How to choose the best real estate media services for your MLS Listing or STR

Are you wondering how to choose the best media services for your real estate listing or vacation rental needs?

Video of acreage in Hiawassee GA where video footage is extraordinary helpful because of the size of the property and nothing shows a property like a birds eye view with all the details!

You are not alone! I get asked this question all the time so I thought a blog post would be a great idea to see if it can help answer some questions.

Selecting the right real estate media services is crucial for effectively showcasing your property listings. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Assess Your Property's Needs:

  • Photography: High-quality images are essential for all listings.

  • Videography: Video tours can provide a dynamic view of the property. Video tours work great if you are posting on social media. They get lots of traction… reels, videos etc are always a huge hit and viewed and shared quite a bit.

    • if you decide you want videography, the next step is figuring out what kind of videos you want! Reels (vertical for social media) or horizontal for MLS or STR platforms.

  • Aerial/Drones: Ideal for large properties or those with unique landscapes. Drones are important if you have great views or unique vistas. This is important in my region (north georgia and western north carolina mountains) because the views can really help sell the property! If your vacation rental sits in a unique location that would benefit from birds eye views of the surrounding area, it is a great idea to have drone footage. Drones are great for acreage as well because nothing shows lots of land like a birds eye view. Bottom line, drone footage can really set you apart from your competition and push you to the top for your listing or STR.

  • 3D Virtual Tours: Ideal for remote buyers and properties with unique layouts. In markets with a high number of second homes or out-of-town buyers, 3D tours are a game changer—allowing people to fully explore the space and understand flow, layout, and scale before ever setting foot in the property. See a sample 3D Zillow Tour HERE.

Downtown Hayesville for shopping, dining and outdoor concerts!

2. Local Knowledge & Location:

Hiring a photograph that knows actually sells in your area is quite important. They know what to focus on and highlight. Can they capture nearby amenities, views, towns, lakes, trails, walkability? This is huge for Mountain views, Lake properties and Vacation rentals selling an experience, not just a house

3. Consistency & Brand Look

Especially important for: Agents with multiple listings, Property managers with multiple rentals and Builders. For me, it is important that my editing style is the same across all my shoots. I am hired because people see my media on my website or social media and they know what to expect. My shoots have the same natural look across all properties. Not overly processed, not overly edited. Consistently natural with accurate color representation. Buyers subconsciously trust listings that look professional and cohesive.

4. Consider Additional Services but don’t feel pressured to buy everything offered!

  • Social Media Integration: Some providers offer content tailored for platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

  • Virtual Staging: Enhances empty spaces digitally to attract buyers.

  • Don’t feel pressured to buy the biggest, most expensive package. You might not actually need ALL the service items offered. I partner with my agents and homeowners to determine what will best work for their specific property and can create customized pacakged based on those needs. You don’t always need everything and the most expensive. I want to be your go to, trusted source for you real estate media and I want to consult with you and guide you on the best choices. I know all the options and can help you determine what is best for you. If for any reason you aren’t happy, I will refund you.

5. Budget and Packages:

  • Compare Pricing: Look for packages that offer the best value for the services you need. Check out my pricing page here.

  • Customization: Ensure the provider can tailor services to your specific requirements. If you don’t see what you want, i can create a package for you and your property. Exactly what you need… all the time. ;)

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a real estate media service that aligns with your property's needs and marketing goals.


This is alot of information and I do this everyday. If you’re unsure what your property actually needs, a quick consultation can save time and money. Shoot me an email at info@kboyerphotography.com and we can set up a quick call to chat.

Kristin Boyer

Written By: Kristin Boyer

Founder K Boyer Photography and K Boyer Real Estate Media

Kristin Boyer is a professional photographer and owner of K Boyer Real Estate Media and K Boyer Photography, based in Hayesville, North Carolina. She partners with real estate agents, builders, property managers, vacation rental owners, and small business professionals to create high-impact visual marketing that helps properties sell and brands stand out.

https://www.kboyerrealestatemedia.com
Previous
Previous

What to Look for When Hiring a Vacation Rental Photographer

Next
Next

Personal Branding Photography for Real Estate Agents