About four months ago, my wife and I spent one particular lazy Sunday working from home. Actually I was the one working. She spent a few hours looking at apartments online that we can’t afford (Sorry honey but it's true). While apartment hunting, I heard her muffle under her breath a few times. After the fourth or fifth muffle (being the good husband that I am), I asked her what the problem was. She said, ‘Almost every single one of these apartments has, at best, a couple crappy photos. How can I tell what this place looks like with two photos?’. She turned and looked up at me. It became so quiet you could hear the next-door neighbor folding her laundry. I just stared at her mouth open and head ever so slightly wobbling back and forth. Then came that smile of hers. 'Yes honey, I know, that’s what WellcomeMat is for. Shoot a video, upload it, and magic happens. But no one on this website is using video.' Now you detect the sarcasm I know but had I said anything, I'd have been preaching to the proverbial choir. Instead I simply shook my head and continued working.

However her frustration was not lost on me.

So what about a couple crappy photos? One can only presume it's a conversation that repeats itself everyday nation wide. Think of how many people online look at nothing but a couple crappy photos. Millions of potential customers/leads lost to mediocrity. Your customer(s) have no vision of the space, no emotional connection with the property, and you’re asking them to make a decision whether or not to tour the space in person. Why not alleviate that decision all together? Make it easy for them. Show them the space online! I for one am not going to invest/purchase/rent anything without having seen it first, period. On paper (online) It could be my dream property. My dream space could be in the perfect neighborhood, at a good price but… until I see it for myself, it’s just one of many prospects, another property with a door and some windows. My interest and enthusiasm for viewing the property may have been accelerated but nothing’s pushing me out the door with my checkbook in tow. So my advice to everyone out there is simple, Go out and shoot a video. Yes it might not be perfect (You can always hire a professional) but it’s better than a few lousy photos. And it will get you more traffic and higher quality leads. This I promise you. If you don’t believe me, check out Owen O’malley's story, Home Sold Using a "Video Walk Through. What are you waiting for??

- Phil t

Owen's Video: wellcomemat.com/ustarvideos