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Video Made Easy! - The Flip Video Recorder

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty West Sound WA State 52404

Remember the horror movie, “The Blair Witch Project?”

While shooting a documentary, three student filmmakers mysteriously disappear in the woods of rural Maryland. A year later, their documentary footage is found.

Most people hate it or love it. Either it scares you so bad you pee your pants, or it leaves you nauseous with a splitting headache! Regardless, The Blair Witch Project only cost a meager $35K to produce, but grossed nearly $250M! Proving that even the most amateurish, low budget productions can achieve tremendous success.

One of the fastest growing social networks on the Internet is YouTube. The popularity of this platform clearly demonstrates the significant rise of consumer interest in video and the rapid growth of its use for business sales and marketing.

Fortunately, as is typical when certain media trends skyrocket, a greater variety of cost-effective associated technologies becomes available. Such is the case with digital video recording, editing, and publishing.

Enter The Flip Video Recorder!

Available in 4 basic models and priced from $149 to $279, the Flip Video Recorder offers up to 4 hours of quick and easy video recording, allowing even the most technically-challenged to achieve some measure of success!

As simple as it is to record, it’s just as easy to download videos to your computer by using a ‘flip-out’ USB connector. Each model comes with FlipShare pre-loaded software that allows you to quickly edit your videos and seamlessly upload them to popular websites like YouTube.

Video Tip: Poor Man’s Tripod – To help reduce the amount of vibration and shake, find a bolt that screws into the base of the Flip recorder. Cut a length of string nearly as tall as you, and tie one end to the base of the bolt. On the other end, tie a large flat washer. When shooting video from a stationary position, simply step on the flat washer and pull up on the string until tensioned. This will allow you to capture smoother footage, even when you pan a scene. Plus, it fits into your pocket a whole lot easier!

The applications for using video in real estate are virtually limitless:

Neighborhood Reviews, virtual tours for listings, highlight area shops and businesses, feature local parks and attractions, market reports, local expert interviews, real estate advice, etc..

A short video is the ideal solution for Out-of-State clients who want more than a basic photo gallery. A video provides them with a greater sense of floor-plan flow and the surrounding context of neighborhood/area.

Video can allow prospective clients the opportunity to become better acquainted with you before meeting in person, further reinforcing their level of comfort and trust with you.

While you shouldn’t plan on winning an Oscar anytime soon, using the Flip Video Recorder can be one of the more effective tools you can utilize to communicate valued information to prospective clients and further distinguish yourself as the knowledgeable real estate professional for your market.

Check-out a couple of my favorite real estate video RockStars:

The Clark County WA RE Expert Dale Chumbley

The Vancouver BC Penthouse Expert Ian Watt

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SoundBiteBlog, Everyday CK, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Rich Jacobson is a REALTOR® and licensed Broker with Fathom Realty. He's a Crab Hunter, Clam Digger, and Oyster Shucker, skilffuly vanquishing anything in a shell! He is the Social Media Evangelist for Life on the Kitsap Peninsula & The Western Puget Sound in scenic WA State.

Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Nancy:   Yes, they take still shots.....

May 15, 2010 04:17 PM
Teresa Boardman
Boardman Realty - Saint Paul, MN

I bought a small camcorder a few months back. I decided that the flip isn't good enough becasue of the qulaity of the video. So far I have not shot anything that I like.  I keep trying. The video I have taken is either too jerky or two lame.  I bought a little shoe so that I can attach it to my gorilla pod and one of the thing I want to do with it is put it on my bike and film some of our lovel bike paths. I also want to use it to prove that a Realtor can make an effective video with out ever being the star of it.  I don't want the camera on myself I want to use it to show things that can't be shown other ways like the bike paths.  Maybe this afternoon I will try it again. My blackberry shots video too but again I don't think the quality it ther but it is good for short on the spot type clips. 

May 16, 2010 01:13 AM
Julia Horton
Coldwell Banker Realty - Palm Harbor, FL
ASKjulia. REAL estate. REAL answers.

My last Flip video was so wobbly I have to go back and re-do it.  Going to find some string today!  Thanks for the tip. 

Care to share any of your sample videos?  Any tips for neighborhood tours?  Do you drive or walk? 

May 16, 2010 01:47 AM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Thanks for the tip on the tripod! I  have been using the flip video for out of town clients who have a short window for househunting.  I can preview the home before they get here, upload the video, and save them time when they are here. I have also done video for the inspection if they are not in town for that.  The key I have found is to move and pan the video much more slowly than you think is necessary.  Otherwise, the video is frantic and jerky.  

May 16, 2010 03:31 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I have always had trouble with the editing and really need to work on it.  Thank for the recommendation.

May 16, 2010 03:53 AM
Judy Orr
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale AZ and surrounding towns

We have a camcorder (that I don't know how to use) and a Kodak HD flip.  My husband is getting licensed and that's when I plan on breaking out the videos.  I'm still not sure about lighting.  We might not video homes (unless we can get them to look professional), but I do plan on taking neighborhood videos.  My husband will be the videographer.

I had an old tripod I tried using and it was just too clunky and didn't work well.  Bought a new one and although I prefer to travel light, it really is great - has a lot of functions.  It is still too much work for me to use and I've learned how to steady my hand (off the subject since I'm now talking about still shots), but hopefully my husband can use it to get the videos of homes and keep them smooth.

May 16, 2010 05:38 AM
Fred Sweezer Sr. CMI, LLC.
Hud Certified 203K Consultant - Long Beach, CA
HUD 203k Consultant

Tips was very instructional, I will use them!

May 16, 2010 07:21 AM
Michele Rose
Rose-Colored Staging - Mount Holly Township, NJ
Burlington County Home Staging & Redesign

Cannot wait to get a Flip!  I've seen and heard so many wonderful things about it but I was concerned that my camera skills would be too shaky.  Thanks for the tripod suggestion-- this makes halfway decent video seem more doable! 

May 16, 2010 09:07 AM
Jim Enright
Corporate Investors Mortgage Group, Inc. - Chapel Hill, NC
Mortgage Strategist - Mortgage Rates - Raleigh

Hi Rich -

The flip is excellent, but the main thing is just start using video with what ever video camera you have now. You only improve with each video.

A couple years ago I bought a video course and decided I would begin with the absolute least expensive camera I could. At that time a Sony Handycam that uses the little tapes.

Sony Handycam

I did break down and buy two Tripods - one a mid size that can easily fit on a desk or in a small tote bag. This is ideal for client testimonials at closing. The other is full size.

I've made many video's with it since. Will be upgrading to one of the flips that offer an external mic and HD when this one breaks down. My Sony won't fit in my shirt pocket, but it is small enough to carry around.

Only downside to any of the video camera's is the audio quality. Poor audio kills video. This can be fixed if you have the patience to learn Sony Sound Forge. Or if you know a teenager.

Here are some examples of video's i've made on my "old" Sony:

http://budurl.com/WhatClientsSay   These were made after closing in various light and office conditions. Some work could be done on transistions and audio.

http://budurl.com/JimsWebSite     Have used video on each page.

http://www.HomeAgentAdvantage.com     

None of these video's will win an award, but they got done.

I'll 2nd that comment on having a video group.

Jim Enright

PS - if anyone knows how to insert video into a AR blog post, I'd love to know the secret. Have watched the various video trainings and attended the webinar and contacted support, all to no avail. Even posted in the members area. I'm clearly missing something. In fact, I'll even pay if you can show me how to embed a video in an AR blog post in 15 minutes or less. Really.

 

 

May 16, 2010 12:37 PM
Michael J. O'Connor
Diamond Ridge Realty - Corona, CA
Eastvale - 951-847-4883

Thanks for a great review on a product that I now NEED to have.  :-0

May 16, 2010 01:04 PM
Joel Jadofsky
Keller Williams - homes for sale - Florida - Gulf - Beach - Panama City Beach, FL
One of the Top Realtors in Panama City Beach Area

Great advice Ill have to get one

May 17, 2010 04:07 AM
Jirius Isaac
Isaac Real Estate &TriStar Mortgage - Kenmore, WA
Real Estate & loans in Kenmore, WA

Video cameras are a must these days.  I have been using one for years and posting along with my pictures all over the web.  Stopped doing virtual tours 3 years ago.

May 17, 2010 07:23 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Rich, I got a Flip, with tripod, for Christmas. I've barely used it. This should kick me into motion!!

May 18, 2010 08:59 AM
Lisa VonBargen
Photography7522 - Estes Park, CO
Estes Park Real Estate Photographer

Great post...don't you think that videos will replace the 360 tour concept at some point? I can't help but think with the increasing ease and quality of videos and the YouTube format that it may be sooner than later!

May 19, 2010 05:25 AM
Steve Opacke
LI House Tours - Smithtown, NY

You might want to also check out the Sony DSC-HX1

It's a camera that also shoots HD video.

Make sure you present the house in the best possible way.  1,000's of local people are going to see it.

Here's what a complete HD video should look like  http://www.hdhathomes.com/results.aspx?vid=9

May 19, 2010 08:15 AM
Carolyn Heilman
Century 21 Premier Realty - New Franklin, MO
GRI, SRS

I just purchased a DXG 569V HD Super Slim Video Camcorder 5MP Camera for $55 that was $179.00.   I get daily deals from screamingpenney.com and if click on their newsletter (upper left) and then you scroll way down there is this deal from Ebay.    Free shipping too.    Has ISB download and it also take still pictures.   2x zoom.     These deals don't last but a few days so if your interested better jump quick.  

May 19, 2010 10:47 AM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

I'm not sure about the Flip. I tried that, and when comparing that with the Kodak Zi8, I much prefer the Kodak. However, I still wasn't completely satisfied. So I paid twice as much as now have my pocket size camera the Sony DSC-WX1 which does better work for me.

I agree that you can't beat the price though.

May 21, 2010 12:46 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Rich,

Years ago my, then, teen daughter wanted me to go to that with her. It made her want to puke. Me, I thought it pretty poorly done but I know it made bucks.

May 21, 2010 08:43 AM
Melanie Hedrick
Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas! - McKinney, TX
972-816-7205

This post is excellent!  I had heard so much about the Flip, but didn't understand why people didn't just use the video cameras they already had.  Your post and all the comments anwered a lot of questions for me.

Jun 23, 2010 12:08 PM
Jill Wente
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Gary Greene - Spring, TX
Realtor, CRS, MCNE, CHMS

Rich, excellent idea on the "poor man's" tripod.  Getting a steady and smooth shot is critical for a good video.

Aug 14, 2010 03:18 AM