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Playing around with Video

Playing with Video

I've been playing around with videos and trying to learn how to edit them. I must admit the learning curve for me has been long and painful and even with on line tutorials I still needed to get myself a Dummies book.

This video consisted of several clips totaling 12 minutes...way too long for a listing video. So I set out to try and get rid of as much of it as possible and while I think this is still a bit long at a little over 5 minutes, the property is unique with acreage and a barn that I also wanted to highlight.

I also played around with voice over for the first time and used it only in the beginning as the car (with dirty windshield) was driving up the very long driveway. Once inside the house what you hear is me winging it.

Over all I'm pleased with my very amateur attempt and I realize video will be even bigger in 2010 so I want to learn as much as I can.

Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

25 Valley Rd Hampstead NH A video tour

Video tour of 25 Valley Road in Hampstead NH. This home is bank owned and ready for immediate occupancy. This is a horse lovers dream come true.

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy, Southern NH and the Seacoast area real estate specialists.

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy, covering southern NH and the Seacoast area. If you’re thinking of selling or buying a southern NH or Seacoast area home give us a call…we’d love to help make your home ownership dreams come true.

E-mail Jay and Monika or call or text at 603-548-7728

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy, NH REALTORS

Prudential Verani Realty

603-944-9172 direct line

603-926-3648 office

Posted by Monika McGillicuddy Southern NH & the Seacoast Area on 01/01/2010 12:31 PM

Comments (111)

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111 Comments on Playing around with Video

JAN

2010

Not a bad looking video. I have never done any video editing myself, so I can be if no use to you on this.

The video driving in was great. I didn't watch the entire clip as it was too long, but it looks good. A little dark in some places inside, but I don't know if that can be helped. Looks like a nice property. What kind of video camera are you using? I have a flip video, but I don't think I can edit and I am really limited as to quality.

Good for you, that you are stretching yourself, and getting into the "next wave" of presentation. Remember, though, that you're in the business of sales/connecting, and it's ok to hire a professional to shoot some good footage.

Doing videos is something I need to add this year. I will be looking to buy a flip video camera soon.

I was just listening to a Rain Radio broadcast from 2008 where Brad and Bob talked a little bit about video. I need to buy a video camera too.

Monika! Is that Monika? Good to see you. The video looks COLD!!! I do like the property though.

Thank you Aaron. I'm getting better at it but it has been a slow process.

Sandy I have the Kodak zi8 and really like it.

Sea to Sky ....I don't have a problem hiring when needed but also like to learn and fine tune my skills. Video is the way to go and I plan on doing a lot of them.

Scott ... I bought my Kodak zi8 at the NAR convention and really like it.

Maureen, Jay and I have been doing a lot of videos...scary at frist when you record yourself!LOL but it gets easier to do.

Broker Bryant... Yup it's me!

Monika, I have not attempted one yet, but your first video is a whole lot better than what I would be able to do on the first try.

JAN

2010

Monika, This is a great first attempt. Still long but you are doing a great job in learning and I anticipate seeing great things from you.

I have to ask, what program are you using to put this together and add the scrolling titles? I would love to know. i too am making it my goal to learn this month how to get these together. Please do share!

You may also want to consider professional help: Moviepals.org Entertainment's collaborative team of professionals can do a custom, branded, professional video in both HD and Web ready formats for Only $300, why do the editing yourself? They also can do a professional travel video, or even a whole series of locality videos for a fraction of the cost you would expect: thousands, not tens of thousands, and your local touristry, visitor and Chamber of Commerce organizations may want to participate in the cost.

Since these are people you should be in touch with anyway...

Learn more here: http://socialmediasystems.com/viral-video-production-and-online-promotion/

I would not buy a home without a Realtor, why are you so anxious to do everything yourself; a professional video never sleeps, never gets a day older, never leaves anyone waiting, doesn't eat, has no travel costs, can be a viral marketing tool...does looking professional matter to you at all?

Monika, I would suggest that when you are ready to embed the video, before you copy the code cick on the box that you DO NOT want to add similar videos. Others are there that do not relate to you and something distasteful can and may pop up for your clients. Just a suggestion.

I would suggest you get a tripod.. they are about $100 for a good one with a head that you can pan. That way you can pan your rooms... and cut into those shots. And get some close ups of the best features... Like the brick wall, the tile floors, light fixtures, etc. Then you can cut off this long shot... and you don't have to talk while you are shooting... lay down the voice over ...

Keep going. It is a learning curve. I'm doing the same thing....

That's the one I want. But it's on backorder. Did you use an external mic on the video? I recently bought a windshield mount for my havent yet bought camcorder.

Now you got me interested in video editing software. What do you use?

I'm headed in this direction for 2010 too.

Monika-

That's a great video. I'm impressed! I can't criticize as I've yet to tackle vidoe for any of my listings. I do have a few comments. As you've read already, it's too long. I really liked the drive in, but next time have Jay drive while you stick your head out the window or sunroof. The windshield was a bit distracting.

Thanks for motivating me to get working on my video skills!

HI Monika,

I did a video of our rental property (my first video) and I learned a lot just from doing it. I am using a Flip camera and as others have noted, it is limited in quality and editing capabilities. Just trying video is a step in the right direction!

Monika,

Now you've figured out what I've been doing, using the equipment I already have. But I've been spending time on line trying to figure out which videos I like and dislike. Lots of interesting stuff out there.

Great first video. However, since you called it a "horse lovers dream come true", I was really interested in seeing the barn and horse amenities, but disappointed that I had to wait so long to see them. The barn will be the feature that sells this property. I would put all the barn footage right after you drive up to the property, and make the barn and horse stalls the main focus of the video. If you promote it as a place for horse lovers, make sure they first see things horses will love. A horse lover will say, "We've got to buy that barn for our horses!"

You might also want to go back and take a shot of the inside of one of the stalls, as well as the tack area.

Check out how I use video to build my business in the Charlotte area. I basically made a website that allows all Realtors to join in and broadcast together on www.charlottehometv.com . I think it's very important to keep all your videos as short as possible and always create 2 videos. One that is branded with your name and contact info as well as one that will meet your local MLS guildelines.

It was freezing out so opening the sunroof and window was not really what she wanted to do. The wind was howling too as we traveled up the .3 of a mile driveway. Brrrr

Great job. The hardest part is starting to use video. Like everything else, once you get a few videos under your belt, you become the office pro who everyone turns to for help. Best wishes on a prosperous 2010...............chris

Yes, vlogging is going to be my major goal this year! What program did you use to edit it? It looks very good. Love the driving part too. I was thinking about doing the same thing in the car but can't seem to find a dash holder. My hubby suggested velcro? Any ideas?

Monika,

I would be to embarrassed to post my first videos, you are on the right track. There are a lot of free or low cost tools that can help.

I suggest you check out Audacity for recording and editing your audio tracks... it's free and pretty easy to use right out of the box. A $40 - $70 mike will make a big difference in your voice quality.. em me if you want to more suggestions on tools - I would be glad to help.

Save these first videos... when you compare them against your current efforts 6 months later you will be happy with your progress.

George... I've been playing around and doing videos for a few months but have been trying to teach myself editing...which is not easy for me.

Jeri.... I use iMovie o9 on my Macbook Pro. It has all the titles and stuff that you can add.

Israel... Thanks so much for your comments. I am a photo buff and love photography and video is interesting to me. I don't feel I have to do it but rather that I want to do it. It's a challenge and not something that I plan on doing professionally but I do want to learn it to the best of my ability.

Monika, this is just the driver I needed to get my video started. I have done lots of virtual tours and have a tremendous amount of movement but the diting time isvery labor intensive. I also do voice overs and have been for a while and it certainly makes a huge difference. I would be very proud of what you have done because at least you have tried and now know what direction you need to go in. Keep it up and it will be a huge success.

Monika, great first video. It is time-consuming. I've not yet looked into video editing software, so when I make videos I end up doing 2-3 takes. One of my biggest challenges is trying to keep my breathing sounds out of the video, especially after climbing stairs! Good luck to you.

Jeri... Thanks for the copy and click suggestions about related videos! much appreciated!

Lexie... Thanks for those tips. I do have a tripod but did not use it that day. I love your suggestion of panning the room and highlighting areas...Thank You so much!

Loreena... where did you get the windshield mount? I did not use an external mic at all but do have one. I am trying to figure out how to mute the sound on my camera.

Thanks Chris... It was bit cold to hang out the window... lol

Jim and Linda I use a Kodak zi8 and really like the quality a lot. Editing is done in iMovie on my Mac

Thanks Dena... doing all those Birthday videos on FaceBook this past year has given me courage to self video. Jay and I have done a few marketing type videos and posted them on our blog.

Excellent suggestions Bob! Thank you so much!

Thanks Chuck. Our Local MLS does not allow video... can you believe it?

Thanks Christopher... The 1st step is the hardest.

Art and Thea.... I am looking for a dash holder too! I'll let you know when I find one. I use iMovie 09 for editing.

Thank you Full Service Loan Officer.... Thank you for the tips and encouragement.

Thanks Dave for your encouragement!

Kathyrn... LOL I have noticed my breathing at times too. Thanks so much.

Monika,

Good job. Really like the approach and the voice over is well done as are the supers. A little dark in a couple of places but very good on the whole. :)

Steve

FIRST VIDEO !!! 100 POINTS

MAY I ASK ONE QUESTION , ARE YOU ALLOW ,BY YOUR MLS, TO LINK THE VIDEO TO YOUR LISTING , WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION ?, OR YOU NEED A NOTHER VIDEO WITHOUT ?

HECTOR

Hector@HectorTorres.us

Hector.... We can not put video in our MLS yet. But I am sure if and when we can it will have to be de branded.

Thank you Steve!!!

Ooooo, very brave of you and what a great job. Now if the home just had some staging it would have more warmth and appeal! Best of luck to with your future video endeavors.

You have inspired me Monika ! I am going to do these type of 'walkthrough' tours for 2010 !

Great job !

Sheldon :o)

I purchased the Kodak Zi8 and was displeased with the video quality and the editing software that came with it so I returned it. You have created a crisper video than my attempts with it and I also am VERY amateur so the learning curve perhaps needs a longer test. You have a good idea testing your video here on AR for all to critique. What this does for me is challenge me to try it again although with a different camera. Any of you AR'ers tested any other cameras that you would recommend?

Monika - I think you did a great job on a difficult tour - driivng up a bumpy driveway, etc. I am trying to do more and more video, but I don't do any editing, which I really need to start doing. I use the Ffip which works pretty well but at some point I will likely purchase a more soohisticated video camera. Keep up the good work - what did you use for your editing?

Jeff

Hi Monika...Looks good to me, I think consumers feel better looking at a personal video rather than a commercial type. I think you did well, I do Video's around a Neighborhood for my market updates so people can see the area.

Video's will be very much part of our lives.

HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER IN 2010 !

Jill... It is a bank owned foreclosed home and I think showed well under the circumstances but I do understand what you mean and agree.

Thank you Sheldon!

Kathy... It might have been the settings on the camera. I have mine set for HD and really like the Kodak zi8 much better than any of the flips for a camera in that price point.

Thanks Jeff... I use iMovie 09 for editing. Have a Mac and it came with it.

Thanks Fred... I agree and the best to you too in 2010!

Monika

Nicely done for your first video. It is a little long. I have been using video for kids soccer and flag football games. Spliting out the wind audio from a game and doing a sports commintary over it with deffinately help with winging the audio part. This is a great way to learn your camera and software. I have been using a Canon mini disc camcorder and am saving my play money to upgrade to a Sony HDR-SR12. This video camera will also take great stills, so I won't have to carry both cameras, but I will for awhile. Just play with it.

I know now that I need to start doning video on all my listings.

Great Job, Thanks for the motivation.

Monika- Looks really good...You did a super job of putting it together. I've also decided that this may be the year for me to start video... I'm still in the early stages of figuring things out.

I agree that video is *it* this year. I am trying to get on board but I am resisting!

Scott how do you get rid of the wind and background noise from the video clip? I can't figure out how to do that. I use a Kodak zi8 and it does not have a mute option.

Kaye... I am still learning but so far really enjoy it very much. Congratulations of being on of the Top 12 Women Real Estate Bloggers!!!!!

Just jump in Renee!!!

I just sent my assistant a text message to get my camera at the office so I can recharge it to shoot my first video on it. Good job on yours. I hope my looks as good.

Monika you have to split the audio from the video with your software. Some cameras will allow you to turn to sound off, in the advanced settings menus. If not you can take an old (cheap) external mic and cut to plug of it. Just plug the jack itno the external mic on the camera. That will turn off the built-in mic, because the camera thinks there is an external one.

Still not sure why people think that marketing a home worth hundreds of thousands of dollars can be done on a $150 camera?

Although a noble attempt, the video is shaky and dark because a $150 video camera has a cheap plastic lens with no wide angle capabilities, just to name a few problems..... Bad audio, no controls... it's a TOY camera, really.

You need to invest in a quality camera that allows you to adjust expose manually and that works well in low light and that has quality optics (not a plastic lens the size of a quarter!) in order to get a quality video that can market a product worth hundreds of thousands of dollars correctly. You can pick on up for $1000-$2000 dollars, but that's what it takes. Trying to do this on a camera the size of a cigarette case that costs $150 is like FSBOs selling their own house with a paper flyer and a hand lettered cardboard sign. It's just not something that can work well for your sellers nor make you look like the pro you are!

Monica, I've been shooting professional video for about twenty years so I thought I'd give you my top tips.

1. Tripod. That's the #1 tool for any videographer. I see that you have one so bring it along. (Must be a video tripod with a fluid movement)

2. Snap shots. Shoot the same way as if you were shooting still photos...hold still so the viewer can take it in. The eye can't really focus until you stop the pan so do it sparingly and/or very slowly.

3. Wide angle lens. This will show more of the room without having to pan. Otherwise shoot a wide establishment shot, stop, shoot a medium shot. Zooming and panning distract the viewer.

4. Backlight. When you walked into that room, the window light forced your iris to close, making everything else dark. Either switch to manual iris to override it or wait until you can have the light behind you.

5. Edits. Glad to see you avoided all the iMovie transitions. Simple cuts are always the best.

Happy shooting.

Monika,

Great job! Your video certainly showcases the beauty of the property!

I am consistantly amazed at the genorosity of fellow Rainers who so unselfishly share information to help each other learn new tips and tricks to improve our businesses.

"Thanks so much for sharing"!

Jeannene

Editing can be a rewarding enterprise if you have the right tools. Depending on what camera you are using, you can buy software to do editing. two relatively inexpensive programs are Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9.0, Adobe Premier Elements 8 and Corel Video Studio X2. There are more expensive versions and add-ons can be had that add to your breath of production, but add to cost. These basic programs do a good job and have enough features to produce a professional looking product. I use Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9.0 along with Sound Forge (music editing), Digital Juice Back Traxx (royalty free music) and New Blue FX 9 (video effects and transitions). See my videos at YouTube

Keep working at it and you'll improve daily!

Regards, Charles

Don't worry to much on comment #47... while some of those points are valid, you really did an excellent job compared to so many of the 'first-attempt' videos I've seen!

There are SOOOO many advantages to using video:

- attach it to the MLS (but do NOT use Youtube -- most video players have outbound links which are generally not allowed by most MLS systems)

- SEO bonus points -- videos have a 50 times greater chance of hitting page 1 on Google than text websites and blogs (Google bought Youtube didn't they?)

- When you go to a listing appointment and show what you do for marketing (and it's not a 'virtual' tour), i.e. an actual VIDEO, your prospects will be impressed- one of my clients has never not gotten a listing from a listing appointment (sometimes competing with 3 or 4 other agents)

My suggestion: hire a professional. They take away the learning curve, distribute the video online, attach it to the MLS, and all you have to do is pay them (and your prospects what you're doing to get their home sold!). Check out http://www.nashuavideotours.com/ ... Fred Light is only about 20 miles from you, and he does an EXCELLENT job!

If you don't hire a professional, then you'll have a very steep learning curve (iMovie is good, by the way!)... between learning the software, how to handle the camera, how to stabilize the camera, how to get the exposure/lighting just right, and how to effectively write copy for a voice-over that will sell the home and help the viewer become emotionally attached to the home... there is A LOT to keep up with! If you've got the time, then I say go for it-- granted, my company produces real estate videos, but when I have something that I don't specialize in (and it needs to be done right), I outsource that to someone who does (attorney, accountant, business consultants, etc.).

Thank you so much Scott!I'll have to give that trick a try!

Thank you Stella I appreciate your comments and hopefully my skills will improve albeit my equipment is very much at a beginner level. Someday a better video camera and equipment are a possibility but in the meantime I'll keep working and hopefully learning with the toys I have.

Thank you so much David. You top tips are extremely helpful. I was tempted with some of the fancy transitions in iMovie but thought better of it. I have a lot to learn and am more than willing to keep at it.

Thank you Jeannene for reading and commenting.

Charles... You have some awesome videos! Thank you so much for the encouragement.

Chuck Denny That's crazy your local mls doesn't allow videos. You obviously are helping to lead them in the right direction. I also would like to mention that I have had better feedback on my raw videos than the professional footage. It seems in our area the buyer appreciates the real look as opposed to the professionally clean image. Many times a photo is altered to favor the homes appearance. Video gives them an inside look and it also gets the phone to ring. I know there are many different opinions here, all good stuff. I am personally glad to see you all making the transition. This will help us grab back the attention of consumers from all of those 3rd party - unlicensed people trying to sell us leads!

Great Job,

Chuck Denny

Charlotte, NC

THat is so neat. I have been wanting to get into video. What software do you use for editing??

Thanks Dustin... I know Fred and he does an excellent job with all his videos... Love his work!

That said I also enjoy photography and love playing with video. I've done videos but just recently tried editing. I do believe the SEO on video is fantastic. A few months ago I took some unplanned videos of a local band called The Effengees and uploaded them to YouTube un-edited. Today they are on the 1st page of Google. Video is powerful and the way to go.

I hope to learn mainly for my personal videos but also for my market area and some listings too. Thanks a bunch for stopping by and being so encouraging! :) My next one will be much better.

I disagree with Stella (#47) that you need a $1000-2000 video camera to do the job. I also disagree that the best way to go is to hire a professional. Sure, a professionally produced video may look fantastic, but when you shoot your own videos, you can put your own personality into it. Isn't that what Active Rain and social media and connecting with people in person is all about? So what if it is a little rough around the edges. I'll bet most people would rather see a non-professional video, with all its flaws, and with all its heart.

I didn't want to continue watching because the pics were so dark. Doesn't do the interior ANY justice at all. Scrap the interior & start over with stills. I do want to be positive so I'll give you an A for effort but it's just not good enough for a buyer.

I admire you efforts, I to decided video was the place to start focusing my efforts this past year. I live in Maui and after doing my own video the first time I quickly realized I anm much better at selling houses than doing video production. So I went out and found a young video producer and made a deal with him to start professionally producing my video blogs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWlnSnphy8c as well as my house tours which I now send out to my database. it really makes a differance having the professional edge. I also have found that voice over is critical to a video that draws people in and holds their attention. another thing i have found out is a way to save some money is to integrate still photos into your video along with movie footage ( see in this development video I had created http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngv-036mO_o sometimes you do not even realize they are still shots with the editing). It allows you to avoid some of the hot spots without the real expensive equipment or time consuming setup. Good luck it is the way of the future. you can also check out my other videos on the front page of my website www.tomtezak.com one last comment keep in mind there are several other places to load your videos besides you tube like Yahoo, Metcafe and others that also helps with exposure.

warmest Aloha

tom tezak

Lyn... do me a favor and look at the video. It is only dark in one spot when walking in the house. If you do look at the whole thing let me know what you think.

Chuck... I sure hope my MLS changes and allows video!

Daniel... I just use iMovie 09 which came with my Mac

Thanks Bob... the video definitely came from my heart.

Tom ... your videos are awesome! Thanks so much for the links and video hosting tips.

Lyn,

Don't stop trying! The more we do these things, the better we'll get. I thought you did a really good job...! Your voice descriptions were friendly and pleasing. Lighting is always difficult and I think you did well with that too.

Happy new year!

I've been doing video open houses for about 2 years now--they are highly effective for sellers and buyers--which is a double whammy!! Check out my videos at: www.debbiejennings.com --click on link at upper left --all video open houses.

Monika,

You are on the cutting edge, 99.9% of agents will not even attempt this. I would invest in a tripod, you do not need a better camera, just try and shoot when the lighting is better if possible. You could integrate some still photos into your video and maybe make it a little shorter. But again very nice job, keep it up.

You are a true Pioneer and always one step ahead of the crowd. I love it! I want it and just wondered if I missed you say the price because I would love to buy it. :) I've been bugging Bob to get on this for about a year but he seems to be bogged down with other tech-y stuff. Ugh! So much to do and always so little time. Thanks for sharing another great peice of information with us all here in the Rain.

Warm regards,

Lisa

Monika - great effort - keep trying - don't give up. I agree with Bob - professionalism is not needed. But upi do need to add your personality - put some feeing into your script. Tell the viewer what you love about the home and throw in a small negative to make it real. Use voice inflection - highs and lows. Think of your vidio as entertainment - tell a joke, include yourself in the film and maybe your dog or the seller. Be creative - think outside the box. This is your chance to shine. Good Luck!

Brian Kasprzyk

I liked the video a lot. I like your voice. I agree that the horse part should have come sooner and video as you said, should be even shorter. I think the price should be on that crawl and mentioned up front a few times. What equipment did you buy? and what editing software? How much?

Monika,

Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on deeping up with the technology.

I do have an idea, though. Many years ago - maybe 20! - we used video tape! Had to film using a "story board" and script so we didn't have to do it over and over. But results were still amateurish and then we had to copy and mail the tapes. Eeeek!

Now, with everyone using their phones for amateur video, people have become accustomed to this kind of videos on YouTube and so might accept this better. However, we use a combination of stills and a program that pans them. We've had many good comments - I'm sure lots of people use this - and it's a lot easier and cheaper. Here's an example of one of my listings: http://www.distinctivehometours.com/tour.asp?tour=163212

We can put music behind, also. I'd like to hear what people think? Should we keep using this, or go for a lot of time and energy (or money for a professional) and start using videos?

Thanks!

Monica,

Great video. I have been using videos to build a neighborhood library for my out of town buyer clients and my finished products have evolve over the months. I have a few suggestions for you. I spent over $1,000 on an HD camera which was money wasted. My new iphone 3gs is awesome and takes videos of good enough quality (IMHO) for my site. The videos I made with the HD camera ended up being too large to upload to Youtube and I had trouble editing them as well.

Please take a look at my rapidly building library at my Evergreen real estate web site.

I'd love to hear (your and anyone elses) feedback

This video by Monica is a great start, and is better than what 99% of most Realtors would do. But video is very time consuming, takes a LOT of computer power and a lot of technical expertise to do it right.

Sharon: Granted, people are used to watching bad videos on YouTube of cats falling out of washing machines, children throwing up on grandma and people playing music out of their navals, etc. And I don't think they mind those types of videos and don't expect them to be professional - because they'reamateur and they're usually spur of the moment "grab the camera" type of videos.

But when you're marketing expensive products such as real estate, I don't think the same comparison can be made. It's like saying that "dark, grainy, blurry MLS photos are OK because people are used to bad photos on real estate listings". It's NOT OK. We need to show our professionalism and present ourselves AS professionals, or we'll continue to be lumped in with used car salesman on the bottom of the professional ladder! This mindset that buyers PREFER raw, grainy, personal videos is just silly - most people don't prefer substandard anything. Nobody is saying it has to be slick and professional either. I think somewhere in the middle would satisfy buyers and sellers and I think that's what we need to strive for.

We ARE our brand, and therefore need to market ourselves as professionals. Have you ever heard of Zappos.com? It's an online shoe store. For every shoe or sandal, regardless of price there are about 8 professional photos from every angle! And they are just about ready to start doing videos on every single shoe! Oh, and Zappos is one of the most successful websites in the world - see the connection maybe?

THEY feel the need to present a $35 sandal in a professional light, yet as Realtors, we think buyers and sellers are "OK" with raw and unprofessional marketing. I hardly think they're doing videos of a $35 sandal with a Flip Video Camera, yet REALTORS think nothing of doing that for a $500K home.

I think some of us are just kidding themselves.

I would vote NOT doing video unless you can do it right. But, we see most MLS listings with some of the most God awful photographs - on a daily basis - so I am sure that unprofessional marketing will gravitate into the video world in due time. It's just yet another way to separate the pros from the amateurs!

I need to learn video. I get hung up on it. You stuck your neck out and did pretty good for the first shot. You will get better.

Hi Monika- I'm also experimenting with video. I have made a few videos but I have not posted one yet, I hope to on Monday. I'm using a Flip video camera, it looks like you might be using a Flip video camera also. If so, I found a company that sells a magnetic wide angle lens. The lens is designed for small digital cameras, but also works on small video cameras, such as the Flip video camera. The lens makes it much easier to capture more of a room and less camera movement. if you are interested in the lens, send me an email and I will foreword you the information to order the lens.

Paul

Good Job-- video can be fun! I like doing it-- and am always trying to improve my skills. I think that in this day and age REALITY RULES... the consumers want you to keep it real. Over-produced, scripted, fancy videos to me are just plain boring! A really good first effort--- but if you can pack it all in under 2 minutes-- you will get alot more people to hang in there and watch it! Unless you are providing really crucial info, or you are showing something REALLY funny=== people wont' watch more than a minute.

I use a flip-video cam--in HD. Good luck and love the house! K

Hi....The video that you made is great for a starter ... it will all get better as develop the technique of filming... editing the different clips is the key ...letting you eliminate the sections that are not up-to-par.

I found the commentary re your filming very informative and I spent a considerable time following up on the various links....I hope you were able to do the same.... learned some great techniques in the process.

Keep up your work....and pop in a few still photo's to break the continuous panning.

Mel

I'm with you & understand that while a professional may do a better job, I want to learn the skill myself, save some money & be able to use it extensively without adding a chunk to my budget. I think it looks good. A little tweaking with length & lighting and you will be on your way.

Great post and comments. I was looking at that Kodak camera recently. One of my New Year's resolutions was to become a video blogger.

Monika - I love the drive to the house, really nice touch. We're hoping to get more into video this year too, it's an amazing tool and I think it's great you're doing it yourself.

JAN

2010

Paul and others I suggest hacking your Flip with the Sunpak lens...we have done a couple hundred "modifications" with this lens and it works fantastic. A step by step to hacking your Flips with a wide angle is here http://hdhat.com/hackyourflipvideo.html

Mark

Hi Monika,

If this is your first video you've done a great job with it! I think your next one will be even better. You already know that it is probably too long as is at 5 + minutes. I would recommend that it be no more than 3 minutes total.

The advice I would give to improve your video at the same time as shortening it would be to cut, cut, cut. You could eliminate a lot of dead time. Walking and filming at the time takes a lot of minutes and it is a little difficult to follow. Instead of walking and filming....enter a room, stand in one spot, stop, pan the room, left to right or right to left and CUT. Add transitions or fades between rooms/scnenes to elminate the dead time walking that you've already show in the pan and cut scene, then move on to the next room, hallway, yard area etc and do the same. Elminate the walking and filming. I did like some of the filming up the driveway but you could have made that part a little shorter if you were looking for minutes/seconds to cut...a few seconds of that beatutiful driveway is beautiful but you could of cut a lot of time off of the driveway shots. You may want to film first, edit, and then add the voiceover with the final product that includes all the major points you want to cover in your presentation. If you decide you like to narrate at the same time do it in little snippets so you can cut some film without cutting your narration.

From one novice to anovice you've done an awesome job Thanks for asking.

Cameras - Some of the agents we edit for and even some of the professional real estate videographers we edit for use a fantastic camera...the Sony HX-1(under $500) it is simple to use(simple single mp4 files)....captures 1080p full HD video, great still photos, instant panoramics(212 degrees both horizontal and vertical) and stunning "twilight" photo mode for nightime photos. The big advantages over the Flip is the ability to quickly adjust the exposure while shooting video to make even the darkest rooms bright and also the focus lock which keeps the camera from blurring especially in those homes without furniture and alot of white walls.

STABLE - We edited 1000's of real estate videos for agents last year and bar none the Sony HX-1 footage was by far the most stable from the camera which means your videos will look a whole lot better. We then stabilize that even further in post production another 15 - 20% for a near professional look from handheld video. Here is a comparison video showing standard handheld footage before and after post production stabilizing. http://www.hdhathomes.com/tours/401_tourb.html

Some of the consumer video editing software has a stabilzation option. In general with 1080p video you can expect about 1 hour(6 - 7 minutes of footage) for the machine/software to do the stabilization function. The difference though between stabilized and un-stabilized handheld video footage is clear in the example above.

Mike - Kodak is coming out with a new version of their latest Zi8 sometime in January 2010 hopefully it will correct some of the issues with their last 2 versions.

Mark

Monika - I got my Zi8 yesterday at Target. The only one left. It's a Raspberry Legally Blonde Hot Fushia pink though. I'm not crazy about the color. Kodak is out of stock, hence ALL over - I couldnt find it during the Christmas shopping season. I might have to suck it up because I dont know when I could get a black one.

My husband bought this for me: Panavise Windshield Mount.

Thank you ALL so much for all your great comments, suggestions and links. Awesome stuff and just what I was looking for!

Lisa... I did not put the price in the video due to the fact that it is bank owned and a price reduction can reality if it stays on the market for 30 days. I was planning on mentioning the price in the details or on the Blog post but in inside the video.

Paul... I would love a link to the magnetic wide angle lens you use.

Mark... Using the Glue makes me nervous...I'd be afraid I'd mess it up. That Sony HX-1 looks wonderful. Thanks for the link.

Loreena...Thanks for the WindShield mount link. I need to get one of those.

Your comments all rock and I will apply much of the tips you have all shared! Thank You!

very good... i use my iphone a lot when i am previewing a property and put it on my FB page...

but i have a few questions:

did the camera you used have a fade on it or is that post editing?
how did you get your contact information in the video
i can shoot vidoe on my digital camera...up load it but i can add contact information or cut and edit to make it shorter....

does anyone know the answer to this....i had a professional narrated commuinty DVD made..the only problem is on the end of the DVD, it shows and talks about me with another company...is there something on Windows or a free download the i can " cut " off that ending and add a new segment about me?

ALso...i use movie maker....i understand it...see 2 of my "movies" below, these were made with still shots...but is there a windows "movie maker" for video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKFSQeI24mA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNJ820nATXM

Monika

I applaud your efforts. I have come to realize though that as much as I love photography and shooting short films, I do not have the expertise needed to create a piece that I would be proud of. I think there are some things worth outsourcing, at least for me.........and spend my time on real estate which is what I do best. There is a steep learning curve for sure, which is why there are professional video companies. I don't know how much they charge but if I figure in my time per hour------- it may be the best deal.

With that said I love taking photos and would never outsource that, so if you love it----keep up the good work and the learning in your videos!

Dana.... The fade in and contact info/property details were all added during the editing process. I use iMovie 09 which came on on my Mac. I have not used Windows Media Maker so I don't know how it compares or what it does. Maybe someone else will jump in and answer your questions.

Deborah... Thankfully I have no plans on quiting my day job. But I do like it and love learning new things... so for me it's not a job.

Great job! I too have posted to YouTube Videos and they were too long or too short, very shaky to say the least but like you I am learning, I am using the Flip HD and was very disappointed in its zoom and wide angle. Having seen some of the posts to this I saw the adapters one can add and this will be a must. I have known of then for some time and considered them until I decided to just bite the bullit price and just get a wide angle still which does have HD video feature.

Like others I struggle with not having video editing software, or maybe I do already but unaware of it as time has had me doing others things. Keep up the great work and to all others I thank you for the tips. I say post the videos and we are not pros and if we have a high end property then maybe we might think about a pro. But if your market is like ours the high ends are not selling at all. Good Luck!

Hi Monika, I realize i am late chipping in, but wanted to give a few remarks. I did watch your video on YouTube so that i could have a full-screen view. The opening shot through the path was good preparation, but the highlight (to me) was your VOICE... which is beautiful! Be encouraged, and if you plan to keep this up, it will be perfected just like the good pictures you take.

Thanks Jay. I just recently explored my editing options and found I had more than I knew I did. Let's keep at it as I am sure we'll improve the more we practice.

Thank you Diane... That is so sweet of you! Most people kid me about my voice and accent... :) Thank you for the encouragement I really appreciate it,

JAN

2010

Monika,

it looks nice, but you have to cut the time down, 2-3 minutes is the attention span of most viewers, and that is if it is really exciting. Otherwise you are loosing your audience before they have a chance to see what you have to say.

Monika,
My advice to agents has always been to keep the camera running and do a complete and continuous walkthrough of the home just as if you had the client with you. Many agents I notice cut from room to room in what results in no more than what a wide angle still photo tour can provide.

Another simple way to do hybrid video tours is to use a camera like the HX-1 and shoot panoramics(212 degrees in 10 seconds or less per room) then use the Ken Burns effect in Imovie 09 to "pan" the still panoramic photo. You can then add live video of the drive up to the home and even some other video footage perhaps mixed in amongst the still panoramic pans. You can also of course do the voiceover very easily in Imovie in your editing even over top of the still panoramics as they are panned over. Using this method you can very easily get your tours under 3 minutes by tweaking the pan speed of the still panoramics in Imovie 09. This method also eliminates the need for a tripod and allows you to tweak the photos(brighten etc.) very easily before placing them in Imovie 09.
A fantastic book for Imovie 09 is http://www.amazon.com/iMovie-09-iDVD-Missing-Manual/dp/0596801416 you can also find it at most Barnes & Nobles

DOING A COMPLETE WALKING TOUR USING A MINOhd video camera.
I put together this 10 minute video below which shows the filming of a tour and the final finished video tour.

The first 5 minutes is the complete process of capturing the video clips in this case 3 clips(front of house, interior, and back of house). The 2nd 5 minutes is the finished tour after editing, adding narration, music, and post production stabilization. Of course you can add the drive up etc. and for stairs I generally tell agents to walk toward the stairs...point the camera up the stairs slowly....hold the camera pointed at the top for 2-3 seconds then keeping the camera running go up the stairs and continue the filming at the top. Many agents we edit for will do 2 - 4 video tours in a day and having less files and putting verbal cues as they film makes it easier to organize later, and upload those files to us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz1XdTdIUvU

Mark Passerby

JAN

2010

Thank you Terkel... I admit it's long and agree much shorter is better! My attention span is about 3 minutes too!

Mark... Awesome informative comment thank you. I did get the Missing Manual and am in the process of reading it. I have not played around with the Ken Burns effect but want to on my next video. I thought it looked pretty interesting. Is there a way to remove the recorded audio in editing so you can do a complete voice over? Or must I just not make a sound while recording. My camera does not have a mute on it. I thought of taping something over the mic but not sure if that is a good idea.

Mark... I think i need to conquer my fear and add that wide angle lens adapter!

Hacking your Flip - Yes it is quite simple....you are only putting a small amount of glue on the "adapter ring" then hold it in place for a few seconds till the glue takes hold....then let it dry fully...lets say an hour or so. Then screw on the lens. I always recommend to agents that they unscrew the lens when not filming a tour so that they don't inadvertantly detach the adapter ring.

I also had a couple emails about the Zi8. It appears to me that this hack will work for the Zi8 as well but it can be tested quite simply. Prior to gluing the adapter ring simply hold the ring with the lens screwed on up to your Zi8's lens and do a small clip of filming. Then look at the playback of video and if it looks good then glue the adapter ring on....wait an hour or longer if you choose to use the "Goop".

A wide angle lens on the Zi8 and MinoHD and UltraHD is a necessity in my opinion and very simple to do.

The step by step is here http://www.hdhat.com/hackyourflipvideo.html

Monika,

Audio in Imovie 09 - You can use the 2 screenshots below which shows how to mute all the sound from each of your video clips. Then use the "voiceover" tool in Imovie to record your voiceover in your editing. When you record your voiceover and it is added to the Imovie tour it will automatically reduce your background music to 15% of its normal volume while your voiceover is playing.

video tour voiceover

Mark Passerby, HDhat.com

Thanks Mark. I'm assuming you slide that volume down and then hit done. But then when you do the voice over you would need to increase it again right? Sorry to be asking such a basic question.

Yes slide to 0 then click done.

If you use Imovie to record the voiceover it will be automatically added to wherever you have selected in a clip and it will automatically reduce the background music you added to 15% and all of your audio and background noise in your clips will still remain at the "0" level.

Now if you were to add the voiceover from another audio file recorded somewhere else then when you added it you would have to choose audio adjustments on that voiceover clip then check the "Ducking" box in the Audio Adjustments. What this does is duck the background music to 15% while leaving your new voiceover at 100%.

The easiest approach of course is to just click the microphone in Imovie and record directly into Imovie....if you don't like simply delete and retry.

Mark Passerby, HDhat.com

JAN

2010

Chuck Denny

Here is a link to a video I just uploaded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jsb_Jh-W6U

Great post, keep up the good work everyone!

Mark... It worked. I just uploaded a video totally muted with voice over! Awesome!

I will check out your video Chuck!

Fantastic.

I could not get the Ken Burns effect to work right... it's just that I haven't figured it out yet I'm sure. Thanks so much for all your help!!

Here is video # 2

I'm not really sure about glueing the wide angle lens adapter.... Monika, how do you feel? My video is definitely not quite acceptable.

Loreena... I am scared about gluing and messing it up. But I do not like the limited view inside the home. Outside and in the car it looks okay. I am very attracted to the Canon Power shot sd980 due to the lovely wide angle lens and it does video too.

If you use the crazy glue it will take only seconds and even if you were to get a tiny bit on the outer edges of the lens it won't effect the video. We have done hundreds now and use the Goop which is stronger but also more prone to messy. Without a wide angle lens a small home looks just like a bunch of walls :)

Mark

Monika, We only use the Ken Burns for photos for instance if the video of the front didn't turn out quite right you can load a photo then Ken Burns it to "start" at top left and "finish" at bottom right. This way it gives the appearance of video and stays with the overall flow of the tour.

Mark Passerby, HDhat.com

Mark.. Then I used it wrong, next time I'll know better.

Videos are a little hard. I've been dipping my toe in this a little, too. I think you have to make sure,no matter what, that your video doesn't go over 2 minutes...3 minutes max max max.

I like the driving up but don't like the dirty windshield. I like the voiceover.

You may want to try walking through the house taking video of key rooms and features and then doing voiceover later. When you do both it gets longer and you end up trying to describe everything instead of focusing on the "sale" features.

Hope that helps.

You can find many many samples here http://www.hdhatvideotours.com/ some are REO and quite scary :) and others are million$+ listings. All were shot with handheld consumer model cameras and most were stabilized in the editing process.

SONY HX-1 Hack - I will try to hack the Sony HX-1 with a wide angle lens next week. If it works out it will be simple and will allow the HX-1 to shoot at 21mm. The HX-1 is designed in such a way as to make the fitting of a wide angle lens difficult but "I think" I have it figured out....fingers crossed. I will post the results here.

Mark Passerby, HDhat.com

JAN

2010

Monika working on my learning curve with vegas movie studio. Your video is very clear. I will send you a link when I can on my production.

Bev and Bob... I agree about the dirty windshield and you're walking through suggestions.

Mark... I just got my windshield tripod mount and it won't work in my car... my windows are too slanted!

Thanks Frank and yes please feel free to leave a link as i would love to take a look at them.

This rig works out pretty well http://hdhat.com/video-tour-driving-rig.html

Video Tour Editing by HDhat.com - Simple Video Tour Driving Rig

Ever wonder how to film the drive around a neighborhood of a listing or the road up to your listing? Here are some pics of a $14 device that helps to do just that and it can be ordered from Sears http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00388440000P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=Cameras&Camcorders&sName=Accessories&psid=SHOPPING01&sid=IDx20070921x00003d

Example filmed with this video tour driving rig: http://www.hdhathomes.com/tours/699_tourb.html

JAN

2010

That looks pretty interesting especially for short little neighborhood tours. Not sure though if i want my camera outside the car. I'm going to call the company that made the one I bought to see if they have some sort of adapter or something. It just needs toe xtend out a little but more.

JAN

2010

This post and comments has been extremely helpful to me. I have gotten a lot of tips and advice as I am currently shopping for a new video camera. Thank you to all for your valuable information.

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Monika McGillicuddy Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

Hampstead, NH

More about me…

Prudential Verani Realty/Hampstead

Address: 314 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH, 03842

Office Phone: (603) 327-0247

Cell Phone: (603) 944-9172

Email Me

This blog is all about real world real estate from market conditions to community information. It offers a personal perspective and an insider look at real estate, real estate agents and the services they offer. I not only list and sell for a living but I also train other agents on all aspects of real estate sales.

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