This is a common statement that I've heard made many times. People doubt that real estate listing videos work because they don't think buyers have the patience or interest to sit through a 5 minute video tour.
According to one video I recently watched on a blog, someone was quoted as stating that people will only watch a video for 2 minutes maximum before they get bored.
If you understand how video can work for real estate, you understand that this thinking is absolutely incorrect.
Buyers search for real estate in this chronological order:
1) They search for properties that meet their requirements based on location, price, bedrooms, etc.
2) They review the information and eliminate those listings which don't meet their parameters.
3) They quickly click through the MLS photos to see if they like the look of the property.
....and the important part....
If #1, #2 and #3 all pass the test, and they still want MORE INFORMATION, they click on the video tour.
They already have sold themselves based on the MLS listing. They've already sold themselves based on the MLS photos. Now, they are really digging in and extracting as much information as they can from the video tour. Not only will they watch a 5 minute video, they do watch a five minute video. Once, maybe twice, oftentimes even more than that!
A video is not, and will never be a substitute for photos. It is not the first thing buyers look at - it's the last.
Photos are the qualifier. Video is the icing on the cake. A well done video tour is the next best thing to actually being there. It gives them far more information than the listing sheet or photos ever will.
