With current isolation precautions in place, agents are doing an increasing amount of virtual video tours. whether you do a pre-recorded video or a live one, technology makes it easy; with many agents choosing to do them straight from their smart phones. Here are a few tips to help you shoot the best video tour possible.
1) Remove All Clutter
Remove clutter from your home, making sure to keep closets and cabinets neat and organized. You want to help the buyer imagine the possibilities of the room for their family. A lot of clutter can also make the room look smaller.
2) Video Quality
Check your device to make sure it is shooting at the highest quality. You want to make sure the viewer can clearly see and hear what you are shooting.
3) Lighting
Pull curtains back, blinds up and lights on to allow the most amount of light to flood the room. Soft natural light is ideal.
4) Leave Doors Open
Leaving doors open allows light into darker spots of the home and allows you to easily maneuver through the home while you are shooting.
5) Make the Rooms Look Inviting
Plump up pillows and cushions and drape blankets to make the rooms inviting and comfortable. This can also be used to help suggest uses for a space such as arranging a chair, lamp and book in a hallway nook.
6) Don’t Ignore Outside Areas
Ideally, a house tour should start with a view from the street, walking up to enter the home and end in the backyard. Make sure you have curb appeal, paying attention to gardens, balconies and patios.
7) Map a Route Through the Home
Plan the path you are going to take during the tour beforehand so that the video runs smoothly with no sudden changes of direction. This will also help make sure you don’t miss anything.
8) Don’t Move Too Fast
Be sure not to move too quickly while shooting the video as it can be disorienting for the viewer and they may miss important details of the home. Also try not to switch back and forth between front facing camera and traditional shooting too often.
9) Positioning
When scanning the room, start by entering through the doorway and panning from one side to the other. You want to show all the positions and details of the room but you don’t want jerky movement that bounces from one spot to another. Try to keep this consistent in every room.
10) Attention to Detail
make sure to highlight any unique features that make the home stand out. Whether it is a stunning fireplace, electric blinds, or a home theatre system, stop to zoom in on them and bring them to the viewer’s attention.
If you are doing a live video, people may respond with questions. You can address them throughout the tour or stop to answer them once you have finished the walk-thru so that you can give them your full attention. Just try to keep a steady pace during the video without too much stopping as people may loose interest.
Also be sure to mention your name, the address of the home and your contact info. You may list this in the comments section as well as in the beginning of the video so that people know how to get in touch of they are interested.