I copied this idea, and you should too.
Real estate can be a crazy, emotional journey for families. So, when you get the chance to make the process a little more special, you grab it.
My new favorite way to do this is with a “Welcome Home” photo shoot. It’s personal, it’s memorable, and it works wonders both for my clients and my marketing.
Here’s what it could do for you.
Changing the Client Experience
This story starts with an amazing family who had been through the wringer. They’d spent an entire year trying to sell their home with another agent—and they hated the process. Totally understandable, right? It was such an emotional rollercoaster for them.
But when we found the perfect house in a neighborhood they loved, it was such a relief.
We got their home under contract, and the packing began. The move was massive, and with everything happening all at once, I wanted to do something that would really make them feel special—something they’d remember long after the moving boxes were unpacked.
I just knew they’d be perfect for a photo shoot. The kids were excited to explore their new house, and the family is seriously adorable. So, I called up my photographer, booked a 20-minute mini session, and spent $350
(Creating clients for life = worth every penny.)
We decided to do the shoot during the walk-through. Attempting to squeeze in photos during the chaos of moving would be insane, so the walk-through was the perfect moment to capture them as a family in their new space.
And let me tell you, those photos turned out to be pure magic.
Look how cute this is!
The Buyers’ Reaction
When I shared the photos with them, they were so happy. The kids had never seen the house before, so we got some adorable, genuine reactions. It was emotional, it was real, and it was beautiful.
The best part? The family shared those photos on their social media with the caption:
“Do yourself a favor and hire a real estate agent who puts your family first.”
For me, it doesn’t get better than that. That’s exactly the kind of bond I want to create with my clients—showing them I care about their happiness, not just the transaction.
Now let’s talk about the social media side of things.
2x the Engagement + 4 Buyers Reaching Out
When I shared this on my Instagram, the reel outperformed my usual reach. I’m talking double the engagement on my typical reels in the last 6 months.
And here’s the most important part: Four of my pipeline buyers—who never, ever engage with my content—commented or reached out. That told me loud and clear that they noticed and were impressed by the personal touch.
We already know that social media isn’t just about showcasing properties—it’s about showing who you are as a person and as an agent. This photo shoot did that in spades. It was a real, human moment that my audience could connect with.
And that’s what really makes a difference.
Inspiration for the Photo Shoot (& Reel)
If you’re not yet sold on this idea – the inspiration post got over 140,000 views and crazy engagement. Check it out here:
Her reach was proof enough for me that her format worked. It started with a quick behind the scenes video clip of her photographer capturing the family. She had a really sweet sign that said home which added a nice touch.
She also had a text overlay that said, “POV: you hire me as your realtor and we do a ‘Welcome home’ photo shoot on closing day.” Typically, I would change the text a bit to feel more authentic, but I did not here; it was perfect as is.
This behind the scenes clip with the text overlay served as a great hook drawing viewers in. Then the text box disappeared and quick clips of the professional photos were the balance of the video.
It was a simple video to create in Canva. I started by selecting the photos I wanted to include and setting each photo to my desired time.
Then I added the two clips together (the behind the scenes clip and the video of the photo mash up from Canva) in the Instagram app. And finally, I added the text and music.
Small Investment, Huge Impact
This “Welcome Home” photo shoot is one of the easiest, most impactful ways to show that you care about your clients beyond just closing the deal.
So, from here on out, I’ll be offering this service to all of my buyers. The upfront cost is minimal, but the payoff is huge—not just for my clients but also for my business. It’s an experience they’ll remember forever, and it gives me content that truly resonates with my audience.
I highly recommend you try this out. It’s easy, it’s personal, and it works. The photos may fade, but the memories—and the social media reach—are impactful.
Have you tried a “Welcome Home” photo shoot with your clients? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any ideas you’ve got for making the process even more special.
