Real Estate Video Training | Realtor Training | The Basics

Here are some of the basics in video training that every Realtor needs to know to get started.  Although there is a lot of information about video cameras and equipment you will need to become familiar with it’s not very difficult to learn as long as your willing to.  In the video I wanted to show you our “ghetto office set up” for making videos.  It does not require much just the right equipment and the basic knowledge on how to use it.  This is Video Basics 101.

The following list contains the 4 variables for creating good video.

1.  Lighting:  You must be aware of the overall lighting situation when your shooting video.  This includes the colors of any backdrops/backgrounds, natural light, and florescent light. .  Too much light may make you look like a ghost, and too little light will make your video look creepy and unprofessional.  If you need to add lighting the cheapest alternative is using the “can lights” as shown in the training video.

2.  Sound:  You must consider the sound quality in the video you are using.  If you’re shooting video in a noise filled environment it will be difficult for the viewer to hear your message and that viewer will simply stop watching the video.  Using a wireless mic or wired mic is typically preferred, especially if your shooting video in your office and there is a lot of background noise.  If your shooting a property video, it is not as necessary to use microphones because your typically close to the camera and shooting a short message.  However, if the property is located on a busy street you will need to use a microphone.

3.  Message:  Make sure you have an actual point and get to it quickly when shooting your video.  When shooting a property video anything more than 30 seconds for your intro and ending portion is simply too much, unless you have some really important info/content to share with your potential viewers.  When shooting a showcasing video of your self try to keep it at 2 minutes.  Remember, your audience/viewers have a short attention span and if your dragging on without getting to the point you will loose people.  There is a difference when your shooting an instructional video, this is where you are giving some very specific information about, for example, short sales, first time buyers, state of the market, etc…..  In an instructional video your creating specific content for a specific group of viewers/audience.  These videos are never used for introducing yourself to your viewers/audience at the first glance.

4. Video Quality:  Today, there are many great cameras which shoot in HD and are affordable, under $200.  If you’re using a poor quality camera you will get a poor quality result, and you risk people not wanting to watch your video.  So what would be the point of going thru all the trouble of creating your message and shooting your video if the video & sound quality is bad?  Get the right equipment to shoot quality videos because you will be shooting a lot of them!

Real Estate Video Training | Realtor Training | The Basics

VIDEO EQUIPMENT 1.  Cameras:  I prefer to shoot with a Kodak Z18, or the Kodak Playtouch.  Both shoot in HD, have external microphone jacks, use SD Cards, and produce your videos in a MOV format which is accepted by most of the video editing software out there.  There are many alternatives to these cameras.  For example, if you would like to use your iPad or iPhone for creating video in a similar quality with sound this is possible with lense and adapter kits.  The best kits I have found are from a company called HDHat.com.  They make kit’s for both the iPad & iPhone which improve the video quality of these devices and allows you to produce video as if you were using the Kodak. If you have more questions on different camera’s please just ask.  There are so many out there I can’t possibly review them all. THE KODAK PLAYTOUCH            

MY KODAK Zi8

              2.  Microphones:  A.  Wireless Microphones:  There are 2 different wireless mic systems out there under $200 which have been used by myself and colleagues of mine and I have no problem recommending for Realtors.  Most people purchase these off of Amazon.com.  This is where I have purchased a lot of my equipment because of the cheap prices.  Read the review of the products, contact me about it if you have more questions and then just get one. Azden WMS-PRO Wireless Microphone System, this is a wireless system that runs all on battery, no plugging into electrical sockets so it’s 100% portable.                   This is the system I use, it’s not portable, it needs to be plugged into an electrical socket to work, but the quality is great and you can mic up two people at the same time.  Audio2000s Awm-6032um UHF Dual Channel Wireless Microphone System with Two Lapel (Lavalier) Mic.   3.  Tripod:  You need a tripod to hold your camera while you are shooting a video.  Having someone hold a camera straight for 1-3 minutes while you shoot can result in poor video.  Tripods are another necessary component for making good quality video.  The main rule of thumb you want to use when choosing your tripod is the height, you want at least a minimum height of 60.5”, this means the max height the tripod can reach when fully extended.     Here is the tripod I have been using for 2 years. It’s cheap and does the job.  SunPak 6000PG          

I know this may seem like a lot at first, but it really is not.  Furthermore, you don’t need everything right away in order to start producing video.  You can work your way up, that is the way we did it for our office.

Thank you for checking our my article here, it’s challenging to try and place all of this information in a easy to follow format for everyone.  I hope your able to gather some good information here and if you have questions please leave a comment below.

George Cuevas