Recently, we were setting up a video shoot for a gorgeous muliti-million dollar exclusive.  The agent was eager to get started and was looking forward to the process. "I can't wait," she confessed "I think this is going to be so exciting."  She then informed me that she would like the owner to participate in the interview process.  Actually she was hoping we would follow the owner around and let them talk about the many features in the home.

It took a bit of persuasion, but after a few minutes it was agreed that we would not have the owner on camera. Am I a video snob? Not even close. Let me just say, just as it is your responsibility as an agent to look out for your clients best interest, it is our job as a production and marketing firm to look out for your best interests, and in turn the sellers as well.

Question: When you take photos of the home, is it recommended that the owner be included? Of course not. But why? It is the same reason that most agents recommend that owners remove family photographs and personal items and even bring in a home stager. The home needs to appeal to a potential buyer. They need to see themselves and their family in the home, not be thinking about the current owner and their family. The last thing we want is for a buyer to feel like they will be taking someones memories from them.

In rare cases (an investor who renovated bought and renovated a home, the custom builder who knows every nook and cranny) the seller can be included in the interview process. But as a general rule: use your video to sell the property, not its occupants.