True Gotham

Video still isn't killing the virtual tour star but it is gaining considerable steam.  The once averse Manhattan real estate market is now more frequently embracing real estate video as a powerful marketing tool to transparently represent and efficiently sell homes.  But unlike many housing markets across the country where MLS rules disallow agents actually appearing in these videos, Manhattan, chock full of agent/"actors" permits agent guided tours.  This creates a double edged sword.

The trend that I'm beginning to see is that some of the agents seem to think that their appearance in the video is much more important than the home itself.  Obviously I don't begrudge anyone for appearing in a guided real estate tour as I have been doing just that for almost 3 years.  However, many of the new videos that I am seeing are elaborate "performances" that feature the agent more than they do the home.  Let us not forget that these videos are primarily created to make the sales process easier and more transparent for the consumer (both buyer and seller) by allowing them to view a property in more detail than ever before possible prior to deciding to schedule an in-person visit.

So why are we seeing so many real estate tours that focus more on the seller's agent than the property itself?  EGO.  Don't get me wrong here, I thoroughly enjoy appearing in all of my property videos but my camera person and I are always very careful in determining when my appearance helps show the property (i.e. opening closets or standing in a room to show ceiling height) or hinders/takes away from the impact that the property itself may have on the viewer.  For example, just yesterday we decided that shooting a gorgeous pear wood eat in kitchen in a penthouse at 2 East End Avenue without me pointing to appliances would be a much more effective and less distracting way to show the property.

My point:  I think that sellers and their agents should be mindful of the way a video shows your home and not so much the way in which it shows the agent.

Doug-I disagree. The video should indeed be about the property if that is the purpose. However, we have been exhorted to use video to also "make a connection" with would be clients.while there is no excuse for unabashed narcissism, some personal marketing is still in order.Not everyone is self absorbed.

Hi Karen and thanks for your comment. I don't actually think we disagree at all. I am simply referring to those videos out there that we have all seen that are much more focused on the agent than the property. I love that we can "connect" with people through video but ultimately it isn't so much about us "connecting" as it is facilitating a connection to the property. The seller doesn't care about anything but selling their home and that is indeed our job.

Doug - couldn't agree with you more. On many of these videos it's embarrassing to see some clown of an agent prancing around – it’s a total turn off and makes you want to skip over the property. Karen - you're way off the mark there. If I want to "make a connection" then I'll look you up on lavalife. Just show the property and know the facts. We don’t need to be friends. When I meet an overly friendly agent who tries to “make a connection” and is all decked out in a flashy suit, or short skirt, it comes across as a cheap parlor trick to distract you from the business at hand. I’m not suggesting you should be rude or poorly presented but just get on with business and cut the bs - details, facts, figures, answers – that’s all anyone wants to see or hear.

jc.