A video challenge doesn't hold much promise during January in the DC area.  Even an experienced videographer would find it difficult to make the landmarks, neighborhoods, and homes look good with perpetually overcast skies, barren trees and dirty snow.   I know my limits and never took the Flip video out of its case for the ActiveRain and Kodak Contest, but there were still challenges using a video-cam to create this video. 

L&F AppSome of them were no different than any other marketing piece:

  1. Selecting a topic... and title.
  2. Determining content and organizing it.
  3. Offering something of value to viewers.
  4. Making it easy on the eyes.
  5. Holding visitors' attention to the end.

This video challenge did, indeed, challenge me.  I ended up with three videos on three different topics... and countless takes on the cutting room floor.  This was a process - one that reinforced things I already knew and provided new lessons specific to the video production:

  • If you want an iPhone screen to show up on video-cam, you gotta turn off all the lights.
  • Leave out some of the details unless you want viewers to die of boredom before it's over.
  • Turning the iPhone to silent before using it for a demo is good... but that doesn't block incoming text messages.
  • Expect the unexpected during recording...  losing your wireless connection, for example.
  • I need a better quality video-cam before doing this again.  

This contest challenged Activerain members to create a marketing video which focuses on some component of our business.  Finding Home Listings in the iPhone Age does that by offering something of value to home buyers in my area while promoting me and my company.  Who knows, it might even impress a prospective home seller in my community.

My signature on every Activerain post includes a line reading "Download a FREE Long & Foster mobile APP for iPhone/ iPad and use this VIP Access Code: 21114."   Now it includes a link to this YouTube video:

"This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain Kodak Video Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Pocket Video Camera, great for REALTORS looking to create wide angle home tours and real estate marketing videos!"

Copyright 2006-13. Margaret Woda. All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

________________________________________

Margaret Woda, Crofton Realtor


Margaret WodaMargaret Woda, REALTOR & Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114
Direct:  (410) 451-6245 or click on EMAIL

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27 Comments on Finding Home Listings in the iPhone Age - A Video Demo

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JAN
28
2011
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Andres - It's nice to have a personalized app... I think it helps set apart Long & Foster agents who use it from all the agents who refer their clients to REALTOR, Zillow and Trulia Apps (to name a few)

Michelle - Yes, I took out the line that said something about there being a reason no TV network ever offered me a gig as anchor on their evening news show.  LOL.

Katie - After about 150 tries.  Haha... Seriously, I made it a day or two earlier, put it all together and found it was waaaaay too long and I had to omit most of the details.  But I think this serves its purpose... I hope so.

Elizabeth - You're too kind.  But it was a challenge to do a demo without one of those fancy programs that would allow me to record my computer screen.  Figuring that out was probably the biggest challenge of all.

Jan - Fortunately, this was recorded early this morning BEFORE the missing earring.  However, I do still have the video on another topic, with one of them missing, and I'm still trying to decide whether or not to post it.

Steve - One of my relocating buyers said they watched every one of my YouTube videos, and that's how they felt.  I guess that's a good thing.

 
10:29pm • #8
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Margaret,

Can I vote, 'cause I'd vote for you to win.

Mike in Tucson
10:47pm • #9
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike, I'll bet you say that to all the girls!
10:54pm • #10
738,077 Points 231 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret... I agree, great video and cool app... I need to think about working on one for mortgages, rates, and mortgage posts. My mind has been thinking about this... and good luck with the challenge...

jeff belonger
11:29pm • #11
JAN
29
2011
589,575 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is awesome!!  I have been waiting to launch my own mobile app and hopefully it will be very soon, had to go through act of congress to get my board to release IDX stream.  I will have to borrow this idea and create a video for my area.  I just did something similar as a how to search listings on Facebook!  Thanks Margaret
12:16am • #12
631,063 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Excellent ..I enjoyed that easy is good !

HelpfulHannah
12:51am • #13
1,352,557 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret - This is a great video to highlight something that buyers are very likely to use.
1:07am • #14
654,532 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great "how to" video Margaret. I love this type of video for learning.
3:37am • #15
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeff - I don't know if anyone will 'use this app, but I think of it like the 50' tape measure in my REALTOR tool kit.  It's something good to have.  As my first manager said, you'll probably never use that tape measure except to offer it to homebuyers... they'll usually say "never mind" when you offer it, but they'll be glad you had it available for them.  He was right - NEVER in 38 years has a buyer taken me up on the offer to use my 50' tape measure.  The moral of this story is the following:  It doesn't have to be an award-winning app... just get one that's personalized to you. 

Marilyn - This was pretty tricky to create, and I had to fight the temptation to demonstrate each step.  When you get to doing a video, call me and I'll tell you some of the other lessons learned.

Hannah - Easy IS good... Happy house-hunting!
7:36am • #16
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Christine - When Activerain first came out with custom headers, I learned how to create one using Picnik.com from a video that Jeff Turner made.  Ever since, I've wanted to pay it forward and maybe this will encourage a consumer to try the app kinda like Jeff encouraged me to use Picnik and create a custom header.

Joe - Thank you... it was pretty tricky, but I think it turned out okay.
7:39am • #17

Margaret,  I love my iPhone and your demo is great.  Thank you for taking the time.
8:19am • #18
1,527,859 Points 164 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nicely done Margaret.  Great demo and easy to follow.
8:36am • #19
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kimberly - When I think about how long I resisted the iPhone...

Cindy - I almost called, but let me ask now... What editing program do you use for your videos.  I like the transition between sections on yours.
8:41am • #20
215,481 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love you in this video!  You come across as the person you are - a talented, saavy, experienced agent buyers and sellers are FORTUNATE to work with!  YEAH!
9:07am • #21
527,797 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a fabulous video Margaret and you definitely made it all seem so seemless and of course easy to use which it is. Great job!!
8:56pm • #22
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Eleanor, Can I hire you as my publicist?  LOL.

Martha, My first attempt was twice as long... TOO long.  I had to skip all the details, like viewing the pics, the map, the details... So it means a lot that you think it was okay.
9:53pm • #23
JAN
30
2011
1,419,908 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nice video demo of an impressive app, Margaret! Is there something comparable for your Android home buyers?
2:07am • #24
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John - They tell us the Android app is in development.  When that becomes available, I think I'll try again.
6:51am • #25
186,516 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Margaret - that was so  natural, and so informative.  You did a great job.  No wonder you are so successful.
11:24am • #26
FEB
02
2011
445,536 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, loved your video.  Easy to follow and you make it all appear easy to use and the video easy to do,
11:33pm • #27

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Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Margaret Woda

Crofton, MD

More about me…

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD 21114

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

Email Me

Real Estate and community information for home buyers and sellers, military transferees, and rookie agents in the greater Crofton area, including Bowie, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

EHO



Margaret Woda




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