Thursday, May 14, 2015

Video Marketing in Real Estate

Real estate agents are often early adopters of new technology. If it makes the home shopping process easier for their buyers or gives their seller clients a competitive edge, they will invest the time and money to make it a part of their marketing plan. While some methods are little more than schemes to make money off of gullible agents, one method of marketing for real estate agents has been around in some variation for many years; it continues to give agents who use it the upper hand. That tool is property video marketing.


Advantages of video marketing

Real estate agents typically have different opinions on the best marketing practices. Some embrace new technology, others stay rigidly with what they learned from their mentor or broker decades ago. Things like including as many photos of the property as possible and yard signs are undeniable essentials. Here are a few benefits of property video marketing.
  • Video marketing for real estate agents opens up additional marketing channels like YouTube.
     
  • By virtually taking potential buyers inside a property, it connects with them earlier.
     
  • Helps weed out potential buyers who are not really interested in the house and ensures buyers have a better understanding of the home prior to viewing it in person.
     
  • Sellers are more likely to list with you because you have a greater arsenal of marketing tools.
     
  • It increases the excitement about the subject property by providing buyers with an easily share able and intriguing presentation of the home.
     
  • Video is a compelling and powerful method of marketing to an international audience.


Not just for high-end properties anymore
Video as a business tool is used by every industry. As technology advances, the cost of production decreases. Practically all homes have internet that is fast enough for unlimited video streaming. Many people now take for granted streaming videos on their smart phones and tablets while they are on the go. You do not have to spend a lot of money for professional productions on every home you list. For some properties, the cost may outweigh the benefits. Many agents do quality video presentations themselves on every home they list. It takes some time to learn to do it right, but their clients appreciate them being personally involved in the process and the added effort the agent puts into showcasing their home in every possible way.

A few key considerations

Video marketing for real estate agents is one of those things that needs to be done well or not done at all. Just as it can be a powerful method of making a good impression, it can equally give a negative impact when done poorly. You want every aspect of your business and marketing to exude professionalism and attention to detail. Sloppy, blurry, and rushed property videos convey that you do not put much value on the listing. The potential buyers will not either, and your sellers will not place much value on your services. If you work with a professional production company on a regular basis, they should offer you economical pricing on videos for all your properties.
Video marketing for real estate agents will help you stand out when done right. As the years go by and more agents begin incorporating it into their listing strategy, it becomes less an enhancement and more an expected service. When done economically and strategically, it elevates you in the eyes of buyers and sellers. For subdivision developments and builders, the progressive videos and updates on progress keep buyers interested and returning to your site. Selling homes is still a people business. The best videos include a presenter who highlights various features of the home. By telling a compelling story with your video, you help the potential buyer think of the property as their home. That is ultimately your goal with all aspects of your marketing, and few other tools can do that as effectively as video.