If I were a seller, I'd opt for the local experienced agent with the video. If I were a buyer, I wouldn't care if an agent did videos - I'd be there in person to see the homes I was interested in buying so wouldn't need videos of those homes, and would not care if the agent actually did homes of listed properties.

Did I understand the question correctly?

When spending that type of money, all sources are pursued until satisfied

It is still numbers game! A quality video may open more eyes over a few photos. Video is making inroads as a must but has not quite reached necessity status. 

I prefer the property that was staged.

Oh, honey, we’re talking about the difference between a pretty picture and a full-blown Netflix movie here. If Broker "A" just posted a few images, it’s like showing up to a fancy dinner with a menu that only lists “meat and potatoes.” Sure, it’s informative, but where’s the flavor?

Meanwhile, Broker "B" is rolling out a full motion video, giving you the full experience—like actually being there, minus the sunburn and awkward small talk. Honestly, if I had to choose, I’d pick the video every time. Why? Because a picture is worth a thousand words, but a moving video? That’s worth a thousand “I’ll get back to you” excuses.

Now, let’s get real. If I were a lakeside property owner thinking about selling, would I lean more toward Broker "A" or "B"? Well, honey, I’d be waving my checkbook at the one who can make my property look like a blockbuster hit. A video is the star of the show—bigger, better, more engaging. 

When buyers are scrolling through endless listings, a video is like a neon sign saying, “Hey, I’m worth your time!” Plus, with the 4th of July fireworks and all that holiday chaos, who has time for in-person tours? Out-of-towners and locals alike can tour that lake house from their couch—no sweat, no sunscreen, no awkward conversations with the neighbor’s cat.

So, bottom line? If you’re serious about selling, make your property dance on the screen. Videos aren’t just a nice touch—they’re the secret weapon that makes buyers say, “Yep, that’s the one!” It’s like having your own virtual open house—minus the crowds, plus the convenience. 

Who knew selling lakeside properties could be so easy?

I applaud you, you do have a convincing argument but you are asking for an opinion. about a potential buyer or seller.  I can't and wont surmise what motivates the typical buyer/seller.  I do feel that some? a lot?  have different habits and watching videos is only embraced be a certain segment. I personally would not mind capturing that segment but I do try to capture that other segment that does not watch video's.  

I would prefer the property that appealed to me the most. It may not be the property with a video. 

Video out dazzles stills for marketing.

I would certainly prefer the video, but everything still depends on the actual home being sold.  Pictures are often good enough to catch interest, then seeing it in person is the best.

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 

I am taking notes from Broker "A"

Both are good, video without some still photos does not work for me.

What's my intent?  To rent it or to buy it?  If it's just a rental, images are fine for me.  That's all the rental sites have anyway, most don't even allow video and only VRBO allows matterport.

If I were buying, then I'd have already been to the area and decided to buy there.  At that point, honestly, pictures are the quickest way to rule in/out a house.  A video at 2-4x speed might work, depending on how long or full of bs it is.  But I'd also be out there looking at the homes in person prior to purchasing.

If I were selling, if I've learned anything in 30+ years of being in or around this business, is that it is the agent themselves NOT the what whiz-bang marketing they use that is the most important.  Does the agent share my vision?  What is their track record?  Do we "vibe"?  What are their qualifications?  Have they served on their local association?  Of course I'll check to see what they do for marketing.  The best agent though is the one who wins the listing.  Maybe that's because they do video, or maybe that's because they have the same hobby I do or they have served in their local or state association's leadership.

Easy choice.

The video is far better.

I'll say both. I get dizzy with a lot of the videos.  You need to scan photos first to see if there is further interest.  Some video editing is confusing or doesn't relay well..

If I'm a buyer out of state I'm NOT working with a listing agent so I don't care what kind of marketing they are doing.

or Option C- where they will go with the phone and do a live video and show me as they walk through and NOT be the listing agent who is working for the seller, not me.

Personally I'd do both as a broker.  As a buyer I'd want to see both as well.

A buyer might not like a video of a house simply because the house is not a good candidate for video. You run the risk of turning away buyers before they even get inside.

If I am looking I want an agent who knows more about the area than one who is good with a camera.

Dreamers look at houses on utube, buyers are looking at zzilloo or whatever has the most houses to look at.