Why Isn't Everyone Using Video to Market Homes?
I have no clue!!! Many would suggest that I keep my trade secrets to myself. I say, "NOT NECESSARY." It's what you do with information that sets you apart from the rest of the pack in any given industry. So why is it that everyone in the real estate industry isn't using real video tours to market property? It is a much more effective tool than the virtual tour in so many obvious ways; namely that you can actually "give the tour" on video and narrate as you do so with the ability to point out so many more features than photographs or virtual tours provide. In effect, you are allowing the real estate community and prospective purchasers the opportunity to preview the home prior to stepping foot into it.
The best service that I have found to host and organize video tours is WellcomeMat (yes that is me in the "How to" video on the front page). Forgive the following promo for them but I'm a big believer in trumpeting those who are changing the face of our industry in a positive way (and I get nothing for saying so).
We recently went live with the new release of WellcomeMat.com, and are having a very intense (but short) party while we wait on the support emails that follow any major upgrade. The good news is that the foundation of a very big plan is in tact, sturdy, and the end result is going to be nothing short of Rockin’ Roll!
Rather than talk shop in an email that none of you are going to read anyway, we have posted all the new greatness here.
In addition, here are some teasers:
Embed Menu: 5 players to choose from to post on your blog/site
Complete Channel Upgrade
Channel Widget: all of your active videos in the size of two vertical business cards! (see below)
Revamped Video Pro Directory: search by radius makes Video Pros able to cover multiple towns/cities.
Craigslist Ad: cut and paste Craigslist Ad revamped
Channel Promotion Page: launch promotions and feeds straight from your promo page
Automatic Image Resizing: uploaded logos/pics are now perfectly fitting to all pages
If you are representing a seller, you are doing them a disservice by not preparing a video tour. Here are some examples of how it works and what it looks like.
And this is the widget!
Here in the DR there are very few exclusive listings, so realtors are reluctant to spend the money on video only to see someone else get the sale. So we have been trying to market directly to the seller, as they don't care who sells their home, as long as it sells!
Great post. WellcomeMat does indeed have a terrific product. Video is a much better medium for showcasing a homes features. It will be interesting to see how it really catches on. With more and more agents embracing technology maybe we will finally move past homes being listed with just a single picture online and move right past spinning virtual tours right into video. I believe it's a stretch to think that the majority of agents will embrace this technology though I believe every seller should be asking for it.
Brian,
In a market with few exclusives it would seem that the sellers themselves would invest the money in a video to represent their home and dissiminate it to all of the agents?
John,
I agree with you that it's unlikely that the majority of agents will embrace this. For example, I am praised constantly for my efforts with video by my colleagues but none have asked me the how to's or costs involved.
You guys are what some would refer to as 'early adopters'. We think you're leaders.
Keep leading. - The Mat
Doug,
Great post. As a specialist in video production for luxury homes, we know the struggles of finding the 'early adopters'. We've been at it since 2004 and even in brokerages and offices where we have a solid presence, not all agents have embraced the power of video.
With industry pioneers like Phil and Brad Inman forging the way for the masses, and niche production companies like ourselves...I think video has a bright future in real estate.
What is to keep realtors for creating there own video's and putting them on there personal site? This is a fantastic new way to sell homes and more personal than the current 360 tours we've become so accustomed to.
Nothing should be keeping realtors from doing this but I don't know many who are. People seem so reluctant to embrace change and new technology but this is an absolute must in the marketing plan!
I am a realtor in South Florida and was just tryong to figure out how to do videos and came upon this site and welcomeMatt.com. Which is the best camcorder to use? I am planning on gettin one in the next few days and then shottin all of my listings and geting them out on the net.
Yes, I am also intersted in knowing what might be a good camcorder for this.
