Admin

I saw the word "KILL"... People were talking...

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealtyU

I woke up on the morning of August 22nd, 2007.

I looked through the window.

What was that...?! It was just a glimpse but unmistakable.

I saw it.  The word, "Kill".

I'm normally loathe to follow the crowd into a scene. But I was compelled. I had to see what the commotion was about.

My god! It had just happened! Already there were 36 people milling about. They were all talking and commenting about what was in front of them.

Talking and commenting...

Then I smiled.

They were commenting... and posting.

That Jeff. He did it again. A compelling topic with lively debate.

imageJeff Turner's recent post "Will Video Kill the Virtual Tour?" is generating some great dialog. Realtors, stagers, video tour vendors, virtual tour vendors, are weighing in on the merits of video and virtual tours. Jeff's hypothesis: Video will not kill good virtual tours. And he poses three key reasons: Quality; Cost; Ease and Flexibility. (Okay, wasn't that technically four key reasons? 'Doesn't matter, he's on a roll.)

And before you start thinking so, let me dispel any thought about me being Jeff's secret publicist. I'm not.

The topic's relevance to my line of work as an instructional and content designer using web video to make my points is what pulled me in.  That and my interest in great dialog. To me, that means well-reasoned and even-keeled debate with minimal finger-pointing and no burning agendas. I didn't say "no agendas." Just not the burning kinds that exclude all others in championing one position. You know the type. It's refreshing not to see that with so many comments. (Ninety-four at last count. And in the first day.)

Some of my favorites:

"...sometimes "us video folks" just don't get it. We must make a clear value proposition with video that outweighs the fully burdened cost of video... We think that we have an idea where the value proposition is. Until then, I believe that this post is perhaps the wakeup call that our industry needs..." (source)I don't think video will EVER kill the virtual tour. I also think that a simple slideshow or even photographs is an absolute necessity on any listing... A video tour takes it a step further for those who are seriously interested in the property and want to see more, but I think it first starts with good photos...It's definitely NOT for everybody, nor is it for every listing. But I think it's definitely an alternative presentation... one that is far more captivating then photos can ever be. But, just as there are a lot of bad photos out there, there is a lot of bad real estate video out there - and I'm sure more is coming!...(source)  
"I think of one particular importance that could be showcased with video is the ability to show the personality of the actual real estate agent -- done properly this could be very beneficial (or detrimental). A big benefit of blogging over a plain website is the ability to show off some personality instead of a dry website...."  (source)"...I actually really like a product call Real Estate Shows. Have you ever heard of them...?)  (source)

Blogger's note:  Jeff is is the President, COO and Founder of RealEstateShows.com.  :-)

For the record: My take on it? As I commented in the thread,

"...I personally prefer video for the flexibility I think it gives me to control pace and range of emotion... I think videos, virtual tours, and still photos are all different tools... (But,) Like real estate, each has value when used for a particular purpose.... the highest and best use for each media is its most profitable (ROI), physically possible (skill; equipment; ability), and legally permissible use. Using each tool with these principles in mind can make a pretty compelling value proposition to a client...."

I'm looking forward to "part 2," as Jeff has promised there would be one.  I'm hoping to see more discussion about whether or not others see where we might sometimes confuse the technology with the purpose.  What I mean is, often I see video technology being used in video tours where the content isn't too far removed from panning/narrated still shots.  If that were the case, why not just use a virtual tour?  A better story can be told with Stills using a good VT tool.  But, now tell a dynamic, rolling story about the property, its neighborhood, its history, the community...

I'd be interested in seeing more examples where video is used to tell more of a compelling back story of both the property and its community, rather than panning/narrative "static videos" of the property, square footage, bathrooms, bedrooms...  The power of the video is in the flexibility it has in telling a story (or multiple stories) with a wider range of emotive content in the same space. (Thoughts...?)

Mel

Show All Comments Sort:
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Mel, I've been thinking of using video. There is a "network marketing" application out there. I'm sure you know which one I mean. What do you think of it?

Bill Roberts

P.S. good luck getting as many comments as Jeff.

Aug 23, 2007 07:07 AM
Mel Aclaro
RealtyU - Anaheim Hills, CA

Hi Bill:  Ahh.  I don't even begin to hope to get as many comments as Jeff.  That man has a following.  :-)  On your reference to the "network marketing" application.  Rather than hazard a guess, are you referring to "helloworld"?  

If you're asking in the general sense, I'll offer that there're some MLM models I'm aware of.  That's not really the model for me.  Which isn't to say it's a bad investment.  I just think each person needs to make a decision about technologies and programs they invest in based on some due diligence about its intended use, expected return and personal abilities.

For me, I communicate, tell stories and educate using video and stills together.  (And audio, music, effects, etc.)  I don't feel I personally do those things well without first editing the product before placing it out there for public consumption.  I know my clients don't appreciate it.  Besides, I enjoy the post-production work (editing).

Hope that helps?

Aug 23, 2007 09:33 AM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Mel, thanks a lot. Yes you identified the right product. I'm not a "techie" so the turn-key app interests me.

Bill Roberts 

Sep 01, 2007 03:35 PM
Adam Brett
The Adam and Eric Group - Fullerton, CA
The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest
I think it will become a part of the business but a tour it a tour. Nothing will beat knowledge and persistence.
Sep 02, 2007 08:03 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes
There will always be lazy people and people not willing to put in the extra effort, that leads me to believe that although the video will be more effective than the virtual tour (for those willing to go the extra mile), it will not kill the virtual tour (too many people already use to it and too lazy to learn how to shoot and edit a video). That's just one man's opinion. Personally I don't mind the extra effort.
Sep 02, 2007 05:34 PM
Mel Aclaro
RealtyU - Anaheim Hills, CA

Bill...  "turn-key" is a worthy pursuit.  Feel free to send me your first video e-mail after you get up and running with it.  Really.  I know it's often helpful to have a "live" recipient to test things out on.  I'll be happy to offer professional/constructive feedback.  BTW, it's worth mentioning, Marc Vitorillio runs a Group here on AR called VideoNetworking Group.  Marc's a Helloworld/VMDirect subscriber and I think could also be a good resource for you.  Good luck!  :-)

Adam... Yep.  Agreed.  Actually, it already is part of the business, huh?  But, I have to say, some tours are better than others.  My personal opinion is that not all are the same.  I agree, knowledge and persistence are key.  

Vincent...  My sentiments also.  Like you, I don't think video will kill the virtual tour.  Personally, I wouldn't necessarily characterize laziness in folks who choose not to use video over VTs.  I tend to chalk it up more to how each professional chooses to allocate scarce resources.  Also, ease of use of the technology (which VT gets points for over Video, I think) and differences in skills and interests of the agent in terms of creating media presentations account for some of that, too.  But, I suspect we're a bit alike in our enthusiasm for creating media in video format.  :-)  Great comment.  Thanks for sharing.

Sep 03, 2007 10:23 AM