14 Nov 09 The Real Estate Video Report – What We’ve Learned
A few months ago, WellcomeMat conducted a survey in an effort to better understand both the challenges and benefits of using video marketing within the real estate vertical. Instead of just releasing the survey data, we unlocked our internal data and created the industry’s first “Real Estate Video Report.”
Download a copy of the industry’s first formal report on video and take a sneak peak into the future of real estate video.
What We’ve Learned…
At this point, we can definitively say that there has never been a more important time in the history of real estate video tours. Every single statistic points in the direction of greatness for full-motion real estate video:
- Over 2/3 of real estate agents have hired, or have considered hiring a video production team.
- 89% of agents that are using video believe that it helps them win listings over competing agents/brokers (view chart)
- 40% of real estate agents and brokers believe that consumers value video the most (out of photos, virtual tours/slideshows, floorplans and video) (view chart)
The number 1 thing keeping agents/brokers from using video is “Not enough knowledge.”
- 46% of agents/brokers answered “not enough knowledge” to the question, “what is the #1 largest hurdle facing real estate professionals in regards to the use of video?” (view chart)
Given these results, who will be the biggest winners in the boom time of real estate video?
- Those that are an information source for agents and brokers, even if they are doing their own videos, will win. The natural affect of DYI (do-it-yourself) video is a large amount of respect for what video pros do – be the person or team that offers encouragement/guidance to DYI agents/brokers and, when they are ready to hire someone, you’ll win the business.
- If we can be flexible with our product offerings, to meet the challenges of the present time and our customers’ expectations, we’ll win. 73% of agents and brokers said they would be more willing to hire video pros that deferred charges until closing, “even at a premium to an upfront payment?”
- Stick to our strengths and partner for the rest. There are 3 distinct portions of the real estate video production puzzle: gathering footage, post-production and web platform(s). Where are your efforts best spent?
In Conclusion…
WellcomeMat will continue casting a wide net. We will be a warm home for do-it-yourself agents, brokers and teams, whom will inevitably need professional help. And we will continue working most closely with production teams that position WellcomeMat as the video platform for their clients. Please enjoy our first Real Estate Video Report and the survey results. If you want to learn more about WellcomeMat or have questions, please be in touch.
Get your copy of the free report here today >
22 Oct 09 File Management & Global Video Settings – Now Live on WellcomeMat
Heads up! Our team has made two significant updates to the “Manage Videos” section of WellcomeMat.com. Note that both of the following are for Pro customers only:
1) Video File Manager: All of the original video files that you upload are now available for download on WellcomeMat. No more worries about where you are saving videos, no more needing to get that file sent to you somehow from your video pro…they are all right here on WellcomeMat.
Example of how the File Manager helps:
Your filmmaker uploads a video > transfers that video into your account using our video transfer system > if/when you need the file, all you have to do is log in and download the file.
2) Global Video Settings: You can now set global rules for your videos so that you don’t have to manage your settings for each video individually.
To get to the “Manage Videos” section of WellcomeMat, login > select “Manage Videos” from the dashboard dropdown tab or watch this video to learn more.
28 Jan 09 Quality Video Always
One of the things that [WellcomeMat] has always been known for is quality of video playback. You haven’t caught us jumping on the “HD” bandwagon because, well, the term/phrase “HD” is being used as marketing speak, without much substance behind it. Sure, playing a flash or H264 file in a 16:9 aspect ratio is cool, and making sure that the videos are quality is even cooler. We applause high quality, but let’s all take a deep breath and realize that true HD would a) not play without stuttering on the average end users’ machine and b) would be very difficult to transmit given the limited connection speeds that all Americans have.
Rest assured, WellcomeMat is still chugging along on the quality train, and we are doing so without forgetting that videos need to be watched for quality to be realized by the average internet user. Quality lovers, [WellcomeMat] has your back! Layne Freedle posted this video months ago, and I immediately was thinking that it could play a fitting role as a 007 scene. Check it out, and if you can’t watch it without seeing the video stutter, that’s because when the limits of quality are pushed, there is a cost:
04 Dec 08 We’re Hopelessly WellcomeMat
We’ve always struggled with what our blog should be. Should it be a place where we objectively post news? Answer: whenever possible. Should we be promoting the product here and stop trying to even hide our passion for WellcomeMat? Answer: this is what we have to do.
We have tried the righteous path of objective news gathering. Truth told, it’s impossible for us to be objective on the video front. We in this to win it, in this to make money and can’t hold back our advocacy…we’re…ummm….hopeless. So, with that, we are making some changes around here in terms of the types of content you are going to see posted to our blog. Stick around to see what I am referring to.
Oh…one announcement. We’ve discontinued the WellcomeMat Top 5 Videos of the Week for now. We loved doing this, it made a lot of people happy when they were included, but MAN…it took a lot of resources to keep it up. Look for a leaner, meaner, and more democratic version of the Top 5 at a later date. Thanks.
04 Dec 08 Free Video Platform = No Control
Here we go for a mini-post here. One thing that is very cool is how heavily Google is going after Microsoft: good things are coming fast and furious, from both companies, as a result. One thing that is not very cool is that all the people that continue to rely on free video platforms are finding out the hard way that they have no control. Look no further than YouTube’s new search-enabled video player for proof:
WellcomeMat will have a very valuable free level of service. But, in local video, control is everything. Entertainment/advertising based video platforms are not where you need to be.
Update: Google/YouTube have since removed the search bar from this particular video.
17 Nov 08 10,000 WellcomeMat Members – A Major Milestone Reached
It would be tough to count the number of times that a reporter or potential partner asked us “how many members do you have on WellcomeMat?” We did not talk about this number, partly because it’s better to keep competition guessing, and partly because the total number of WellcomeMat members wasn’t, in our mind, something to be vocally proud of…until now!
Few people (you know who you are) know as much as team WellcomeMat how much of a shlog local video has been. It’s been a lot like marching up a vertical, muddy slope, with a boulder strapped to your back, every single day for years on end. There hasn’t always been a lot of believers, there haven’t always been a ton of video success stories to point to and say “that’s why you use video,” and-quite simply-only people with a clear vision into the future adopt new ideas, tools and systems.
While we in no way believe that we have “arrived,” it is with great pleasure that we announce that WellcomeMat has exceeded the 10,000 member mark! We have a lot of people to thank for helping us early on and don’t forget where we come from (ever):
-First and foremost, thanks to all of our local production teams. Our common thread has always been the massive challenge that we collectively faced in making real estate and local video happen.
-Joel Burslem, publisher of FOREM (futureofrealestatemarketing.com) .
-Joseph Ferarra of Sellsius
-The Inman News team
-Rudy Bachratay of Trulia (and Sellsius past)
-Fred Light of Nashua Video Tours
-Doug Heddings of TrueGotham.com
-Erick Hersman of White African
-Dustin Luther – 4Realz.net
-Marc Davison of 1000WattConsulting
-The Active Rain Team. While they liked video enough to start a competing video platform, they are a great group of people and had our backs since way back.
14 Nov 08 Video’s Silver Lining in a Bad Economy
The last big run I made with a tech company was with Webroot Software, and the explosion occurred while there was very little going on in tech, very little funding available, and our economy was in shambles. While I hate to see people hurting, and companies failing, failure is just part of playing the startup game and a down market is a great thing for companies that have a strong plan, revenue and a lean cost structure. The future belongs to niche players…
Erick Schonfeld posted a solid rundown of the current state of the online video market yesterday. The things that made me proud to be taking part in WellcomeMat’s success became more evident while reading Erick’s post, which I read only shortly after I read Mark ‘Rizzn’ Hopkins’ post entitled “Online Video Publishers Should Look to Monetize Audience, Not Video”.
Check these two articles out: it’ll make you proud to be part of the local video niche!
14 Nov 08 Top 5 Local Videos of the Week
WellcomeMat.com highlights the top five new videos of the week to support the many agents, brokers and video producers helping to re-define the real estate buying and selling experience. Way to go! You made it into WellcomeMat’s Top 5.
Here we go! It’s time again to get your vote on.
Just a note, the Top 5 videos are listed in no particular order here.
Michael Biondo – Videographer – Royal Oak, MI
Video producer Michael Biondo does a top job at filming this Bloomfield, MI home. Michael’s steady camera work, nice transitions and choice of music make this a prime candidate for WellcomeMat’s Top 5 videos. Take time to enjoy this video tour of a lovely vintage colonial home!
Joe Boylan – Real Estate Agent – Colorado Springs, CO
A great aspect of this home video tour is that you see the many features of the neighborhood along with the interior and exterior of the 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom Colorado Springs, CO home. Real Estate Agent Joe Boylan does a nice job of narrating this video tour. The combination of descriptive narration and quality camera work make this video enjoyable to watch!
Danielle Zeilger – Business Owner – Omaha, NE
A great presenter, superb video quality and upbeat music that fits this neighborhood video tour nicely, all make this video standout. Danielle Zeilger of CBSHome Real Estate has a host of features to offer in this Falcon Ridge neighborhood located in Omaha, NE. In two minutes, you gain great insight into this Omaha neighborhood.
Rosario Diaz – Real Estate Agent – Miami Beach, FL
Dreaming of the sun and beach in the midst of the cold November weather? Pause and take some time to view this beautiful condo located in Miami Beach, FL. This video tour may have you drooling over the beaches and luxurious 3,000 sq. ft. open living space. Rosario Diaz and her partner Josh Stein are lucky to have such an exclusive condo that could be just for you!
TourFlix Real Estate Videos – Videographer – Fort Wayne, IN
Tourflix Real Estate Videos does a wonderful job at reeling you into this well-done home video tour. The beautiful drive up to this amazing Fort Wayne, IN home and the different camera angles help keep your attention while viewing. It’s a great match between the music, camera work and style of the home!
07 Nov 08 Top 5 Local Videos of the Week
WellcomeMat.com highlights the top five new videos of the week to support the many agents, brokers and video producers helping to re-define the real estate buying and selling experience. Congrats to this week’s winners!
It’s that time again! You know what to do. Watch the Top 5 and you decide who the winner is this week.
Vincent Spoto – Real Estate Agent – Wellesley, MA
A great community tour of Wellesley, MA! Real Estate Agent Vincent Spoto offers this well-produced video tour. In just over three minutes, you’re taken on a drive around town. From the interviews with parents and other residents to the multiple restaurants, shops, parks and schools; this Wellesley tour is worth watching.
Fred Copeland – Videographer – Temecula, CA
Video producer Fred Copeland creates this beautifully shot home video tour. This video of a lovely Temecula, CA home includes informative narration and is set at a nice pace. You get the feel of the interior and exterior of the home all in a timely, professional fashion.
Made Green – Videographer – San Francisco, CA
Made Green does a fantastic job at producing this home video tour for Real Estate Agent Michael Kerwin. The elegant camera movement, Michael’s narration along with the soft music combine to set this video tour apart. Made Green does a great job at capturing the essence of this San Francisco, CA home.
Noel Fleming – Real Estate Agent – Broomfield, CO
Real Estate Agent Noel Fleming takes you on a home video tour in Boulder, CO. The video speaks for itself with the music and text guiding your way. Cinema Realty captures the inside of the home as well as the outside including the beautiful mountains, trails and lake right outside your door.
Matt Fisher – Videographer – Taylors, SC
Video producer Matt Fisher takes his time in filming this home located in Taylors, SC. The narrator does a nice job at guiding you through the many rooms and features of the 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom home. You’ll come away from the video tour with a sure sense of the home and full of information!
04 Nov 08 Obama vs McCain: Get out and VOTE, It’s a beautiful thang
We’re not inclined to talk politics nor suggest who deserves your vote. We’ll stick to what we know best, real estate and local video. That said, we can only hope that you do get out and vote today. Exercise free speech and make your voice heard. It’s a beautiful thang. Go USA!
I came across this video this morning. Thanks to Reel Motion Media (Videographer – Fort Collins, CO) for the content. If anyone has a McCain rally we’d be happy to post that event as well. Thanks!
