Welcome to BC Harrop Photography LLC, Realtor Resources and FAQ Page

 The standard turnaround time for photos is the day after the shoot. We understand the fast-paced nature of the real estate market and strive to deliver high-quality, edited photos as quickly as possible. For video and 3D products, the average turn around is two days.  

 You will receive an email with a private Google Drive link to download your photos. The photos are provided in high-resolution for print and web-optimized sizes for MLS listings and social media. For additional support, a Google Drive help document is available above. 

No. This is because the copyright for professionally captured photos belongs to the photographer, not the realtor or the homeowner. Usage is granted for the specific purpose of the home's sale. Without the photographer's explicit permission or a proper license agreement, the realtor is not authorized to distribute or share these images with others, including the homeowner.

 Q: How accurate are the floor plans?
A: We use advanced mobile scanning technology designed specifically for real estate marketing and visualization.

• The Standard: Our scans are highly reliable, typically achieving 95–97% accuracy regarding interior dimensions.
• The Purpose: These plans are excellent for showing the flow, layout, and furniture placement of a home.
• Renovations: While highly precise for real estate marketing, they are intended for illustrative purposes. If you need millimeter-precision for installing cabinets, countertops, or ordering flooring, we always recommend verifying specific dimensions on-site with a physical tape measure.

Q: Why is the square footage different from the tax record?
A: This is the most common question we get! The difference comes down to Exterior vs. Interior measurement standards.

• Tax Records: County assessors typically measure based on the exterior of the home (brick-to-brick). This means the physical thickness of the exterior walls, siding, and brick veneer is included in their total square footage.
• Our Scans: We measure the interior usable space (drywall-to-drywall). Because we measure the actual space you live in—and exclude the footprint of the walls themselves—our "interior" number will almost always be slightly lower than the tax record number.

Q: Should I use the tax record or the floor plan numbers for my MLS listing? 

A: The numbers provided by our floor plans are generally much more appropriate for the MLS.

• MLS guidelines typically require agents to report the actual finished, usable, and climate-controlled interior living space.
• Relying on the county tax record can inadvertently inflate the square footage by including wall thickness or improperly classified spaces (like enclosed porches or unfinished utility rooms).
• Using our scanned interior measurements provides a more honest, transparent representation of the livable space, helping manage buyer expectations and protecting you from misrepresentation complaints.

Q: What areas are excluded from the "Living Area" total? 

A: To provide the most accurate representation of the true living space, our reports automatically separate "non-living" areas from the main total.

• Garages: Even if attached and finished, garages are generally not counted as living space.
• Outdoor Spaces: Decks, porches, and patios are measured but listed separately.
• Unfinished Areas: Utility rooms (furnace/water heater rooms) or unfinished basement spaces are excluded.
• Open Air: The empty space over a two-story foyer or staircase is deducted from the second-floor total.

Just about anywhere in VA, depending on the time of year and workload. Note: Trips over an hour from Cville incur a variable travel fee. Please contact me with the property address, and I will be happy to let you know how much extra it will cost to get there and how soon it can be scheduled. 

 Yes, we offer a full suite of services, including:

• Traditional Video Walkthrough. See dedicated page for info.
• 3D Matterport Tours: Immersive, interactive 3D tours that allow potential buyers to walk through a property virtually. Zillow 3D tours are also available. 
• Drone Photography & Videography: High-quality aerial shots that showcase the property's size, location, and surrounding area. Our pilots are FAA-certified.
• Floor Plans: Detailed 2D and 3D floor plans to help buyers visualize the layout of the home.

We've created a comprehensive checklist to help you and your clients prepare the property for the shoot. See the above PDF document. Key steps include:

• Decluttering: Remove personal items, small appliances, and unnecessary furniture to create a clean, spacious look.
• Cleaning: Ensure all surfaces, floors, and windows are clean.
• Lighting: Open all blinds and turn on all lights (including lamps) to ensure proper lighting.
• Curb Appeal: Tidy up the yard, mow the lawn, and remove any trash cans or visible hoses.

 We monitor the weather closely. If the forecast calls for rain or other inclement weather, we will work with you to reschedule the shoot at no additional cost. We want to ensure we capture the property in the best possible light. 

 We recommend booking as soon as the property is ready to be listed or / listing agreement is signed. For standard photo shoots in the Charlottesville area, we can often accommodate bookings within a few days. For more complex shoots (e.g., 3D and video), we recommend booking at least one week in advance.
Note: During the busiest spring and fall seasons, please schedule at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. 

Yes, twilight photography is a popular add-on that creates a warm, inviting feel. We schedule these shoots around sunset to capture the stunning lighting and ambiance.
Digital day-to-dusk digital editing is also available. 

 We understand that things can change. We kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee.