In today's digital age, the process of renting out a property has evolved significantly. Prospective tenants now expect more than just photos and written descriptions in your advertising materials—they want to experience the property virtually before scheduling an in-person visit.
This is where video tours come into play. Creating a compelling video tour for your rental property can make a big difference when it comes to attracting the right tenants.
As a landlord, you need to understand the art of crafting an engaging video tour for your rental property, as this is essential for effective marketing.
The Advantages of Using Rental Video Tours
To be a successful landlord, you need to incorporate diverse marketing strategies to ensure that your property gets noticed by prospective renters. Using video tours for your rental property ads is one way to help you stand out among the competition.
Here are a few benefits of using video tours:
1. Realism and Immersion
Video tours offer a level of realism and immersion that static images simply cannot match. When prospective tenants can see the property from multiple angles, experience the flow of rooms, and even hear ambient sounds, they get a much better sense of what it's like to live there.
This immersive experience helps them connect with the property on a more emotional level, making them more likely to schedule a viewing or, in some cases, make a leasing decision based solely on the video.
2. Expanded Reach
Rental video tours can be shared across various online platforms, including your property listing, social media, and property management websites.
This extended reach means you can attract a larger pool of potential tenants, even those who may not be able to physically visit the property due to geographical constraints or scheduling conflicts.
3. Time and Cost Efficiency
Filming a video tour may take some time upfront, but it can save you time and money in the long run. Instead of coordinating multiple in-person showings, you can direct interested renters to the video tour first.
This allows you to pre-screen tenants, ensuring that only those genuinely interested will request a viewing. As a result, you save time and minimize the wear and tear on your property.
4. Competitive Advantage
In a competitive rental market, having a professionally filmed video tour can set your property apart from others. It showcases your property's unique features and style, making it more appealing to potential tenants.
A well-executed video tour can be the deciding factor for renters who are comparing multiple options.
5. Transparency and Trust
By providing a comprehensive video tour, you show transparency to potential tenants. They can see the property as it is, without any surprises.
This transparency builds trust between you and prospective renters, making them more comfortable with the leasing process. In turn, this can lead to smoother and faster lease agreements.
Tips for Filming a Great Video Tour
Creating an effective rental property video tour requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you film a video that attracts tenants and showcases your property in the best light:
1. Plan Ahead
Before you start filming, plan your video tour meticulously. Decide on the route you'll take through the property, what features you want to highlight, and any special shots you'd like to capture.
Make sure your property is ready to be filmed and stage it accordingly. Planning in advance ensures that your video is organized and efficient.
2. Use Quality Equipment
Invest in quality equipment, including a stable camera (a DSLR camera is recommended), a tripod, and good lighting.
Clear, stable footage will make your video look more professional and appealing to viewers. If you don't have access to professional camera equipment, modern smartphones often have excellent video recording capabilities.
3. Include an Introduction
Start your video with a brief introduction that provides context for viewers. Share the property's key details, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, its location, and any special amenities or features.
4. Showcase Key Features
Highlight the key features of your rental property, such as spacious closets, modern appliances, or a scenic view. These features can be the selling points of your property, so make sure they are prominently featured in the video.
5. Narrate the Tour
Consider adding narration to your video tour. A friendly and informative voiceover can guide viewers through the property, providing insights and details that may not be immediately apparent.
Be sure to speak clearly and engage potential tenants with interesting information about the property. If you record the audio while filming, make sure to use a microphone to filter out the background noise. Otherwise, you may do a voiceover during the editing process.
6. Pay Attention to Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for creating an inviting and appealing video. Use natural light whenever possible and consider using artificial lighting to enhance the video's quality. Avoid filming on overcast or rainy days when the lighting may be subpar.
7. Stabilize the Camera
Shaky footage can be distracting and unprofessional. Use a tripod or a stabilizing device to ensure your shots are smooth and steady. This will make your video look more polished and will allow viewers to focus on the property, not the camera's movements.
8. Show the Flow
Give viewers a sense of the property's layout and flow. This can help them understand how different spaces connect and how they might use the space. Walk through the property logically, showing transitions from room to room.
9. Edit Thoughtfully
Editing is a crucial part of creating a compelling video tour. Use video editing software to trim unnecessary footage, remove unnecessary noise, add music or voiceover, and include any text overlays for important information.
Keep the video concise to maintain viewers' attention.
10. Call to Action
End the video with a call to action, encouraging viewers to contact you for more information or to schedule a viewing. Provide your contact details or a link to the property listing page.
Bottom Line
Filming a great video tour for your rental property offers numerous advantages, helping you stand out among the rest.
By following the tips mentioned above and investing the necessary equipment and effort, you can create a video tour that not only attracts potential tenants but also enhances your property's appeal in a competitive market.
If you don’t want to do this yourself, you may hire the services of a professional property manager. Contact Rent Easy if you need help.
