Welcome to the Berridge Media Blog!
At Berridge Media, we believe in the power of visual storytelling. Whether it’s through stunning photography, dynamic video, immersive 3D tours, or breathtaking drone footage, we help businesses stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
This blog is your go-to resource for marketing insights, industry trends, and expert tips on leveraging professional media to elevate your brand. From real estate and hospitality to small businesses and tourism, we’re here to help you make a lasting impression.
Stay tuned for insider strategies, success stories, and creative inspiration to take your marketing to the next level.
Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know! And if you're ready to upgrade your brand’s visuals, contact us today to see how Berridge Media can help.
Welcome aboard!
The Power of Construction Progression Photos & MEP Media: What They Solve and Why You Need Them
In the fast-paced world of construction, details matter. Timelines shift, subcontractors rotate in and out, and project visibility can quickly get lost in the chaos. That’s where construction progression photography and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) media come in—offering clarity, accountability, and peace of mind.
At Berridge Media, we provide professional construction documentation services that go beyond snapshots. Our goal is to help builders, contractors, and project managers communicate more clearly, reduce costly mistakes, and protect their bottom line.
What Are Construction Progression & MEP Media?
🧱 Construction Progression Photos: High-quality images captured at regular intervals (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) showing how a build evolves over time.
🔧 MEP Media: Strategic photo, video, and iGUIDE virtual tour documentation of behind-the-walls systems—HVAC ductwork, plumbing lines, electrical wiring—before they’re sealed by drywall or concrete.
Benefits of Construction Progression Photos
📅 Track Progress Accurately
Keep an ongoing visual record for stakeholders, clients, and investors. Great for status reports and milestone tracking.
🧾 Document for Compliance & Permits
Photos help verify that work aligns with code, specs, and permitting requirements—especially in inspection-heavy projects.
📈 Strengthen Client Trust
Show clients how their project is progressing, even if they’re off-site. Visual transparency builds confidence and reduces miscommunication.
💼 Support Project Management
Use images in construction meetings, handoffs between crews, or warranty documentation. It’s also incredibly helpful for insurance and legal coverage.
Why MEP Media Is a Game-Changer
🔍 Visual Records of Critical Systems
When a pipe bursts or a wall needs opening, photos can show what’s behind it—no guesswork required.
💸 Prevent Costly Mistakes
Spot issues early before the drywall goes up. MEP documentation helps identify incorrect installations or missed specs in real time.
🛠 Smooth Remodels or Repairs
Have a renovation years down the road? MEP photos and iGUIDE virtual tours give architects, engineers, and contractors a map of the building’s internal systems.
🧯 Boost Safety & Efficiency
Knowing the layout of systems improves planning, safety compliance, and resource allocation across the job site.
The Pain Points We Solve
⛔ Lack of Documentation – No more blurry phone photos or forgotten milestones. ⛔ Project Delays from Miscommunication – Clear visuals support clear conversations. ⛔ Insurance & Legal Disputes – Visual records reduce liability and support claims. ⛔ Troubleshooting Hidden Issues – Know what’s behind the walls without cutting into them.
Why Builders Choose Berridge Media
With Berridge Media, you get: ✅ A reliable visual partner who understands the construction timeline
✅ Consistent, high-resolution media tailored to your needs
✅ Drone, photo, video, floorplan documentation, and iGUIDE virtual tours—all in one place
📲 Let’s document your build the right way. Contact Berridge Media to schedule your construction progression or MEP session today.
Because when every phase counts, every image matters.
Every Real Estate Photo Session from Berridge Media Now Includes a Floor Plan
At Berridge Media, we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s real estate professionals. That’s why we’re proud to announce a new standard for our services: every real estate listing photo session now includes a professionally drafted floor plan at no extra charge.
Why? Because floor plans are no longer a luxury—they’re a must-have marketing tool. And in many MLS systems, they’re quickly becoming a requirement.
Why Floor Plans Matter More Than Ever
📏 They Help Buyers Visualize the Space
Photos give buyers a feel for the look and style of a home. But floor plans provide context—room sizes, flow, and layout. According to Zillow, 56% of home buyers said floor plans are a very useful feature when viewing a listing, making them second only to photos in importance.
🧭 They Improve Engagement
Listings with floor plans consistently see longer viewing times and more clicks. A 2022 report by Rightmove (UK) found that floor plans can increase listing engagement by up to 52%.
🛑 They Reduce Unqualified Showings
Buyers who see a floor plan can more easily determine whether the home fits their needs, which reduces unnecessary showings and wasted time for agents and sellers.
💼 They Make You Look More Professional
Including a clean, accurate floor plan adds polish to your listing presentation. It shows that you’re invested in giving your clients the best tools to market their home.
MLS Requirements Are Changing
More MLS systems are starting to mandate or encourage the use of floor plans:
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REBNY RLS (NYC) now requires a floor plan on all exclusive residential listings.
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Stellar MLS (Florida) recommends floor plans and includes a checkbox to indicate whether one is present.
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Bright MLS (Mid-Atlantic) has added support for floor plan uploads and is increasingly emphasizing listing media standards.
Industry trends show that floor plans are moving from "nice-to-have" to "expected," and agents who adopt them early are positioning themselves as leaders in their market.
How Berridge Media Makes It Easy
We believe high-quality marketing shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. That’s why we now include a professionally created floor plan with every listing photo shoot. No add-on fees, no surprise charges—just added value.
Whether you’re listing a 2-bedroom condo or a 6,000-square-foot estate, a floor plan helps buyers connect with the property and helps you stand out from the competition.
Ready to upgrade your listings? Book your next session with Berridge Media and get stunning photography, drone, video, and floor plans—all in one place.
Sources:
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Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report: https://www.zillowgroup.com/research/
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Rightmove Report: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/floorplans-increase-interest/
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REBNY RLS Requirements: https://www.rebny.com/
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Bright MLS Listing Media Guidelines: https://brightmls.com/
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Stellar MLS: https://www.stellarmls.com/
Berridge Media Has Switched from Aryeo to Spiro—Here’s Why It Matters
At Berridge Media, we’re always looking for the best tools to serve our clients—especially real estate professionals who rely on us for timely, high-quality visual content. That’s why we’ve recently made an important change: We’ve officially transitioned from Aryeo to Spiro for our real estate media delivery platform.
Why the Switch?
Aryeo has been a popular platform in the real estate media space, but in 2023, Aryeo was acquired by Zillow. As Zillow continues to evolve into a more direct competitor to agents, brokerages, and independent media companies, we felt it was important to align our operations with a platform that fully supports independent creators and real estate professionals—not one owned by a corporate listing giant.
Why Spiro?
Spiro is an innovative, photographer-first platform that puts customer service, speed, and independence at the forefront. Here’s what this switch means for you:
✅ Faster turnaround times for your photos, videos, floor plans, and 3D tours
✅ A more intuitive ordering experience for scheduling and accessing your media
✅ Better communication tools between you and our media team
✅ Stronger alignment with platforms that prioritize agents—not Zillow’s ecosystem
What You Need to Know
Going forward, all new listing media from Berridge Media will be delivered through Spiro’s client portal. You’ll still get the same great service, same high-quality visuals, and even easier access to your downloads, property websites, and marketing kits.
We’re committed to helping agents own their brand, protect their leads, and market listings with clarity and confidence. This move is part of our mission to stay 100% independent and client-first.
📲 Have questions about using the new system? We’re here to help every step of the way. As always, thank you for trusting Berridge Media!
How Zillow Is Working Against Realtors—and What You Can Do About It
Zillow is often positioned as a tool for agents. Still, behind the scenes, it's quietly reshaping the real estate industry in ways that may not be in your best interest as a licensed professional. While it's still a dominant player in the housing search space, Zillow's long-term strategy appears increasingly at odds with the role of real estate agents.
Here's a closer look at how Zillow may be working against you—and how to regain control of your listings, leads, and livelihood.
1. Zillow Is Becoming a Competitor, Not a Partner
In 2021, Zillow transitioned from being just a listings platform to an iBuyer, purchasing homes directly through Zillow Offers (now shuttered), and later pivoted to becoming a real estate brokerage through Zillow Homes. Although Zillow says it won't act as a traditional brokerage, its license allows it to control listings and potentially eliminate agents. (Source: Inman)
2. You're Paying to Compete With Yourself
When you list a property on Zillow, you're often forced to pay for enhanced exposure to get your listing seen, while other agents can pay to appear on your listing as the contact agent. This confuses buyers and dilutes your brand. According to a 2024 report by The Real Deal, nearly 60% of buyer leads from Zillow go to agents who aren't the listing agent.
3. Lead Quality is Declining While Costs Keep Rising
Zillow's Premier Agent program charges hefty fees to feature agents. Still, many agents report that the quality of leads has declined, and buyers are often unresponsive or unaware of why they were contacted. As lead prices increase, many realtors are stuck in a cycle of paying more for diminishing returns. (Source: HousingWire)
4. Zillow Prioritizes Its Brand—Not Yours
Zillow-branded listings mean your hard-earned media, relationships, and reputation are showcased under Zillow's banner. It's their name on the listing, not yours. Agents who've invested in quality photography, video, and marketing are giving Zillow the credit instead of owning their digital presence.
What You Can Do Instead
✅ Invest in Your Website & IDX Tools
Skip the middleman. Use platforms like kvCORE, Sierra Interactive, or Chime to build your listing portal and lead funnel. When leads come through your site, they're 100% yours.
✅ Double Down on Social Media & Google Business
Your next buyer or seller is already scrolling. Build local visibility and trust by posting consistently, leveraging video, and optimizing your Google Business Profile.
✅ Use Professional Media to Control the Narrative
Your listings should look amazing, with or without Zillow. At Berridge Media, we create high-quality photography, video, drone, 3D virtual tours, and floorplans that perform beautifully across all platforms you own and control.
Final Thoughts
Zillow isn't just a platform anymore—it's a competitor. But with the right tools, strategy, and support, you can sidestep dependency and regain control of your business. Don't build your brand on borrowed ground.
📩 Ready to own your listings and your leads? Contact Berridge Media today for media that puts you in the spotlight.
Sources:
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Inman News. "Zillow quietly became a brokerage. Now it's trying to hide it." https://www.inman.com/2021/09/23/zillow-quietly-became-a-brokerage-now-its-trying-to-hide-it/
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The Real Deal. "Why agents are ditching Zillow." https://therealdeal.com/2024/03/05/why-agents-are-ditching-zillow/
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HousingWire. "Zillow Premier Agent revenue soars—but agents are frustrated." https://www.housingwire.com/articles/zillow-premier-agent-revenue-soars-but-agents-frustrated/
Why Realtors Should Rethink Zillow—and How to Market Without It
Zillow has long been a dominant force in real estate, promising leads, exposure, and simplified marketing. However, for many agents, the relationship feels increasingly one-sided. Rising costs, reduced control, and a system that often favors Zillow more than the listing agent have left many realtors wondering: Is it time to walk away from Zillow?
The Problem with Zillow
📉 You’re Paying for Your Listings – Agents are being charged to promote listings they already worked hard to secure. Leads are often sold to competing agents on the same listing.
👥 Lead Scrambling – Zillow often redirects buyer leads to Premier Agents, even if they aren’t the listing agent, creating confusion for consumers and frustration for sellers.
💸 Skyrocketing Costs – Monthly fees for advertising on Zillow continue to rise, while ROI has become less predictable.
🧩 Loss of Control Over Branding – Your professional media, client relationships, and listing efforts are ultimately presented under Zillow’s branding, not yours.
How to Cut Out Zillow—And Win
✅ Build a Strong Personal Brand – Your brand should be what buyers and sellers associate with trust and results, not a third-party platform. Invest in a solid brand identity across your website, social media, and print materials.
✅ Own Your Online Presence – Use your IDX-integrated website to showcase listings and capture leads directly. Tools like kvCORE, Sierra Interactive, or Showcase IDX can power your site without relying on Zillow.
✅ Utilize Social Media Strategically – Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube allow you to connect directly with buyers and sellers through videos, market updates, property tours, and testimonials.
✅ Leverage Google Business Profile – Optimize your Google Business Profile to drive organic traffic, collect reviews, and show up in local searches—without paying Zillow.
✅ Partner with Media Experts Who Support You – Berridge Media provides high-quality photography, video, drone footage, 3D tours, and floorplans—content you can use anywhere, anytime, without needing a Zillow subscription.
Take Back Control of Your Listings
Zillow doesn’t build your business—you do. It’s time to stop renting visibility and start owning your marketing. With the right media, strategy, and systems in place, you can generate leads, build trust, and close deals without giving another dollar to Zillow.
📩 Need help making the shift? Contact Berridge Media to power your listings with pro-level content that works, with or without Zillow.