I am pleased to announce that I have officially been approved for an exemption as an “essential business” by Connecticut’s Department of Economic Community Development (DECD). This means I am officially authorized to provide photography services under the conditions that I adhere to strict guidelines of the DECD to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont issued an executive order that labeled certain businesses as “essential” allowing them to continue to work as long as they followed certain specific guidelines for operating a safe work environment. While real estate agents were named as essential, real estate photographers were not leaving real estate agents with no choice but to photograph their listings on their own. As a business owner and photographer I applied for an exception that was subsequently granted allowing me to resume providing our valuable service to real estate agents.
The premise of my appeal in the application was to make the point that shooting professional semi-wide-angle views of a property, along with complimentary floor plans, is much better for the viewer than providing mobile phone photos and no floor plans. Basically, if the goal is to minimize the need to visit a property then better photos and floor plans is more likely to accomplish this objective. I also had to demonstrate that I can and will take the necessary precautions to protect everyone.
When hired for real estate photography shoots of both interiors and exteriors I am taking all of the necessary precautions to protect myself, as well as any others who may come into contact with me or the property. This is basically done by wearing a face mask and rubber gloves at all times during the photo shoot. In most cases there are no other individuals present with me, but when there are we always keep a very safe distance to avoid any contact or spread of the virus.
For vacant properties, which is the case more often than not right now, I can usually access the property through the agent provided Supra eKey lockbox. I have access to the lockbox because I am also a licensed real estate agent myself. In cases where there is no lockbox I will either have the agent open the house for me or arrange for a key transfer somewhere else. I have even been known to install lockboxes when provided in advance by the agent. When the property is occupied I will work together with the agent to establish an appropriate plan with the occupants of the home so we can adhere to the mandatory distancing guidelines and to minimize potential exposure.
In addition to providing professional photos, I also provide floor plans as a part of my standard package. The combination of offering professional photos, floor plans and virtual tour links for the property listings we can provide prospective buyers (and tenants) with the best possible “vision” of the property listing while minimizing contact.
Jeffrey Wirz Photography is based in Stamford, Connecticut, and provides real estate photography services to real estate agents and “For Sale By Owner” sellers throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut. To view sample photos and more information, go to the following link:
https://jeffreywirzphotography.com/services/real-estate/
JEFFREY WIRZ PHOTOGRAPHY LLC 