The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Good luck with the flip video. I will check out the link. I am thinking of buying one.

Congratulations!  You have taken a giant step into the wilderness of that world of wilderness for many of us real estate practitioners. 

Coincientally, I just pulled my video camera out yesterday and plan to edit some footage I shot on our last sunny day just to review the processes. 

I'll put it off as long as I can and then I'll just get it done.

Video is something we know we need to do but it's just not as easy as it appears or sounds to be.

You've made a good start simply by getting started.

WellcomeMat provides an imbed code for your video.

Chris/Stephanie,

Does the Flip come with any video editing software?

Rich

Gita - They are not that expensive.  I think it cost less than $200. Folks were raving about them at the RE Bar Camp we too their advice.  Also seems easy to use although Stephanie is the first to use it.  I am procrastinating : )

Lenn - I hear you !  I will wait a little while too and when Stephanie is an expert I will learn from her.  Is hard to dive right in when you have a million other things going on.  But we are excited that it is a great first step.  Like anything else, I am sure the more we do it, it will become more second nature.  ~ Chris

There should be a way to mute the audio.  If the software that came with your camera can't do it, do a search on the net with muting audio in video as the search.

I am also considering getting a Flip Video. Thank you for posting about it! I am coming back to your post later to learn more! :)

Yes you can mute the sound out and add music. You started that is the most important thing.

I would next time video with no one home. The baby in the background is distracting, but you'll learn my first few were horrible, too long. At least you kept it under 3 minutes.

I have been using a Flip for over a year now. It is a great little camera but comes with limited software. You can edit the beginning and end easily. I shoot several "clips", edit the start and stop then let the software make them into a "movie." Just be sure not to get the "clip" sequences out of order. Have Fun!!!

I edit my videos on my pc with just windows movie maker, sure your mac will have something better. You can adjust audio, and add music, make sure it is not copyrighted. I use a an english site purple planet, you just have to give a credit under a general creative license to the composers. A lesson I learned putting videos on line you still have to give all your broker info and I don't put a price as if the price gets changed it is a bore to have to make changes everywhere you posted the video. I also use a flip and you can take photos from the video if you like a particular shot. My son used a flip in Iraq when he was deployed and took some amazing film even under extreme conditions. Watch some of the GHTV shows and see how they film houses, they go much quicker than we do but then they are limited to time for the program. Also watch out for mirrors when filming. Good luck.

Flips are good if you have them on a tripod otherwise they shake too much.  If I were going to do walk thru videos of a listing, I'd invest in something with image stabilzation and a wider angle lens. 

Stephanie

Good for you for getting started with video!  Not sure what your intentions are but I think it's just going to take some practice to make sense of whatever you shoot.  This one was kind of shaky.  With that said I know all albout that.....I bought a new video camera earlier this year and I'm still getting used to how to use it well.  It's sure is fun trying.

Shoot away!

Anna

Does the camera have a spot to screw the tripod to it?  I haven't tried to make a video yet.

Cool...I just bout a Flip and will curious to see the helpful answers to your questions. I don't like to read instructions either...unless it's absolutely necessary!;-)

We are using it too.  Just bought it after taking the CRS 206 class with Allen Hainge.  In fact, we may have to buy another, one for me and one for John. We are learning a lot. I have learned how to make many little clips and splice them together with Movie Maker.  Then you have to 'save to computer' or YouTube won't let you upload.  It's fun.

Sarah in Nashville TN

Stephanie, I think video is the way to go and you are off to a great start. I would also recommend using a tripod and if possible narrate the video. I looked on the WelcomeMat page and didn't see any code to embed the video into your post. You may want to switch to YouTube. They provide the code to embed their videos. Good job!

On WellcomeMat, just go to Video Tools and you will see the Imbed Code link.  You can customize your player size too.

My only complaint, so far,  with WellcomeMat is that videos take too long to begin play.  Unless the file is very small, it seems that you have to pause for a minute to let the feed get ahead first.  I never have this problem with the YouTube imbed.

Like you, we are just getting our feet wet with true videos and are eager to learn all we can.

I just bought one last night! The HD model. We have a much larger video camera which we never take with us because of the size and weight. Think I will use this one much more.

When you come into a room, try not to aim it toward the window. It will over correct for the light.

Also tell your customer to get rif og the junk. Tell them an agent from VA told you to tell them.

The unit looks nice but the extra STUFF is distracting.

It is always better if it comes from another agent rather than you.

Good luck. We will be learning together.

There is a place that was noted on earlier postings where you to edit and add music and have them turn it into something online for free that is supposed to be better that YouTube. Does anyone know what is the site?

My flip is very hip. . .every realtor should have one

Stephanie,

Awesome incentive for me to expand my horizons. Your video and suggestions in comments will help many of us novices!

Chris congrats on your 1st video but what is up with your link "click here for video". I know I have taught you better on anchor text - LOL

Stephanie - Welcome to the world of video.  I'm just getting things going with mine as well.  I started by doing a few Seesmic comments and then moved to make a few vlog posts.  Then I shot my video for Jason Crouch's contest (which you had better enter now that you have the cam).

Jason also wrote a great post about embedding video into your blogs: "How to Insert YouTube Videos into your ActiveRain Posts - Attention Newbies!"  The basics?  Copy the embed tag for the video.  Write an ActiveRain post.  I usually make a note of where I want the video to appear (makes it easier to find later) such as "INSERT VIDEO HERE."  Save as a draft.  Go back to edit the post and select the HTML tab instead of the WYSIWYG (make sure you saved it before this step, auto-save draft or not, you'll lose info if you don't).  Find your
"INSERT VIDEO HERE" text and replace that with your embed code.  Save it as a public entry and when you see the post, there will be your video.

As for audio, since you mentioned the MacBook, you can edit in iMovie.  Load your raw footage into iMovie, then (let's say you wanted to delete all of the audio of your video above), go to "Advanced" and select "Extract Audio."  This will split the audio and video tracks.  You can then delete the audio and record a voiceover, add music, whatever you like really.  You can also leave the audio but delete any extraneous noises (say a pot fell on the floor in the middle of the video...you could splice that sound out).  I think for any sort of video tour, music or voiceover would work best, especially if you're doing lots of editing of the video footage.

Very nicely done guys !!! ... I thought the video was great for your first out of the gates !! Well done !!

Cheers :o)

Sheldon

U also have been thinking of a Flip and see there are a few versions.  I'm wondering how difficult it is to upload and create.  I love watching them and am going to have to learn how to do it  --  sigh!

I really want one of those flip cameras!  I can see what Tim is talking about with the movement and lack of range with the lens. 

Hello Guys..I just bought one too..I think if you narrate it would sound much better .or do music ..you have some really great tips..from everyone..I think you are on your way..good luck..Thanks

HelpfulHannah your friend in Philadelphia

This is cool you guys, love that you're incorporating video now.  If you need some help embedding the video from WellcomeMat into your ActiveRain Blog posts, just give me a ring and I'll walk you through it.  707 718-6773 anytime.  Great job!  :-)

Brad - It seems like video is suddenly getting big.  It's been around for awhile and plenty of people have used it, but I'm noticing that lately it has caught a lot of attention.  What do you think sparked it in so many people?

The flip looks like is doing a great job for you guys.  I agree with being a little shakey, but I'm sure you'll get better.  Ditto on the music.  I think I'ma gonna get me one!  Great info in the posts as well.

The Flip does have editing software and it has a volume control. Just upgraded to the HD and I am about to do my amateur thing.

With anything new one needs to try it, read the instruction book and get used to using it. Search online for help/information about it as well.

Good luck!

Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate

Hey Somers Team!

What a fun new way to showcase a home. I need to get on the video wave, but I'm a little scared. I guess I just need to do it, and get over myself. Ok, going to Best Buy, see you later! 

-Lisa

You can extract the audio track in many of the video editing programs. I personally use a Mac, so for quick jobs I use IMovie (Free), and Final Cut Pro ($1,200) for more produced pieces.

For the Windows user, do some research on free programs like Windows Movie Maker (You might even already have it on your computer)! There is also some great stuff from Pinnacle and Sony Vegas for around $99. You can take out the audio in bits and pieces, or completley to overdub and ensure that your message is even better. You can even add some music!!!

The Flips ($199) are amazing, and all a person really needs to get started! The video is very good quality for web video! The only negative review I have about the Flip is its lack of a "stabilization" feature. I am confident it will be on a future model. Other than that, it is 10 stars!!!!!!!!

The advice I would have for you is to talk in your videos!!!! Talk about the features of the house, introduce yourself to the audience, and let people get to know you! Do not worry about being "Super Professional", as people really want to do business with people they like. While I am not saying to lay on the couch and discuss American Idol for an hour, a quick comment about a hobby, or pop culture event can peak interest in you, and your video. at the beginning, create a nice little intro telling us just your name and company, then a brief description of how you are going to bring value into my life.

Video is awesome! The key is solid content, and if you do this consistently, your business will grow so fast you will not realize what is happening!

Keep up the great work, and if you ever need anything, just ask!

~Harrison Painter

P.S. I almost forgot! Get your video on as many sites as possible! You can do this for free through a site called TubeMogul. This will get your video on up to 2 dozen websites!!!!!

P.S.S.- You can not get around the "shaky" when you are doing this kind of video. So do not worry about it. Social Media Marketing is not supposed to be "perfect". You will learn a few tips and tricks to make it a little better, but at the end of the day it is all about getting it out there to the masses! GREAT JOB!!!!

Well, indeed a great start...somewhat shaky was making me a little dizzy watching the video.  But, like everything else...takes time for perfection.  I was searching to see if AR has a Video Group, but could not find one.

I'm with LENN on this; it isn't as easy as it appears or that some make it sound. LOL  I have to get into it more... been putting it off. Sigh 

Good job!

For those of you who feel it is not as easy as it appears, I thought that too.

The I looked at it like this:

If I can get a real estate license, learn contracts, work with Buyer's agents, deal with mortgage brokers, cooperate with an inspection response, and get a deal to the closing table, then this video thing should be a cakewalk!!!!

All of you have already achieved things most only dream of, and video is much, much easier than the challenges you have already conquered!

I hope that helps! I feel that a simple change of mindset can really improve our real estate business.

~Harrison Painter

Okay -- next on my shopping list. And, it would be nice to see a blog on AR just on videos. I'm still trying to learn how to use YouTube!

Congrats on your foray into the wonderful world of video marketing!  I was pleasantly surprised to see that Matt Stigliano gave me a couple of mentions above (for the contest and for my tutorial post about embedding video).  I would recommend using Windows Movie Maker if you use a PC or iVideo if you use a Mac.  They are both very intuitive and FREE!

Use Flipshare and you can lay in music in place of the audio talking and back ground noise!  They have tunes you can use or you can load your own mp3 files.  It rocks!  I love my flip!!!

I forgot to mention that with Flipshare you can also do an intro and credits at the end which is great for property info and your contact info at the end of the vid.  I have the flip mino and got it in Sept. on Amazon.com for $144.99!  You can also take an individual shot from the vid and save it as a jpeg for photo usage too!  Also open an account on Fliggo.com you can have your own YouTube like channel on there, mine is called Hill Country Video Vault....http://www.hcvv.fliggo.com  check it out!

I think you did pretty good for your first time!  I have had my flip since last March and the only real video I did was the actual birth of my grandson!  I need to get with program and get busy! 

Go Guys. I think you are doing a great job. I look forward to seeing many more videos from you. Best of Luck.

Congratulations on your introduction to video!  It takes time and patience, but you have a lot of support here in the Rain.  I did a video tutorial on how to embed a WellcomeMat video into an AR blog post if it helps.  It's fun to venture into something new and we learn by trial and error.  Have fun and good luck! 

Great job on the video!!  I love my Flip Video!  I also just found Wellcomemat and it very easy to upload videos and it does give you the embed code if you want to insert the video into your posts.

Wow !  Stephanie and I really appreciate all the comments, insight and suggestions regarding video !  One can learn a lot by reading through all the comments.  I plan on going back and reading through them again and responding more so when there is more time later this weekend.  Stephanie is very excited to enter into this new technology venture. 

When we were out last night for First Friday, she did 2 more videos, one of an art gallery where our friend Piper Brett had an exhibit in Old City and one of our stroll home in Northern Liberties after a great dinner at Silk City.   I think she is on our way to being an expert.  That flip phone does rock !!  ~ Chris

I keep forgetting that I need to get this Flip Video. I like the video. But I didn't get to hear everything in the video. Congrats on the feature Chris and Stephaine. Have a great weekend. Great post.

Nice videos!

One recommendation I have is to make the video picture more steady.  We've done a bunch of videos and steady picture is very important....and an easy way to do that is to 1) take off your shoes, 2) hold a tripod to add more weight, and 3) brace your arms more.  check out the video here: http://www.videosbyaddress.com/MRIS/AX7057402

Also - did you know that you can have your video linked to your MLS website with www.VideosByAddress.com?  We're MRIS and Realtor.com approved virtual tour vendor - and we hoped to be approved much more.

Here are my comments for your questions:

* Is there a way to mute out the audio?

There's two ways to accomplish this.  The video server "WellcomeMat" should have a feature to mute the audio.  If not, you have to recompress the video with the audio off.  Several comments show you how to do this, but if you can't seem to figure it out, then let me know and I'll mute the audio for you and even add some background music if you'd like.

* How can you embed the whole video frame in the blog post verus just a link ?

I created a video demonstratng how.....http://activerain.com/blogsview/1104228/how-to-embed-for-chris-and-stephanie

Interesting. I would go back and do it when it's been staged and no one is home...however, I think the concept is awesome and will look into the technology as well. Thanks for sharing!

I bought one at Triple Play convention 2 years ago and it didn't last too long. It just broke down less than a year after I bought it. I need to try again.

Cool beans!....I'm hooked which way is Best Buys?

thanks for sharing,  Jess

If you are up for a few suggestions???? I think you showed too much of the home, and the home was WAY too cluttered.  I found my inner mind going "where'd they get all that stuff... they should pack away half of it.. didn't they know the realtor was coming over... fluffy scrub in the shower????... look the carpet's even folded over... OMG it's on a very busy street - no way I'ld show it."  ETC.  You want to continue to entice people with the shots, not turn them away. 

so #1 only shoot video if it improves the online presense.

Next, is focus on the elements of the house, instead of their furniture.  Like shooting their dresser and the art hanging on the wall...they are not for sale. 

And personally I would not shoot while the family was there.  The crying baby was distracting, and your conversatoin with them was a little vouyeristic. I felt like I shouldn't be listening. 

This home had great features... tile, granite,maple, but it was hard to notice with so much clutter.

Otherwise... great that you are jumping into it. (Hope you were up for some constructive critique... fell free to slam mine if you like!  I like getting better!