5 Ways to Spot the Best Real Estate Video Device

It’s done.  You’ve heard about how important video is becoming not only to our everyday lives for sharing information, but how it can be used as a sales tool.  You’re smart.  You  decided to incorporate video into your real estate marketing plan.

But what do you use to take your videos?

Here are five ways to spot the best device for you:

1. The best for you is what you will use.  It really doesn’t get any simpler than this one rule!  There are a lot of fancy cameras and video recorders on the market, at all different price ranges, with a ton of different features.  All of this is great, but if you won’t be comfortable with them, you won’t use them.  If you don’t use them, you won’t have videos.  If you don’t have videos, this whole exercise is for nothing.  Choose a device that works for you.  It may not be the top model, it may not have a ton of bells and whistles, but if you’ll use it, it is the absolute best device for you.

2. Look at the devices you already own.  Almost everyone owns a digital camera or SmartPhone.  Chances are, they already have the ability to take video for you, not only saving you money, but also reducing the time it takes to learn a new device.  Play around with what you already have access to by taking some random videos and then watching them on both the device and your computer.  You may already have the tools  you need!

3. Features don’t always equal results.  Having a device that does everything but wash your clothes is not necessary.  There is no need to spend hours recording, editing, and publishing your videos.  In fact, it is just the opposite.  Viewers form a stronger connection with real people in videos who might make the occasional mistake, but who still provide them with the information they desire.  Keep your videos simple, straight-forward, and short so that it doesn’t take forever to create them or watch them.  More videos for you means more chances to reach people.

4. Price doesn’t equal worth.  You could spend thousands on a ton of video equipment, but you don’t need to at all!  If you don’t have a device that does video already, look for a model that takes the level of video you require, has a removable memory card (which makes it easier to transfer videos to your computer, rather than worrying about carrying around a connector cable), and has an audio jack (see tip #5 for more details).  Beyond these technical aspects, consider the size and other capabilities of the device.  Will it fit easily into your purse, pocket, or briefcase?  Does it also take great photos, which will save you from having to carry multiple devices with you?  Most of all: would you use it?

5. Audio, audio, audio.  70% of a video’s worth is the quality of the audio.  If people can’t hear you on the video, all of the information you are conveying is lost and you’ve wasted your time.  The best device will give you crisp, clear audio.  If it doesn’t, or if you want to get even better quality, invest in a microphone that hooks into the audio jack on the phone.  They are relatively inexpensive and can dramatically increase the sound quality.  As well, people love to talk into mic’s, so you’ll find it easier to not only record yourself, but your Sellers, client testimonials, etc.

Remember: the best device is the one you will actually use that takes clear videos with good audio.  Now go have fun making videos that will make you money!

Want to learn more about making powerful real estate videos?  Check out Michael Krisa, “That Inteview Guy” and video guru!