it will be interesting to see what happens. I believe that something brand new will knock Zillow off the top.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Scott. I believe that as well.

[@matthewneale6537]

I went through this as a church directory photographer. My specialty is volume family portrait photography. I found I could compete based on customer service, better photography being local. I don't see why as photographers we can't do the same with real estate.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

True, very true.

[@stephaniewalker6107]

Hi! Thank you so much for your videos. I am learning so much. What do you think about TikTok and how a lot of realtors are doing walk through tours on their phones? Do you think this will affect REP? Do you think this is something I can offer as a photographer? I am totally into TikTok and I love watching those tour videos but I have noticed it's real estate agents that are behind the camera.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome! Those things don't really matter, if you take the right approach. It's not the tech that decides our work; it's time and effort. Successful realtors know that to be efficient they should delegate tasks to vendors, allowing them to concentrate on their core-competency: selling. They leave content creation as a service they can delegate so that they don't get bogged down with distracting, time-consuming work. But more importantly, as with any genre of photography/videography, you need to constantly improve and create so that you can show clients that you can provide something better than what they can, thus justifying their investment into your services. You need to show you can provide a return, and value-add. These videos, btw, are something I show in my recent course Videography for Real Estate, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: ProVideo.NathanCool.com

[@dpfreedman]

A massive "thumbs up" not just for the content but for remembering one of the greatest quotes in the history of American political gibberish.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you for noticing :)

[@1oakstudios]

David wins over Goliath 💪🏼💪🏼

[@photos-fera7392]

Very good video. Not worried about that here in Montreal, QC. Because of you image quality has sky rocketed and only dealing with luxury listings and brokers who pay for quality and service. These cookie cutters photogs may suffer from all this unfortunately. High end Flambient shooters who offer both quality and service will prevail.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Nathan - it would be really great if we could understand the parameters that AI is going to use to analyze home photos - so we could get better at emphasizing (or not) the areas where AI is going to focus. How can we get ahead of the AI game - by understanding how RE AI is going to analyze and group features of a home? I.e, Will One Point Perspective be more easily analyzed that three point perspective by AI? What will be the metadata parameters that AI will use to analyze, and show preference to? You could really use your SW knowledge to write your next book - "Making your RE Photography AI-ready".

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Great suggestion! Since photos-to-results AI is still in its infancy I'll need to see how this develops, but I am confident that detail shots will be analyzed less than those that show wider views. Also, I'm confident shots taken high enough to show both counters and floors would also be helpful, as would shots that overlap across areas/rooms of a home, which, in a way, could some day produce layout/floorplans/tours. I'm going into the 22nd century there, but I'm sure some that at least comps will come to light rather soon. I'll stay on top of it and I'll have follow-up videos on this as well.

[@toddclampitt8819]

I checked them out in my area. They are very overpriced for the market here. I’m not worried about big box photography. They have over head and I don’t.

[@maxkearney114]

Good insight. i didnt know zillow was making those moves. very interesting

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Maxwell.

[@i-primeproductions1517]

On LinkedIn they’re advertising for photographers for Zillow. I applied to one in another city to see what they are going to pay photographers. also, I have a couple of major issues with Zillow. First they don’t allow anyone to have logos on their photos. That’s my intellectual property that’s copyrighted. Second, I never gave Zillow permission to use my photos and they are all over the place on Zillow. They may see the writing on the wall on those issues.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

On the logo issue, since MLSs do not allow branding (like your logo) you and your client would be in violation if you put logos on your photos. As for the copyright issue you have, you will always retain copyright to your photos. If you provide your photos to a realtor for use on the MLS, that also means your photos will be syndicated out to all listing sites like Zillow, Redfin, etc., which is expected. If you want to prevent that (which I don't recommend) then you'd need to have a contract stating that; however, that would also mean you'd probably not get hired by realtors since photo syndication is what realtors will expect.

[@CarltonCrothers]

Thank you, Nathan, for this informative and timely video. Your insights and observation in the market are spot-on, especially when it comes to disruptions in the marketplace. Most people think of technology and new features when they think of or hear disruption. Please be aware that the most devastating disruptor is not technology perse, but a new business model that will completely decimate an existing market. Keep your eyes on the forest for the trees, behavior, and the value relationship/exchange between seller and buyer. Remember what the internet is best at. It's aggregation. Focus (yes it's a pun) your monetization strategy that leverages and capitalizes on that feature.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@carolphillips3182]

This has happened in England. The companies stand between the agents and the photographers, they are like a cuckoo in another birds nest. It's disgusting. Stand up photographers! Massive monopolies and corporations, every one working for these companies earn peanuts.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I agree, very disgusting, and it's now coined as a new term, "The Middleman Economy", where many of today's big markets are being controlled by intermediaries that provide very little but take (and affect) so much. Here's an interesting book on that subject you might find interesting: amzn.to/3JCvbPz

[@greglynott8892]

Keep in mind that the Zillow war is with the MLS. Up to this point, Zillow has mostly depended on MLS for its media. If Zillow controls the photos and other media, they can lock the MLS out. Your client agents don't want this to happen. You can build your relationships with your clients even deeper and alert them to the data grab that Zillow and Showingtime will try to pull off. Support your clients and your local MLS!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

To a large degree I believe that is true. It reminds me of the Weather Channel: They depend on data from NOAA (our National Weather Service), but try to compete with NOWW. Without NOAA the Weather Channel couldn't exist, so if they try to actually compete with NOAA, then the Weather Channel would close down. Same with Zillow, Redfin, and all the others: don't bite the hand that feeds your listing machine ;)

[@erikhomer9181]

Zillow is not a reliable source for appraisers or lenders.

[@jimbarber4249]

So glad you brought this scary development to our attention. Here's a question: Will local MLS services be able to use the photos that Zillow's contract photographers produce. If not, seems like REALTORS will still need MY services to produce photos for the local MLS. Looks like a listing might end with 2 sets of photos: 1) for local MLS and 2) a fresh set of photos on Zillow only.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome, Jim. There is no reverse syndication (from Zillow to MLS), namely because Zillow wants to "become" the MLS, so I'm sure they will copyright protect all of their own images. I can see Zillow further infuriate realtors and agencies by becoming a listing "island", isolating themselves away from a more productive path of collaboration.

[@dataventurer9998]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thinking about the logistics on this.... The listing agent would be the one who orders the photos from Zillow for the property. Wouldn't the agent then have the rights to load those photos into the local MLS dashboard? Who would own the rights to the photos in this situation???

[@lamar1423]

Reminds me of the bridal companies bringing in photographers.

[@conorharrigan9311]

This is when RE photogs will have to double down, hone their skills, and create a difference between themselves and Zillow. Market hard - fortify connections

[@brettcasey4940]

I been wanting to add Virtual Tours and Floor Plans to my packages, so for that reason I have been doing a ton research...Anything I should about the free virtual tours Zillow is offering through their app? Just started this business in November and I have actually just ordered the camera I need to make this happen...

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Brett, there are two things I'd recommend: (1) Go through/search the videos on my KZbin channel and you'll find videos on tours and floor plans (2) Since you are just starting out, I'd recommend taking a look at my real estate photography series, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3Fy0s2u

[@brettcasey4940]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Will do...Great Video and Love the books ...I have purchased 4 already. Interior, Exterior, Advanced Editing and more recently Mastering Flambient. They have been fantastic resources..Thank You Sir!

[@BBond88]

The Z-Estimate 🙄 As a Realtor my eyes got sore from rolling at this whenever a client or potential client brought this up. An algorithm to drive traffic was all that was. Never remotely accurate. (Unless an average $30k differential is acceptable to you 🤦‍♂️)

[@jamesmasters7519]

Nathan, I am a real estate photographer (3 years... laid off after 28 years as a photojournalist with a large Canadian newspaper chain) in eastern Ontario. Started just before COVID. I haven't seen a "full cycle" of the market just this crazy COVID avalanche. I'm struggling now with the feeling that I should be offering interior video. I do drone video, 3D Matterport/Theta/Floor plans etc. but struggle with the technical demands of interior video. I really want to focus on being the best (non HDR) real estate photographer in my market but I feel like I am losing out on nice listings because local agents hire almost anybody that says they do interior video regardless of the quality, which is usually pretty poor. I did some quick research on some of these companies your reference in this video and none of them seem offer interior video services? What is your opinion on this? Is it on the way out? The American market seems way a head of what I deal with in Canada? Thanks for another thought provoking video...James

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

This video could help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b57QeKmmZ913b5o

[@Corkfish1]

I always laughed when you looked at something online and then when you actually went to see it the place looked like a completely different property.

[@dianapolovko1]

Zillow 3D tour is a terrible virtual experience. It's not even close to Matterport

[@visionsbylegit9878]

I need your course . Where should I start ?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Here's a link to my real estate photography series amzn.to/3VRl7W4 Download the ebooks starting with #1 (Interiors) and then take it from there. I also offer private coaching via Zoom, you can email me for more info on that.

[@randalalansmith9883]

When you say "lay-off", do you mean that photographers were genuine employees of Zillow? Or 1099? Because it's rare that Uber-age internet-based outfits have employees, except for people at the corporate office.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Genuine employees that worked for each company. These companies have thousands of employees. Zillow has about 8,000 employees and Redfin has about 6,000 employees. Your second statement that "internet-based outfits are rare to have employees" isn't correct, see Redfin's profile for instance: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redfin

[@tomweis1194]

How does Matterport fit into all this? Is it a good idea to invest in Matterport?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Here's my recent comparison to Matterport and others: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqrEk3mgaKmsZrM