Property Management Blog

Key Takeaways

• Video tours give prospective tenants a clearer sense of scale, layout, and flow than photos, helping them pre-qualify a property before scheduling an in-person showing.
• A well-produced video tour reduces unqualified inquiries, expands reach to out-of-town renters, and creates a strong first impression that builds confidence in the landlord and property management.
• Proper preparation, cleaning, decluttering, completing repairs, and maximizing natural light, is essential, as the camera highlights details that might be overlooked during live viewings.
• Using basic equipment, a logical tour route, and steady filming techniques results in a professional, easy-to-follow video that clearly showcases the property’s best features and layout.

Video tours have emerged as a powerful tool to attract potential tenants. With a well-produced video tour, potential tenants can experience the property in motion, visualize themselves in the home, and understand how rooms flow. Property managers and landlords can significantly enhance marketing reach, improve applicant quality, and reduce vacancy time by mastering the fundamentals of video tour creation.

In this article, we at KRS Property Management Lynchburg will outline essential principles and techniques that landlords can use to create professional, engaging video tours that will appeal to modern tenants.

Understand the Purpose of a Video Tour

Before you start making videos, it’s essential to understand why creating a video tour is necessary. Unlike photographs, video tours offer continuity, scale, and context. They allow potential tenants to assess the property before scheduling an in-person viewing.

Below are some reasons to create video tours:

• Reducing Unqualified Inquiries - Creating a comprehensive video tour will help to filter out applicants who may not be good fits for the property.
• Expanding the Audience Reach - Tenants relocating from other states or cities within the state of Virginia usually find video tours appealing.
• Create a Strong First Impression – A professionally filmed video tour showcases the landlord’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, building tenant confidence and setting clear expectations.

How To Film The Video Tour

Choose the Right Equipment

You can film high-quality video tours using relatively simple equipment. The major aspects to consider include clarity, stability, and sound control. This can be achieved through:

• Camera Options - Modern smartphones have image stabilization and high-resolution video features to help landlords film a great video tour. Alternatively, excellent results can be gotten from entry-level video cameras or compact digital cameras.
• Stabilization Tools - A steady camera is essential. You can choose from stabilizing phone mounts, gimbals, and tripods. Viewing experiences are enhanced by smooth movements.
• Audio Considerations - A clear audio is essential for narration videos. To ensure this, minimize background noise and added voiceovers.

Prepare the Property Before Filming

The most important step in producing an effective video tour is preparation. The camera will capture details that can go unnoticed during an in-person viewing. As such, presentation and cleanliness are critical. 

The following are some useful tips on how to prepare the property:

• Complete Necessary Repairs - Only film the property after completing all repairs. Potential long-term tenants can be discouraged when they observe visible issues, even if they’ll be fixed by move-in.
• Conduct a Deep Cleaning - Ensure every surface that may be visible on the camera is clutter-free and clean. This will include countertops, floors and carpets, windows and mirrors, light fixtures, and appliances.
• Declutter and Stage the Space - To create a neutral and inviting space, remove all personal items. Minimal staging will help viewers imagine the space without feeling overwhelmed.
• Enhancing Natural Light - Ensure that rooms appear bright and spacious by opening curtains, adjusting blinds, and optimizing lighting. Filming during daylight hours to reduce the need for artificial lighting and maximize natural light is best.

Plan the Tour Route

Ensure a logical flow through the property by having a structured filming plan. Doing so will help to reduce wandering, which can confuse viewers. Do this by establishing a logical sequence. Let the video tour follow a natural progression starting from the entrance and moving through shared spaces before showing private areas. A common order for this is:

• Entryway
• Living area
• Kitchen
• Dining spaces
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Storage areas
• Outdoor spaces

You should also avoid redundant coverage. Show each space clearly and concisely without lingering too long in one area because this can reduce viewers' attention. 

Finally, when seeking to rent out your home, be deliberate in including special elements that differentiate your property from competitors. This may include features such as scenic views, built-in storage, updated appliances, or vaulted ceilings. 

Filming Techniques for Professional Results

You can significantly improve video quality with simple filming techniques. Some tips to consider here include:

• Maintaining a Steady Pace - Move the camera slowly and deliberately. This will help to prevent rapid movements that can obscure details and disorient viewers.
• Keep the Camera at Eye Level - Simulate a realistic viewing experience by filming at a natural height.
• Focus on Room Transitions - You can help viewers understand the layout by using transitions between rooms. Smoothly move through hallways or doorways to enhance spatial awareness. 
• Use Wide Angles Thoughtfully - Balance standard angles with wide views to maintain accuracy. Overusing wide-angle shots can distort dimensions, but using them where necessary will help show room layout and size.

Bottom Line 

It is an art and a strategic investment to film a great video tour for a rental property. If executed properly, video tours will reduce vacancy time, provide clarity, and attract high-quality tenants. For help optimizing the success of your rentals, consider the benefits of working with our professional property management company. Contact us today!