With the rise of social media and online video-sharing platforms, it’s important to diversify and leverage this opportunity. In addition, real estate videography has emerged as a powerful way to attract buyers, engage viewers, and sell homes faster and for higher prices. That’s why I will be simplifying real estate videography for all beginners in real estate.
However, for beginners looking to leverage videos as a selling tool, it may seem challenging at the start.
But you shouldn’t worry because this beginner’s guide aims to simplify the process and equip you with the necessary tools and techniques. I will also show you the immense potential of real estate videography and how it has helped me as a real estate agent.
The Power of Videography in Real Estate
As a beginner in exploring the possibilities of real estate videography, you need to be sure of how it can transform your business. Here is what you expect from perfect real estate videos.
- High engagement rates
You will definitely see higher engagement rates for your video listings than photo listings. Furthermore, 90% of video marketers claim that video marketing gives them a good return on investment. In addition, 60% of these marketers measure ROI in terms of engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares.
Therefore, listings with video receive significantly more inquiries and engagement compared to those without. That’s one great reason for you to engage in video marketing in your real estate business as a beginner.
- Emotional connection
Video allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property. Through cinematic shots, music, and narration, videography has the power to evoke emotions and create a compelling narrative around a listing.
It is this emotional connection that leads to more inquiries and, eventually sales. Therefore, you should aim to create videos that showcase the property clearly, showing its unique features. You can make your property perfect by staging it before any videography sessions.
- Increased exposure
Social media and video-sharing platforms like YouTube make real estate videos to reach a vast audience beyond traditional marketing channels. 90% of video marketers use YouTube, while 86% use Facebook, 79% Instagram, and 76% use LinkedIn.
The common scenario is that most of these video marketers use cross channels, probably the four video-sharing platforms I have mentioned. This, in return, increases their exposure and, hence, allows them to meet more potential buyers.
How to Get Started With Real Estate Videography as a Beginner
Now that you understand the importance of video in real estate marketing, I will take you on a starter pack you need to start marketing your business.
- Equipment
Let’s start with the equipment you need to get started with real estate. I will also show you how I figured out and improved some tools to get the best during my beginner days.
- A good camera
Professional-grade DSLR or mirrorless cameras are ideal. However, as a beginner, I know that it may be challenging to acquire some of these tools.
Therefore, you can just be like me. As a beginner, I achieved impressive results with a high-quality smartphone with a high-quality camera. However, as I started breaking even in my business, I got the best camera in the market, and I’m doing great.
- Tripod
A stable tripod is essential for capturing steady shots, especially for interior walkthroughs. In my case, I bought a stable smartphone tripod that could hold my phone while I captured the properties.
- Drone (optional)
Drones provide stunning aerial footage, offering a unique perspective of the property and its surroundings. However, drones are overly expensive, and as a beginner, they may discourage your journey as a real estate agent.
When I was starting out, I wasn’t bothered with a drone because of the financial complexities that I had then. However, since my real estate agency business has grown, I have acquired drones for proper photo and video capturing.
However, if you have the financial muscles, you can buy a drone to take aerial photos and videos for your property listings.
- Lighting
Natural light is preferred whenever possible, but additional lighting equipment such as LED panels or softboxes may be necessary for interior shots, particularly in dimly lit spaces.
When using natural light, you should take videos at noon, when there are no shadows. You can invest in LED lighting equipment to help you take clear videos.
2. Planning and preparation for real estate videography
- Scout the property
Before beginning to engage in real estate videography, you should first visit the property to familiarize yourself with its layout, features, and unique selling points.
In addition, take note of any areas that may require special attention or lighting adjustments. This will help you stage the property before starting the shooting.
- Develop a shot list
Before you get into actual videography, you should plan out the shots you need to capture. You can arrange the list according to priority.
For instance, you can start with exterior shots, interior walkthroughs, and close-ups of key features such as kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and architectural details.
- Consider timing
Take advantage of natural light by scheduling exterior shots during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for warm, flattering light. You can also take your exterior videos at noon when you won’t get shadow disruptions.
- Obtain the necessary permissions
Ensure you have permission from the property owner or agent to film the property and use the footage for marketing purposes. Although this may seem off, you should not take pictures or videos of a property without the owner’s consent and approval.
3. Shooting techniques
- Stabilize your shots
Whether using a phone or camera, it’s important to use a tripod or gimbal to capture smooth, steady footage, especially for interior walkthroughs. You won’t want to discourage your viewers with shaky clips, which may shy away potential buyers.
- Use slow, smooth movements
I usually say ‘slow but sure’ when taking my real estate videos. You should avoid jerky camera movements by moving slowly and smoothly throughout the property. In addition, when explaining the property features, ensure you do not rush through words. Take it slow and explain it in a way your viewer will understand. This creates a more professional-looking video, allowing viewers to focus on the property.
- Showcase key features
The property’s key features are the selling points to the potential buyers. Therefore, you should highlight them, such as spacious living areas, modern appliances, or stunning views, through close-up shots and creative framing.
In addition, you can go the extra mile and give a use case of how the new owner can benefit. This creates a memorable impression on the potential client, and they start envisioning themselves in the house already.
- Incorporate variety
Experiment with different camera angles, perspectives, and focal lengths to add visual interest to your video. In addition, if you have the time, you should take several clips and finally choose the best.
4. Editing and post-production of real estate videos
- Select the best footage
You should start by reviewing your footage and selecting the best shots to include in your final video. Remove any shaky footage, out of focus, or otherwise unusable. You can use video editing apps such as Canva or Adobe.
- Enhance with music and graphics
You should choose background music that complements the mood and style of the video. Additionally, add graphics, text overlays, and transitions to enhance the overall presentation and highlight key information.
- Keep it concise
You should aim for a video length of around 1-2 minutes to keep viewers engaged and focused. Therefore, you can trim any excess footage to maintain a tight, cohesive narrative. However, ensure that your footage covers all the necessary clips to ensure a viewer gets all they need in one video.
- Optimize for viewing
Furthermore, you should ensure to optimize your video for viewing for viewing devices and platforms, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Don’t miss out on mobile since most of your viewers will be mobile users.
The Impact of Real Estate Videography: Statistics and Case Studies
To further illustrate the impact of real estate videography, let’s explore some compelling statistics and real-world case studies:
1. Increased listing views
Studies show that 88% of websites with videos have increased views compared to those without videos. In addition, search engines like Google favour video content, so you will have more listing views for your videos.
2. Faster sales
Real estate videos cause you to sell property faster than those without videos. 58% of homebuyers would love to see more property videos for a property they are interested in buying.
3. Higher sales prices
Wyzowls reports that 87% of video marketers have seen growth in sales as an impact of video marketing efforts.
4. Improved brand awareness
According to a Wyzowls report, 90% of real estate video marketers said that videos have greatly helped them to increase their brand awareness.
Case study
Property254, a real estate agency in Kenya, saw a significant increase in inquiries and showings after incorporating video tours into their marketing strategy.
One particular video about the houses in Zimmerman, an estate in Nairobi, garnered thousands of views after a few weeks, some of which translated to leads and buyers.
Real Estate Videography for Beginners: Conclusion
Real estate videography offers a powerful opportunity for beginners to showcase properties in a dynamic and engaging way. If you leverage the right equipment, planning and preparation techniques, and shooting and editing skills, you can create compelling videos.
You will eventually attract more buyers, generate higher sales prices, and elevate your brand in the competitive real estate market. So, grab your camera, scout some properties, and start creating captivating real estate videos today!
You can talk to us for a comprehensive and practical class on real estate videography. We shall hold your hand to help you climb the ladder in real estate videography.
Real Estate Videography for Beginners: FAQs
- What is the best length for a real estate video?
According to experts, a real estate video should be a maximum of 7 minutes. However, property walkthroughs should be short and precise, 2-3 minutes long.
- What is the best frame rate for real estate videos?
A frame rate of 30-60fps (frames per second) is good since it can film areas with many objects and busy scenes.
- How often should a real estate agent post videos?
As a real estate agent, you can post videos regularly, once per week, on social and video-sharing platforms like YouTube.
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