Real estate photographers and agents face common challenges like accessing properties to take pictures. With traditional methods, like meeting agents with the keys to properties, businesses wasted a lot of time waiting, which complicated appointments—one agent may have only been able to photograph a few properties in a single day. This is why a lockbox system like Supra Access becomes a necessity, providing a smoother workflow and quicker access to needed properties.
What Is Supra Access?
Supra Access is an electronic lockbox system commonplace throughout the real estate sector, integrating modern app-based technologies to enhance convenience and security. Instead of real-world keys, approved and authorized users, like real estate agents and approved photographers, gain access through a Supra eKey, which serves as a Bluetooth key. With the Supra app, access is also tracked alongside the usage logs, creating a record of who accessed it when. The lockboxes are secured to the properties, offering convenient, agent-free access to authorized users.
Why Supra Access Is Important for Real Estate Photographers
No More Waiting for Agents
As a real estate photographer, one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks is working with agents to get the real estate photos you need. Without Supra Access, you’re entirely dependent on the agent’s schedule. This often results in delays, last-minute cancellations, unnecessary waiting, and wasted time. With Supra Access, you’re able to enter the homes at your convenience. This independence makes you more efficient, enabling you to take on more bookings every day, which in turn increases your productivity.
Agents Trust Photographers with Supra Access
Many top-tier real estate agents prefer to work with photographers who have Supra Access. It offers them a sense of reliability and professionalism. Agents feel more comfortable providing access to their listings because every entry is logged in the Supra system, granting transparency on who accesses the property and when. This makes them feel at ease knowing that their listings are safe and well taken care of. With Supra Access, you position yourself as a trusted professional, which increases your chances of repeat business and referrals.
Capture More Properties in Less Time
In real estate, time is money. Properties need to be photographed and listed for them to attract potential buyers. With Supra Access, you can shoot homes at their address without waiting for an agent to meet you, which saves time. Through this process, agents can get listings live sooner, giving them a competitive edge in the market. As a photographer, this means getting more value for clients and increasing chances of consistent work.
How to Get Supra Access
Obtaining Supra Access is not an automated process, but it’s simple if you follow the appropriate steps. The most common approach is obtaining sponsorship from a real estate agent or brokerage that already uses the system. For photographers, building strong relationships with the sponsoring agents is important because once they trust your work, they can submit an application on your behalf. There’s usually a yearly fee of 100−100−150, but the investment is worth it in time saved and additional bookings. Joining a real estate photography company that grants Supra Access to its contractors is another possibility.
Some larger companies have contracts with Supra and are able to provide eKeys to their photographers. In some rare instances, photographers may apply through their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as a vendor, although their eligibility is determined by local regulations.
Best Practices for Using Supra Access
Once granted access, it’s crucial to follow the rules and limitations set in place. Always check with the agent before entering a property, even if they said you can go in. Make sure to treat the home with care by locking it up properly and not disrupting the space too much. Maintaining your eKey and using the Supra app for entry log tracking helps streamline operations, enhance security, and improve compliance.
For real estate photographers, Supra Access is more than just a convenience feature. It removes scheduling bottlenecks, enhances professionalism, expedites the listing process, and bolsters competitiveness in a fast-paced sector. For those serious about expanding their real estate photography business, investing in Supra Access will improve efficiency, reputation, and earnings.
Greg Cee Photo provides professional real estate photography in Atlanta with quick access via Supra, enabling faster property listing through speedy, high-quality photoshoots. Reach out to us today to schedule your session!
Yes, but you’ll need approval from a local agent or brokerage in that market.
Absolutely—the time you save and the additional bookings you secure will quickly offset the cost.
While most do, some still use traditional lockboxes. However, Supra is the industry standard for secure and efficient property access.
