Online video makes the move to real estate
Now that the kinks have been worked out of download and streaming video and everyone seems to be doing it (on YouTube and other video sharing sites), and most newer PCs are capable of viewing it, a very few agents have started using video to provide online tours of their listings. Just recently, Realtor.com added video uploads (still in Beta) and increased the number of photos they display for my listings from 6 to 25.
I’ve decided to add video tours to my arsenal, because I believe that it increases the likelihood that a buyer will consider one of my listings for a personal showing. We already know that listings with more photos get more interest… and some buyers want every possible bit of information about a property, particularly if they are home-shopping from a distance.
The video edit quality will get better – very quickly – and I will add narration. I’m also using professional video equipment, not a consumer camcorder, and a SteadiCam, so that the production quality will not detract from the property I’m promoting. The online video sites are also upgrading their video settings to allow for a bigger image and fewer compression artifacts, while download capabilities are improving for home DSL and cable internet users. Soon, videos will be hosted on my own site for a better experience, integrated with the other property elements, as well as being posted on a variety of video sharing sites.
In some parts of the country, video tours are quickly gaining popularity. Here in Palm Beach County, I’ve only found a very few tours other than photo montage sequences. I feel this type of multimedia goes along with descriptive text, professional photos, and immersive 360 degree tours to help my seller’s homes stand out – and get sold sooner.