Filming Rental Video Tours

Creating a compelling video tour of your rental property is an effective way to attract potential tenants and showcase the unique features of your space. With the rise of virtual viewings, having a high-quality video tour can significantly enhance your property's appeal.

Here's a detailed guide on how to create an engaging and informative video tour of your rental property.

1. Preparation is Key

Understand Your Audience: Tailor your video to appeal to tenants. Highlight features that would be most appealing to them.
Declutter and Clean: Ensure the property is tidy and clean. Remove personal items and clutter to make the space more inviting and easier for viewers to imagine themselves living there.
Plan Your Route: Map out the path you’ll take during the video. It should be logical and cover all important areas, ensuring a smooth flow from one room to another.

2. Lighting and Audio Quality

Optimize Natural Light: Film during the day when natural light is abundant. Open curtains and blinds to brighten up the space.
Supplement with Artificial Light: Use additional lighting in darker areas to avoid shadows and ensure even lighting throughout the property.
Ensure Clear Audio: Use a good-quality microphone. Avoid background noise and wind interference to ensure your narration is clear.

3. Filming Techniques

Use the Right Equipment: A smartphone with a good camera or a professional camera can be used. Consider a stabilizer or tripod for steady shots.

Steady and Slow Movements: Move slowly and smoothly as you walk through the property. Avoid quick pans and jerks to prevent disorientation.
Shoot in Multiple Angles: Showcase each room from different angles. This helps viewers get a better sense of the space and layout.

4. Narration and Storytelling

Create an Engaging Script: Prepare a script highlighting the property’s features. Be descriptive but concise. Mention unique qualities that set your property apart.
Add a Personal Touch: Add a personal touch to your narration. Share stories or interesting facts about the property or neighborhood.

5. Focus on Key Features

Highlight Unique Aspects: Emphasize any unique or high-end renovated features like a fireplace, balcony, or newly renovated kitchen.
Showcase Community and Location: Showcase the neighborhood and nearby amenities. Mention proximity to public transport, schools, or entertainment options.

6. Editing and Post-Production

Keep It Concise: The video should be long enough to cover all areas but concise enough to maintain interest. Aim for a 3-5 minute duration.
Edit for Quality: Use editing software to adjust lighting, cut out unnecessary footage, and add music or additional voiceover if needed.
Add Text Overlays: Include text overlays for clarity, such as labeling rooms or pointing out key features.

7. Utilizing Technology

Create 360-Degree Views: Consider using 360-degree video technology for a more immersive experience.

Consider Virtual Staging: If the property is empty, virtual staging can help viewers visualize the space with furniture.
8. Distribution and Feedback
Choose the Right Platforms: Post the video on your website, social media, and property listing sites.
Seek Feedback: Encourage viewers to leave feedback or ask questions. This interaction can provide valuable insights for future tours.

9. Legal Compliance and Privacy

Respect Privacy: If currently tenanted, get permission from tenants and avoid filming personal belongings.
Comply with Regulations: Ensure the video complies with fair housing laws and doesn’t discriminate against any group.

10. Continuous Improvement

Analyze Viewer Engagement: Use analytics tools to understand viewer behavior and preferences.
Update Regularly: Keep the video updated, especially if there have been significant changes to the property or amenities.

Advantages of Adding Virtual Tours to Your Listings

Integrating virtual tours into your property listings comes with a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance your rental property's marketability and appeal. Here's an overview of the key advantages:

Increased Engagement: Virtual tours are more engaging than static images or text descriptions. They provide a dynamic and interactive experience, keeping potential renters interested for longer periods.

Wider Reach: Virtual tours can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location. This expands your potential tenant pool beyond local prospects to those relocating or living abroad.
Time and Cost Efficiency: Virtual tours save time and resources for both landlords and prospective tenants. They reduce the need for multiple in-person showings, allowing viewers to explore the property at their convenience.
Enhanced Visualization: Virtual tours help potential tenants visualize the space more effectively. They can get a realistic sense of the layout and size of the property, which is often hard to gauge from photos alone.
Competitive Edge: Offering virtual tours can set your listing apart from others that only have photos or text descriptions. This modern approach can make your property more attractive, especially to tech-savvy renters.
Reduced Vacancy Rates: By providing a comprehensive view of the property, virtual tours can help speed up the decision-making process for potential tenants, leading to quicker rentals and reduced vacancy periods.
Builds Trust and Transparency: Virtual tours give an honest and transparent view of the property, building trust with potential tenants. They show that you're confident in the quality of your property and are willing to showcase it openly.

Interactive Features: Many virtual tour platforms offer interactive features like floor plans, measurement tools, and the ability to navigate through rooms, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the property.
Attract Busy Professionals: For busy individuals or those who cannot visit the property due to scheduling conflicts, virtual tours offer a convenient solution, making your property accessible to a broader range of tenants.

Conclusion

A well-crafted video tour can be a game-changer in marketing your rental property. It requires a mix of technical skill, creativity, and an understanding of your audience. Remember, the goal is to make viewers feel like they are walking through the property themselves, helping them envision their future home.

By following these tips, you can create a video tour that not only showcases your property in the best light but also connects with potential tenants, making your property stand out in a competitive market

If you are not sure if this is something that you can do on your own, it’s best to find a reliable property manager to help you amp up your marketing strategies, including creating virtual tours. If you need help, contact Redsail Property Management and we’ll be happy to help.

How to Film a Great Video Tour of Your Rental