What is real estate videography?

There’s the building. And then there’s how it looks when someone walks through it with a camera that knows what it’s doing. Real estate videography represents the practice of filming a property with the main objective of revealing flow, light, scale, and rhythm. Structured and intentional, it avoids (or, at least, should avoid) the trap of overproduction.

In the middle of packing for the move, buyers don’t have the time to overthink. They want to see how a hallway connects to the living room. Or they’ll want to see the reflection of afternoon light bouncing off the kitchen floor. Video production steps into that moment. It shows the buyer something they didn’t realize they undoubtedly needed to see.

Close the door behind the photo

Now, photos can show you what seems to be a pretty cozy living room. However, what they can’t do is show you how it feels to be standing in it. To get that feeling of being there, movement matters a lot. Following a camera that drifts slowly through space, turning corners, revealing windows – that’s what creates connection. The viewer feels spatial awareness. They remember how things unfold.

That’s the part that drives contact. The difference between a flat listing and one that generates calls lies in the seconds between a cut and a pan. Small edits, big shifts.

Scroll. Blink. Click. Decide.

You’ll rarely see someone reading floor plans first. Usually, they’ll open listings and tap. They’ll watch for a few seconds, and if it feels generic – they’ll scroll away.

Every second of the video is a chance to keep someone on the screen. If the lighting’s off, if the camera’s jittery, they’ll feel it even if they can’t explain why. But when the video opens smoothly, gives room to breathe, and doesn’t rush or linger, the buyer leans in. They don’t say: yes, this looks nice. Instead, they say: show me more.

Selling faster, moving smarter

Real estate videography is all about function. A short, strong video will shorten the gap between listing and closing. Below, you’ll find five ways that happen in practical, repeatable terms.

Time becomes evidence

Buyers don’t want to book five in-person showings. They’d much rather eliminate three of them after watching videos. A clean two-minute clip will give them enough time to picture where their books go. It will help them calculate furniture fit without having to guess.

Time in video equals fewer doubts. The more confident they feel on the screen, the sooner they reach for the phone.

And angles show intent

A good angle gives much information. It shows how everything is connected (for instance, exactly how far the kitchen is from the bedroom). Videos reveal how light wraps around the kitchen at 10 AM, how doors align, and where the eye naturally rests. The camera won’t sell a home by spinning or flying. Simpler: it sells by guiding. The viewer is a house guest.

Audio and comfort

Sound quality shapes perception; bad audio suggests rushed work. A soft background track will signal ease, suggesting the viewer can settle in. Ambient noise – a breeze, distant traffic, a leaf blower three houses down – adds to the realism. The video feels honest. Buyers start imagining their own daily routines. You can use both and let soft music carry the tone but keep real sounds in the mix. It builds trust without breaking the mood.

Expectation vs. reality

The walk-through should match the walk-in. If a buyer watches the video and then arrives to find the same energy, the same scale, the same light, they feel relief. This means no readjusting, no recalibrating. The house becomes a known quantity. That kind of consistency builds confidence. And confidence moves offers faster.

What about lighting?

Buyers watch for light, even if they’re reluctant to mention it. The camera has to show them where it lands, how it shifts, and what it touches. A well-lit hallway suggests spaciousness. On the other hand, a shadowed corner feels like a warning. The lens can’t lie, but they can choose where to look. A good piece of videography should reveal the light already in the space, with no lighting hacks. If the room glows at 4 PM, the video needs to show that clearly.

A quick note for the reluctant seller

Some sellers might resist video as they simply don’t see the need. They’ll say photos are enough. But your average buyer has changed. They want motion. Buyers are no more impressed by static images. They need to feel at home working with time, not stuck in it. However, video footage provides pace. It can hold attention longer than anything else and help people decide faster without pushing. That decision starts with the first second of play.

The frame that sells

If something moves, it feels real. And if it feels real, it becomes easier to want. Real estate videography is a simple, effective method for turning attention into action. In a market crowded with noise, video quiets everything but the subject itself – the property you’re trying to sell. It brings the buyer closer to saying yes. And sometimes, all they needed was a camera that didn’t flinch.

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However, getting the most out of small spaces isn’t simple, even for professional photographers. Every room poses its challenges. So, you’ll need to pay special attention to details and create professional photos to achieve your desired results. That’s why we’ve presented a few practical tips for anyone who wants to use real estate photography while selling a property.

Secure Reliable Help to Streamline Your Photoshoot Preparation

You’ll need plenty of time to prepare your space to get the most out of a photoshoot, so don’t underestimate how big of a job this is. In the process, you’ll have to remove clutter and non-essential items from the area you plan to shoot.

That will probably take too long if you decide to do it yourself. Therefore, consider working with a professional moving and storage company to simplify the process. However, make sure you hire trustworthy assistance for this job. When you choose a moving and storage company, consider how you’ll gauge their reliability. Check that they have things like:

• Proven experience and expertise,
• A wide range of moving and storage services,
• Positive customer reviews.

If you’re selling your own home and transporting personal furniture and items, hiring people you can trust becomes even more important. They need to safely and efficiently remove or temporarily store anything you need.

After the area is cleared, a photographer can easily capture the best features of every room and present the whole property at its best. And if you hire professional movers to help you, removing furniture and other items won’t cause you a headache.

Maximize Space with Strategic Composition

To make a small room look bigger, you’ll need to learn about composition techniques in photography. Don’t worry; you won’t need a 3-month-long course — a few key elements will do the trick for real estate photography.

For example, you need to learn to use wide-angle lenses adequately. You can capture a broad view even in a small room with them. However, if you’re not a professional, you must take care of things from various angles. When the lens angle is too wide, the photo of a room can easily get too distorted.

You want the room to appear somewhat bigger, not double its size. Potential buyers may feel misled if your angle is too wide. To avoid damaging your reputation, carefully choose the photos you’ll use to present the property.

Other Ways To Maximize Space

Besides wide angles, there are other ways to make your room appear more spacious. For example, you can change the position of your camera.

When you place the camera in the room’s corners, you can maximize depth perception. As a result, anyone looking with the naked eye will think the room is slightly larger than it is in real life. Like the wide angles, you don’t want to overdo this either — always ensure the photo looks natural.

Also, effective real estate photography isn’t only about taking great natural shots. It’s also about how you’ll arrange the photos on your listing.

If you create a slideshow with photos in the right order, you can create a visual pathway each potential buyer will follow. As a result, they’ll be able to visualize the flow of the space by looking at the pictures.

Use Natural and Supplemental Lighting

Lighting can significantly impact your room’s appearance in photos, especially in small spaces. And since photos on listings are your home’s digital curb appeal, this is important.

When considering lighting, remember this: regardless of what artificial lighting you install, there’s no getting around one fact: every room looks best in natural daylight.

Nothing opens up a space like natural light, so try to capture this in your real estate photography. Schedule your photoshoot during the daytime, specifically when sunlight hits the room.

Ideally, your small space will have large windows that allow plenty of natural light to enter the room. Since this isn’t always an option, you may also need to make the most of artificial lighting.

Most professional photographers have portable lighting kits as essential gear. Placing them strategically in the right corner can brighten up your space for the photo. However, this is another technique you should use carefully. You don’t want to create direct, harsh light that can shrink a room — or change its appearance so much that it doesn’t look like the real thing in the photos.

Clever Staging Techniques in Real Estate Photography

You need to stage a small space properly to make it more attractive. Sure, removing excess clutter is important, as we’ve discussed. But you must stage the area by placing some furniture and decor. After all, it must look like a realistic, lived-in property — especially if you’re marketing a rental.

That also allows you to create more space with strategic furniture placement. If you place smaller furniture properly, you can create the illusion of more space. Choose your staging furniture carefully — it must be proportional to the room’s dimensions. That way, it won’t overwhelm the space.

Don’t Skimp on Post-Processing

Don’t kid yourself — most professional photos you see anywhere today are heavily edited.  Post-processing is essential to real estate photography because it lets you refine images. While editing, you can put the finishing touches on these photos to make the property stand out in a competitive market. That is essential since homes with professional photos are sold up to 60% faster than those listed with amateur images.

Of course, you must also be careful not to mislead buyers here. Don’t overdo it and completely alter the appearance of the property. Instead, slightly change the color balance, brightness, and contrast to make the small space appealing.

Conclusion

Effective real estate photography can help you sell any home, especially a smaller one. However, don’t expect this to take only a few minutes if you’re not a professional photographer. Creating professional photos of your property takes careful preparation, and it’s best handled by experts who know what they’re doing.

The post Making Small Spaces Shine in Real Estate Photography appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

Why Are Lifestyle Real Estate Videos So Popular?

With the right approach, every home can shine. All you need is the proper spotlight to sand out any rough edges of the property and show buyers the value they’re getting for their money.

From a tiny cozy cottage to a luxurious mansion, you can quickly sell anything with a lifestyle video. All it takes is a little creativity; a buyer will be ready with the down payment before they’ve even seen the place.

So, how do these creative videos work?

For starters, you should know these are high-end productions. While this approach can work for the average home as well, lifestyle videos work best when showcasing luxurious properties.

When you watch an average lifestyle video, it’s usually quite function-oriented. It helps potential buyers visualize the space and showcases any regular features of the home. With the lifestyle video format, you’re doing something different. Instead, you’re trying to immerse the buyer in the experience of living in the home.

How Do I Create A Lifestyle Video?

While this may sound simple, it’s actually quite difficult. Or, rather, it’s hard to stand out in a sea of high-quality lifestyle videos. Most sellers of luxurious properties have caught onto the trend, or they’ve hired cutting-edge real estate agencies that know what they’re doing.

With this in mind, the question is — how do you create a video that stands out?

Create a Story

Like all online ads, lifestyle videos sell homes faster if they go viral. To achieve this, you need to hook viewers early and stop them from moving on to the next thing recommended by their algorithm.

For this, you need to have a story. Something needs to be happening around the property you’re selling. Remember, this shouldn’t be a straight ad right away. For instance, try to think of creative ideas for home remodeling and make the video as a vlog for the project.

It doesn’t have to be anything too big. The important thing is that it allows you to go through the property seamlessly. In the process, you can showcase the home as a whole and specific amenities.

Without this approach, your video will amount to little more than a few disconnected shots. People don’t have the patience for content that isn’t informative or creative, and they quickly move on.

Before you produce the video, take the time to create a storyboard. It should map out the key shots you want and the story you’re trying to tell, beat by beat.

Fortunately, most high-end properties have unique features you can use for the story. For instance, a barn or a small lake is perfect for a narrative. Just make sure your story is cohesive and interesting enough on its own.

Use Real People

While you may want to create the vibe of a Hallmark holiday movie, remember — you’re not making a professional movie, but a lifestyle video. So, while having a story is important, you must also keep the video relatable and natural.

Considering this, you don’t want to hire professional actors, even if you have the budget for them. To keep the human element as relatable as possible, get your friends and family to play something. Also, feel free to keep a couple of funny bloopers in the video to keep it engaging and positive.

Once you start filming, keep things simple when it comes to direction. Give straightforward cues in terms of behavior — most of the lines will likely be covered in the voiceover anyway. All your “actors” have to do is perform actions while laughing and enjoying themselves.

Work on Sound Design

Don’t underestimate the additional quality brought to your videos by sound design — all professional video production teams use it. Sure, you can capture some natural sounds while filming — but it won’t be enough. In most cases, professional lifestyle videos sell homes faster with decent sound design.

In practice, this entails adding quality sounds that match your scenes. If you’re filming a pool on your property, add water-splashing sounds to the shot. Also, you can make night scenes more atmospheric by adding cricket chirping.

Before you release the final edit of the video, consider ambient effects that you can add to each individual shot. Most professional videos have this level of quality, and yours needs to reach that standard to stand apart.

Combine Real Estate & Lifestyle Shots

Lifestyle shots are the main aspect of real estate lifestyle videos. However, you still need to sprinkle in a few classic real estate shots. After all, the main point is showcasing the property.

So, let’s say you showcase a specific function of your kitchen, like a bar area or a particularly gorgeous island. After preparing for a video shoot with actors having fun in that section of the home, transition to a wide shot that shows the entire kitchen.

Besides engaging viewers, this approach ensures you’re showcasing the property in its entirety.

Wrapping Up

Lifestyle videos sell homes quicker than most other formats — including traditional video formats for real estate. If you manage to create a short-form cinematic view of your luxury home, you’ll have no trouble attracting buyers.

While creating a proper lifestyle video can be expensive, it’s well worth it. If you follow the tips above and do your best to film something engaging, you’ll have prospective buyers lined up soon enough!

The post How Lifestyle Videos Sell Homes Faster Than Traditional Listings appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

While many people think about an estate sale as a yard sale on steroids, the truth is that a lot more planning and coordination needs to go into a successful estate sale. Not only do you need to prepare the items that will be sold, but there is also a marketing strategy that must be implemented to bring in the right buyers.

An estate sale is something to consider if you are downsizing, closing an estate after a loved one passes away, or moving to a different location. Here are some of the most important elements that you should consider if you are preparing for an upcoming estate sale:

Step 1: Start Sorting

You’ll want to go through everything in the house to find the items that are most valuable and can be included in the estate sale. As you are decluttering, use a categorization strategy to sort items into different piles:

• Keep
• Sell
• Donate
• Discard

Once you have your sell pile ready to go, consider bringing in a professional appraiser for the higher-value items. These expert opinions ensure that you aren’t leaving money on the table.

Step 2: Pricing Strategy

You’ll need to do a bit of research to determine the best prices for the items in the sale. You can check for similar items at local antique shops or through online marketplaces and auction sites. Make sure you are asking for the right value, while also pricing things low enough to move. Remember that your goal is to get rid of everything while also getting cash at the same time. You shouldn’t expect to receive top-dollar for everything you are selling.

As you are reaching the end of the sale, you might consider bundling items or offering bulk discounts. This strategy can help you get rid of the remaining inventory.

Step 3: Marketing and Promotion

The more effectively you advertise, the more likely you are to attract great buyers. Place ads in local newspapers, online platforms, on social media, and through community bulletin boards. You can also share photos and lists of the types of items that will be sold.

On the day of the estate sale, make sure to have clear signs so that people can find the location. Consider putting up signs on the main roads directing people to the neighborhood.

Step 4: Estate Sale Day

Preparation and organization make the difference between chaos and a successful sale. Start early so that you can organize the displays. Group similar items together and make it an inviting atmosphere for shoppers.

Also, be sure to have enough people to manage the transactions and monitor the sales. Be ready to accept cash payments (and have change on hand), as well as digital transactions with credit cards.

When the sale is over, the remaining items can be donated. If you have time, you might plan an additional sale to see if you can clear the inventory.

–

Written by Becki Andrus in partnership with silver wholesaler Silver Superstore. 

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Capturing Buyer Interest: How Video Marketing Draws Eyeballs

Video marketing excels in drawing buyer interest far more effectively than traditional static images. The dynamic nature of video content allows potential buyers to experience a property’s ambiance and dimensions in real time, which can be important in forming a first impression. As viewers are guided through each room, they gain a deeper appreciation of the property’s unique features and the lifestyle it promises. Further, statistics show that properties featured in video tours receive more views and longer engagement times compared to those presented only in photos. In some states, like California, it is expected that the property will have a video showcasing it.

Telling a Story: The Narrative Power of Video

Video marketing harnesses the power of narrative to transform a simple home listing into a compelling story that resonates with potential buyers. Videos allow for the integration of music, voiceovers, and sequences that showcase daily life, which can evoke feelings of aspiration and belonging. This method proves particularly effective as buyers envision themselves in the home, influenced by the carefully curated scenes that suggest a desirable lifestyle. These emotionally charged narratives are important in swaying buyer decisions, making them more inclined to pursue a property that feels like a dream transformed into reality.

Wider Reach, Bigger Impact: Video Marketing’s Expansive Audience

The expansive reach of video marketing significantly amplifies the visibility of real estate listings across various platforms. Videos are shared and viewed on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, where large audiences spend a substantial amount of online time. Furthermore, the engaging nature of video content ensures that these listings capture more attention than traditional formats, keeping viewers interested and more likely to interact with the content. The strategic use of these platforms multiplies the impact of marketing efforts, drawing more potential buyers and boosting the chances of a quick sale.

Showcasing Property Features Uniquely: The Visual Advantage

Video marketing offers a distinct visual advantage that highlights the key features of a property in a way photos alone cannot. Through video, potential buyers can experience the true flow of a home’s layout, the interplay of light in various spaces throughout the day, and the lushness of the landscaping—all pivotal selling points that static images might only suggest. This immersive view helps viewers visualize living in the space, appreciating features like the echo of footsteps on hardwood floors or the views from a balcony. These colorful, moving images create a realistic sense of the property, providing a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of what the home has to offer.

SEO Benefits: Boosting Visibility in Home Listings

Video content significantly enhances the SEO of home listings, making them more visible and accessible to potential buyers online. Search engines favor websites with engaging content like videos, which tend to keep visitors on the page longer, signaling quality and relevance. Incorporating videos into listings boosts their rankings in search results and increases the likelihood of clicks and shares. Optimizing video content with the right keywords, tags, and compelling descriptions further enhances visibility, drawing more traffic to the listing.

Behind the Scenes: Making a Compelling Real Estate Video

Creating a compelling real estate video requires thoughtful preparation and technical know-how. Selecting the right equipment is essential, from cameras that capture high-definition footage to drones that provide aerial shots of the property. As an illustration, setting up proper lighting can dramatically improve the quality of the video. It’s essential to consider the angles from which each part of the property is filmed to ensure a comprehensive and attractive presentation.

As realtors prepare homes for filming, organizing spaces becomes essential, often necessitating the assistance of professional storage services to ensure each room appears perfect on camera. Therefore, partnering with companies like Royal Moving and Storage California can streamline this process, allowing realtors to focus on creating a video that highlights the property’s best features. Whether managing bulky furniture or delicate decor, reliable movers play a pivotal role in the video production process, ensuring every scene is set to impress potential buyers.

Real Results: Case Studies on Video Marketing Success

Exploring real-world examples illuminates the tangible benefits of video marketing in the real estate industry. Numerous case studies reveal properties sold significantly faster and at higher prices, largely due to strategic video marketing. These case studies typically feature homes that stood out with professionally crafted videos showcasing everything from panoramic views to intricate interior details, which resonated deeply with potential buyers. These success stories underline common factors such as high-quality visuals and engaging narratives that captured the essence of the properties. Highlighting these aspects provides a blueprint for effective video marketing. It inspires confidence in realtors considering this approach, demonstrating the clear competitive advantage and return on investment that video marketing can offer.

The Impact of Video Marketing: Enhancing Home Sale Success

The impact of video marketing on the success of home sales is both profound and measurable. This dynamic tool displays homes in their best light and significantly broadens their exposure across digital platforms. As potential buyers increasingly prefer video over traditional media, homes featured in engaging video tours are more likely to attract attention and prompt action. Also, drone footage is exploding in popularity, and you should use this trend to your advantage. This marketing strategy effectively communicates the unique value and lifestyle a property offers, making it easier for buyers to create an emotional connection even before they visit in person.

Conclusion: Sealing the Deal with Video

The impact of video marketing is revolutionizing how real estate is sold, delivering significant advantages to both sellers and buyers. For realtors, adopting video as a core part of their marketing strategy is no longer just an option but a necessity in a market that values innovation and engagement. In short, real estate professionals who leverage video effectively find themselves at a competitive advantage, achieving quicker sales at potentially higher values. Hence, embracing video marketing is essential for anyone looking to succeed in the ever-evolving world of real estate sales.

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Why Aerial Videography

Elevating your real estate marketing strategy with aerial videography can offer unparalleled advantages in showcasing properties. Aerial footage adds a dynamic dimension to your listings, capturing attention and providing viewers with a unique perspective. From sprawling estates to urban condominiums, aerial videography has the capability to highlight the most captivating aspects of a property. Besides, it enables potential buyers to visualize the property’s layout and surroundings with clarity, fostering a deeper connection.

Further, aerial shots offer a comprehensive view of the property and its surroundings, providing valuable context that traditional photography often lacks. With aerial videography, you can showcase the property itself and its proximity to amenities, neighborhood features, and natural landscapes. As an illustration, imagine presenting a waterfront property with sweeping aerial views of the coastline or a rural estate surrounded by lush greenery. Such footage can evoke emotion and create a compelling narrative that resonates with prospective buyers.

Choosing the Right Equipment is Important for Leveraging Aerial Videography

Leveraging aerial videography requires a careful selection of equipment tailored to your specific needs. Investing in the right drone and camera setup is paramount to capturing stunning footage that does justice to your listings. Factors such as resolution, stabilization, and flight time must be taken into account to ensure optimal results. High-resolution cameras coupled with advanced stabilization technology can produce smooth, professional-looking footage that captivates viewers. Also, drones with longer flight times offer greater flexibility and extended shooting opportunities, enabling you to capture the perfect shot without limitations.

Considering the wide range of options available in the market, researching reputable brands and models is essential. Look for drones equipped with features suited to real estate videography, such as obstacle avoidance systems and intelligent flight modes. Next, prioritize reliability and durability to withstand various environmental conditions encountered during shoots. With the right equipment in hand, you can unleash the full potential of aerial videography and elevate your real estate marketing efforts to new heights.

Prepare for the Shoot

Choosing to leverage aerial videography demands meticulous preparation to ensure a successful outcome. Scout the location beforehand to identify potential obstacles and plan the best vantage points for capturing captivating footage. Obtaining necessary permissions and adhering to regulations is important to avoid legal complications and ensure a smooth shooting process. Consider weather conditions and select optimal shooting times to maximize the quality of your footage.

Also, creating a detailed shot list and storyboard makes the shooting process easier and ensures that all essential aspects of the property are covered. Pay attention to factors such as lighting conditions and potential distractions that may affect the quality of your shots. If your houseyard is too crowded and makes the shot look bad, hire professionals to pack and move them as soon as possible. In order to preserve your items, hire a reputable professional with a lot of experience. A good option if you are looking for this is Big Man’s Moving Company, as they offer both packing and moving services. With their help, your moving process will be done quickly so you can focus on other tasks related to house sales.

Capture Compelling Footage

Preparing to capture compelling aerial footage involves mastering various techniques to showcase properties effectively. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth and visual interest to your shots. Utilize techniques such as orbiting, tracking, and revealing shots to create dynamic and engaging visuals highlighting the property’s unique features. Smooth and controlled movements are key to producing professional-looking footage that captivates viewers.

Next, consider the natural flow of the property and its surroundings to capture footage that tells a cohesive story. By integrating aerial shots into your video, you can provide viewers with a comprehensive overview of the property’s layout and surroundings. Lastly, pay attention to details such as transitions between shots and pacing to maintain viewer engagement throughout the video.

Edit and Enhance Footage

Elevating the quality of aerial footage through editing and enhancement is essential to creating captivating real estate showcases. Utilize advanced editing software to refine color grading, adjust exposure, and enhance overall visual appeal. You can ensure that the footage accurately represents the property in its best light by fine-tuning aspects such as contrast and saturation.

Further, consider incorporating additional elements such as text overlays, music, and graphics to further enhance the viewer’s experience. Adding subtle effects like transitions and motion graphics can help maintain viewer engagement and highlight key selling points. With meticulous attention to detail and a creative touch, you can transform raw aerial footage into polished showcase videos that leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Conclusion

Leveraging aerial videography in real estate showcases offers unparalleled advantages in captivating potential buyers and highlighting the unique features of properties. By carefully selecting the right equipment, preparing meticulously for shoots, and mastering various techniques for capturing compelling footage, real estate professionals can elevate their marketing efforts to new heights. Editing and enhancing aerial footage further enhances its visual appeal, ensuring that properties are showcased in the best possible light. Incorporating aerial videography into marketing materials allows for greater engagement and resonance with prospective buyers, ultimately leading to increased lead generation and successful property sales. Embracing aerial videography as a tool for showcasing properties not only sets listings apart but also establishes a new standard of excellence in the competitive real estate market.

The post Leveraging Aerial Videography for Breathtaking Real Estate Showcases appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

With the right video, sellers can help people visualize how the land can be used and demonstrate its potential for growth and development. This form of content also cements an emotional connection to the land.

Therefore, when it comes to selling land, there is no better way to reach potential buyers than with this form of media. By producing a video, sellers can show potential buyers the unique features of the land and its related benefits. It’s a great way for realtors to create a connection with buyers.

Videos Reach a Larger Audience

To effectively use videos, it pays for sellers to know their audience. They can do this by showing how a piece of land can be used for homes, businesses, farms, and recreational activities. By knowing their audience, a seller can take a viewer on a virtual tour of the land, showing them the features of the property that they can’t see in photos.

Videos Can Be Used to Show the Potential Use of a Property

If a seller is trying to sell land for a specific purpose, such as housing or farming, they can create a video that shows the potential for that use. They can also reveal how the land can be used for other activities, such as outdoor sports and recreation.

With a video, a seller can demonstrate how a buyer can enjoy specific outdoor activities on the land, including camping, fishing, and hiking. Therefore, a video can reveal a property’s beauty and the potential for fun and adventure.

Videos Make It Possible to Highlight A Land’s Unique Features

When creating videos for selling land, a seller wants to highlight the property’s unique features. This means showing buyers what makes the land special and explaining the development opportunities and potential for growth.

Videos Create an Emotional Bond and Connection

Sellers also want to create a feeling of connection with the land. They can do this by sharing stories and experiences about the land.

Videos Can Be Used to Provide Historic Details

Sometimes, sellers might use a video to explain a land’s history. For instance, the property was once part of a mining town, or perhaps it was used for an army camp during the Civil War.

Videos are Only as Good as Their Producer

When creating videos for selling land, sellers want to ensure they are professional and well-produced. High-quality videos can help a property stand out from other listings.

Also, it helps to produce videos that are concise and to the point. People don’t want to watch a long video, so keeping it short and sweet allows sellers to convey their message quickly and succinctly.

Why Videos Bring Results: 5 Key Reasons Why Realtors Use Videos to Market Land

Indeed, videos are powerful marketing strategies as they provide the following benefits.

1. Engaging and immersive content

Videos offer an engaging and immersive way for potential buyers to experience a property firsthand. High-quality visuals and well-produced audio draw viewers in, allowing them to visualize themselves living on the land and imagine all the potential a property holds.

2. Unique features

With video tours, sellers can highlight specific features that may be overlooked in traditional photos or text descriptions. Videos make buying land fun, from panoramic views and natural surroundings to one-of-a-kind architectural details and amenities.

A video can show what sets a property apart from others on the market, capitalizing on a land’s major selling points.

3. Easy accessibility

Unlike physical property visits that require extensive planning and coordination, video tours can be accessed by interested parties anytime, anywhere.

Potential buyers can easily review a listing at work, during their commute, or from the comfort of their living room couch. This ease of accessibility increases a listing’s visibility and reaches a larger audience.

4. Social media compatibility

Videos are easily shareable across social media platforms – an essential component for successful marketing. By sharing a video on popular sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, sellers can extend a property’s reach exponentially.

In addition, social media users can easily share video tours within their network of friends and followers, generating even greater exposure. If anyone wants to ask, “Where is land for sale near me?” sharing a video on Facebook is a great way to answer the inquiry.

5. Increased reliability and trust

Lastly, a well-produced video tour highlights the professionalism of a seller or agent. By investing in quality content, or content that effectively conveys the value of a property, a seller can show buyers that they take their needs seriously and are committed to helping them find their ideal property.

Demonstrating this level of dedication builds trust between buyers and sellers.

One Real Estate Agent’s Story

To appreciate the use of videos, it helps to learn from people who have used the media for selling properties. Below is an account of how one real estate agent benefited from this communication.

As a real estate agent, I knew the importance of using videos to sell land. For example, for one property,  I focused on the land’s natural beauty and the potential for outdoor activities.

To impart this message, I hired a professional videographer to help me produce a video that would capture the essence of the property and what it might mean for anyone who wanted to invest.

We started by taking aerial shots of the land, showcasing its vastness and the natural features or the things that made it unique. For instance, we highlighted the rolling hills, the glistening stream that ran through it, and the woods and mountains nearby.

Next, we created a virtual real estate tour, taking potential buyers on a journey through the fields and the woods. We highlighted the potential for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

We showed off the various areas perfect for setting up a campsite or building a cabin. To create an emotional connection with the audience, we added personal stories and experiences.

We interviewed former customers and asked them to share their recollections of buying land and how it made a positive difference.

One Buyer’s Story

When using video to sell land, it also helps to see what types of impressions videos have on real estate buyers. Below is one buyer’s account.

I had always dreamed of owning a piece of land I could call my own. So, I saved up enough money to make my dream a reality. However, I was having a hard time finding the perfect property.

I searched online and visited several websites. Yet, nothing felt right. When I was exhausted from my search, I stumbled upon a video. The land it represented caught my eye. The video outlined the land’s unique features, including a small lake and a small forest of pines.

I thought it was just the right place to build a vacation home. The video was so appealing I watched it several times – convinced I had finally found my dream property. I felt like I was already there. I pictured myself sitting by the lake, watching the sunset, and exploring the woods. I was ready for an adventure – to camp and hike!

Summary

Selling land is an enterprising pursuit. However, it becomes more worthwhile for the buyer and seller when a video is used. Using today’s technology, real estate agents can establish better customer relationships, and buyers can realize a dream come true.

Real estate agents use videos to attract a wider audience, improving their chances of closing a deal.

If you haven’t harnessed the power of this form of visual buying and selling, now is the time to do so. Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, you’ll find that using videos to sell properties makes selling and owning real estate much more rewarding and fun.

The post Selling the Dream: Effective Video Production Strategies for Land Sales appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

Therefore, videos offer an excellent way to enhance real estate listings and help buyers better understand what’s currently on the market.

How Videos Work When Marketing Real Estate: One Agent’s Story

Let’s consider one real estate agent’s story:

As a real estate agent, I know how to use videos to showcase properties. After all, the right video makes all the difference in selling a home quickly and for the right price. However, sometimes it’s a real challenge.

I listed a house for sale – a wonderful home that had sweeping views of the mountains and a large, open floor plan perfect for entertaining. But it was also a fixer-upper, with outdated fixtures, a need for fresh paint, and an overgrown backyard.

This posed a dilemma from a sales standpoint. I had to do some quick thinking to get potential buyers to see beyond the home’s current state and imagine its potential. So I decided to produce a walk-through video.

I used the video to highlight the home’s open floor plan, the natural light, and panoramic mountain views – views from all of the house.  Next, I created a property video that showed the home’s potential, using images of similar properties – before and after they were fixed up.

Why Videos Make the Difference: Ways to Use the Media

Needless to say, you can use videos in a way that makes still photos or text almost obsolete. That’s because videos offer a more comprehensive look at a property. They also allow buyers to virtually tour a home without visiting it first.

This can help greatly if you have someone from out of state or out of the country wishing to buy real estate. Videos offer an emotional connection as well – a connection that sets a house apart from other houses in the marketplace.

For example, let’s pretend you’re seeking a home in the Camarillo real estate market. Viewing property videos of homes in the community enables buyers to narrow their choices and choose those houses for which they’re pre-approved. It’s an ideal way to canvas a community’s listings.

Watching a video allows buyers to understand better a home’s layout, condition, size, and features.

Types of Videos Used in Real Estate Sales

Real estate videos are used in one of several ways. Let’s look at the most popular formats.

1. Walk-Through Videos: These videos show buyers on a property tour, walking them through the home’s layout and features. Walk-through videos are shot using drones or helicopters (to get an idea of the property’s features from above) or created on the ground by videographers. They may incorporate images, text, and other visuals for a broader touring experience.
2. Property Videos: These videos highlight the key features of a property. They typically include images, text, and audio that showcase the real estate in the best possible light. In addition, they provide an overview of the surrounding area, amenities, and local attractions.
3. Feature Videos: Feature videos are similar to property videos, but they focus on a specific feature or area of the property. For example, a feature video might focus on the outdoor space, like a pool or garden, or a specific room or feature, like a kitchen or fireplace.
4. Virtual Open Houses: Virtual open houses are videos that allow buyers to explore a property without physically touring it. These videos are shot using drones or other cameras and include images, text, music, and sound bites – all meant to provide viewers with a complete tour of the property.
5. Video Testimonials: Video testimonials are a great way to provide potential buyers with an insight into the experiences of current or past homeowners. The videos may include images and text to emphasize the owners’ experiences further. The text may assist people with hearing problems or be added as a translation tool.

6) Storytelling: Videos are a great way to tell the story of a property. They showcase the property’s history, highlight interesting features, and relate to an owner’s story. Stories, told through videos, provide potential buyers with a deeper understanding of the property – which helps set it apart from other listings.

Other Visuals

The above types of videos represent some of the primary ways that videos are used to enhance real estate listings in the marketplace. In addition to these methods, there are also other tools that realtors use to create interesting visuals.

For example, virtual staging is a great way to showcase a property and show buyers what a property looks like with certain furnishings and décor.

3D tours are also produced to give buyers a detailed property tour, allowing potential buyers to explore the property in a distinct virtual setting.

Why Videos Work

As you can see, videos are an effective way to enhance a selling strategy. Below are more reasons why a video gives sellers and buyers a competitive advantage.

Videos capture people’s attention and create emotional connections

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a well-crafted video can tell an entire story. High-quality videos allow potential buyers to visualize themselves in the property. This helps them form an emotional connection before setting foot inside a house.

Video tours also provide an immersive, 360-degree view of the property, giving viewers a better sense of the space and layout of the property. This is much better than using property descriptions and static images to sell a property.

Videos increase a home’s online visibility.

Videos are essential for improving SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and boosting online visibility. Many popular search engines rank web pages with video content higher in the search results, making it more likely that potential real estate buyers will discover a property.

Realtors generate more interest in property listings by providing users with engaging and informative visual content.

Videos create shareable content across multiple platforms

One of the great advantages of video content is its shareability across various platforms. With just a few clicks, potential buyers can share property videos on social media channels, email them to friends and family, or even embed them on their websites or blogs.

This increased exposure helps to attract more interested parties and ultimately leads to a higher probability of selling a property.

Videos establish professionalism and credibility.

High-quality videos demonstrate that a seller is committed to providing potential buyers with the best possible experience when looking for a new home. They offer valuable insights into a neighborhood, nearby amenities, and any unique features the property may have.

Videos save time for both agents and buyers.

Needless to say, video tours offer convenience for both the agent and buyer by reducing the number of in-person showings. Buyers who have already viewed a property’s video tour are more likely to show a genuine interest in a home, leading to a higher sales rate.

One Final Thought

By capturing attention, improving online visibility, offering shareable content, establishing credibility, and saving time, videos truly make a difference in the real estate industry.

The post The Power of Visuals: How Using Videos Enhances Real Estate Listings appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

Follow AirBnb & Local Rules

Before you start renting out two or more properties on AirBnb, you need to be aware of some of the regulations they have so you’re adhering to the rules at all times. Importantly, even if you’re operating multiple properties, you can only have one account on the platform. So, don’t create separate accounts for each property, or you could face some problems with the company and your account. 

In addition to AirBnb’s rules, your local city or state may have regulations around how many properties one can list as short-term rentals, so make sure to double-check what rules apply to you so you don’t end up making a costly mistake or being unable to list your property. 

Utilize a Property Management Company 

One duty that hosts have on AirBnb is to respond to messages and inquiries quickly, or else you could face troubles with your accounts and your listings. So if you find yourself unable to respond to all the messages you’re receiving for each of your properties, you may need to outsource some of the work.

Hiring a property management company allows them to respond to messages for you, and you’ll pay them a small percentage of your rental income as compensation. Plus, you can benefit from the expertise of property management companies that are seasoned in managing multiple AirBnb properties from one account. 

Enlist the Help of a Co-Host

Lastly, another great way to keep things squared away when leasing out more than one AirBnb property is to use a co-host. They can help you respond to guest issues and questions, and provide you with valuable tips and suggestions from their point of view.

It can be great to share the workload of managing multiple AirBnb properties together, though you should be aware of some of the rules that AirBnb has, including not allowing AirBnb users to be added as a co-host for multiple properties. So dig into the regulations a bit to make sure you’re adhering to all rules because the last thing you want is to end up with your account banned and being unable to rent out your multiple properties. 

Leasing out multiple properties on AirBnb can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, so follow some of these tips above to give yourself the recipe to success. 

–

Bailey Schramm is a writer in partnership with Ximplifi vacation rental accounting solutions. 

The post Tips for Hosting Multiple AirBnb Properties appeared first on COLDEA Productions, LLC.

Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered.

Underestimating the cost of selling your house

While you should ultimately profit from the sale of your home, many home sellers forget about the costs associated with selling a house. For starters, you should expect to use five to six percent of the total sale price of your home to cover the commissions of both the seller and buyer agents. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000, you could wind up paying upwards of $18,000 in commission. 

Furthermore, this hefty cost doesn’t include possible concessions homebuyers might want you to make during the negotiation phase, such as making repairs suggested by a home inspector.

Not budgeting for your move

When you consider the moving process, you have two options: hiring a moving company or borrowing your buddy’s truck and doing it yourself. 

By hiring a moving company, rather than doing it yourself, you’re getting someone who will pack, move, and then unpack your belongings. This means that a full-service mover can be well worth the investment when you’re preoccupied with all of the other tasks associated with selling your home. Not to mention, when you hire movers, your belongings are insured, so you’re covered if anything breaks.

Selling a house you owe more on than what it’s worth

If you still have a remaining balance on your mortgage, you’ll most likely use a portion of the sale proceeds of your home to pay off the existing mortgage. Make sure you don’t owe more on your mortgage than what your house is actually worth, or you won’t make enough money on the sale to pay off your mortgage. The best option is almost always to wait on selling your home so that it can build more equity. This way, you can sell your home and buy a new one without having two mortgages simultaneously.

Pricing your home incorrectly

If you price your home too high, your home may fall into the seller’s limbo, sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity. On the other hand, if you price too low then you will likely sell your home quickly, but you risk missing out on a significant amount of money. 

The first step to understanding how much your home is worth is by utilizing an online calculator. Afterward, meet with your real estate agent to discuss a good pricing strategy for your home. They will look at other comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold recently as well as bring keen insights into what the housing market is currently doing. Together, you’ll determine a reasonable starting price as well as a pricing strategy that will incentivize buyers if your house begins to sit on the market for too long.

Skipping a pre-listing home inspection

Selling a house is stressful enough, even when everything goes right. But if a homebuyer hires an inspector who catches an issue like mold, pests, or a cracked foundation, then your stress levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale entirely.

Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid them. Getting a pre-listing home inspection will put your mind at ease as you’ll either know that your home is in sound condition or you’ll be able to tackle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during the negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or you can let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly. 

Not refinishing hardwood floors or cleaning your carpet

If you’re reading this at home, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look terrible, there’s a pretty good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers are going to be inspecting every aspect of your home, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet.

Whether you’re selling in Atlanta or Bend, the best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most (or all) of your furniture to either a new home or a storage unit, this is a great time to get your floors done and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers.

Not staging your home for a quick sale

The main point of staging your home is to allow potential homebuyers the chance to picture themselves living in your space. They get to see a home with furniture and art that’s arranged in a way that highlights key features of your home rather than an empty house that echoes every sound. Staging your home pays off, too as 21 percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Forgoing professional real estate photos

With the advent of cameras on smartphones, everyone likes to think of themselves as a photographer these days. Even though that picture you took of your dinner last week looked like it could be featured in advertisements, you’re still probably not ready to take your own real estate photos. A real estate photographer will make sure that your home looks great when you list it because not only do they have the equipment, they understand the angles that best sell a home. 

If you have a large home, a stunning view you want to show off, or a large amount of land, you may also want to consider having aerial photos taken of your home. The views that drones are able to capture are impressive and can help show off your home in a way that will make sure it stands out from other houses in your area that are on the market. Even better, drone technology makes this option more affordable than ever before, allowing you to get a lot more bang for your buck.

Trying to sell a poorly lit home

You want to show your home in the best light, so take the time to really gauge the quality of your lighting by closing your curtains/blinds and looking at each room as though you’re a potential homebuyer. Make a note of any rooms that are poorly lit or just seem dark and then call an electrician so that you can have some additional lighting installed. 

Even worse than a poorly lit room when the lights don’t work at all. Sometimes, the light bulb is just burnt out, while other times, the socket itself requires repair. Consider calling an electrician before you begin showing your home to make sure it’s shining its brightest. Potential buyers (and your bank account) will thank you for the investment.

Not making your home energy-efficient

If you’d like to spend less on your utility bills, you aren’t alone. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 33 percent of homebuyers see high-efficiency HVAC systems as an important factor when looking at a new home. If you have an older home, you should consider retrofitting or replacing your HVAC unit altogether, as your current system might be using a lot more energy than it needs to be. This will ensure that you have a system that is meeting your home’s needs while also lowering your utility bill.

If you’re committed to energy-efficiency then there are a few extra things you can do. These options include making sure your home is properly insulated, ensuring that you don’t have any leaky air ducts, and buying a smart thermostat. Whichever route you pursue, having an energy-efficient HVAC system will make your house stand out from the competition. 

Not cleaning your house before trying to sell it

Most of us would probably be lying if we said our homes weren’t overdue for a good cleaning, so don’t forget to check this box before listing your home for sale. There’s nothing more off-putting during a home tour than realizing the house is dirty, and potential homebuyers may wonder what else you’ve been neglecting. By hiring a professional cleaning company, you’ll guarantee that not only is your home spotless but that you’re going to make a great impression on homebuyers when they tour your house. 

Not addressing the exterior of your house

Over the years, your home’s exterior has taken a beating from the elements. With everything mother nature throws at it every year, the paint on your home’s exterior and the stain on your deck have likely lost a bit of their luster. So before listing, be sure to pressure wash your house first. In addition to making sure your house looks its best in the listing photos, you will also enhance the overall curb appeal when buyers eventually show up for a tour. 

In addition to pressure washing your house and deck, you can also take the time to pressure wash your garage door, fence, patio, driveway, and any walkways you may have. 

You never got around to repainting

One of the first things a potential buyer will notice when they pull up to your home is the paint. If you want to make a good first impression, then you’ll need to ensure that your home is painted an inviting color and that the quality of your paint job is top-notch. While the job of repainting your house might take a few days, the value of painting your house before selling will be well worth the effort.  A recent study found that painting the exterior of your home has a 51 percent return on investment. 

Don’t stop with the exterior, though! We’ve all seen some pretty questionable color choices on the walls of homes. If you happen to have lime green or bright purple wall, you’ll want to repaint them to be a more buyer-friendly neutral color. Doing so will make it easier for buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home as it makes them think of your walls as a blank canvas.

Selling a home with a yard in need of some TLC

The other way to make a great first impression is by wowing potential buyers with your yard. Start by cleaning up anything that may be cluttering your yard, porch, or pathways (things like gardening equipment or a child’s bicycle). Then you can move onto mowing the lawn, weeding your garden, and planting some new flowers. If your yard has a damaged pathway, you may also want to think about fixing or even replacing it as well. 

If these touch-ups seem like a lot to tackle while you’re trying to sell your home, don’t be afraid to hire a landscaper, as the cost is well worth it. A study by Turf Magazine found that a home’s value tended to increase by as much as 10 to 12 percent after making upgrades to the landscaping.

You have mismatched appliances

Maybe your black stove died a couple of years ago, and you replaced it with a brand-new stainless steel one. Or maybe you swapped out that white kitchen faucet you always hated with a copper one that caught your eye. Either way, the result is mismatched appliances. While it won’t necessarily impact the overall sale price of your home, many homebuyers are going to find the mismatched color scheme off-putting, so consider making some changes before you sell. 

The best way to proceed is to decide which kitchen appliances are your favorite and base the color scheme off of them. So if that fancy new stove you bought last year is stainless steel, then make sure your other appliances are too. Luckily, many appliance manufacturers offer discounts if you purchase multiple appliances with them at once.

Lingering during a home tour

Nobody likes a lingerer, especially when they also happen to be the owner of the home you’re currently touring. If you don’t leave the home during a showing, then potential buyers feel awkward as they attempt to discuss what they like and dislike about the house. You also prevent your listing agent from being able to do their job to the best of their abilities as you’re naturally going to want to answer any questions the buyers have rather than leaving those questions to your agent. So, instead of staying in your home during a showing, try taking the opportunity to go shopping, run errands, or visit some friends instead. Your agent will thank you.

Taking a Lowball Offer Personally

Regardless of your reasons for moving, the fact that you’ve probably lived in your home for years means that you have a lot of strong feelings attached to it. So when you receive a lowball offer, it’s natural to be offended. 

Instead of walking away, send them back a counteroffer that you and your real estate agent think is fair. If they really are interested, then you’ll be glad you didn’t let your emotions get the better of you.

Originally published on Redfin

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