How to Film a Great Video Tour of Your Rental
Key Takeaways
- A well-made video tour helps renters connect with your space and can lead to quicker, more qualified inquiries.
- You don’t need fancy equipment; your smartphone and a bit of prep go a long way in creating a clear, inviting video.
- Clean spaces, steady shots, and good lighting make all the difference in how your property shows on camera.
- California Realty Group is here to help you market your rental with confidence and find the right tenants, faster.
Most rental listings fail to attract attention because they lack one critical feature: a high-quality video tour. In today’s competitive rental market, potential tenants expect to see more than a few photos.
They want to experience the space, understand the layout, and feel confident before scheduling a visit. A well-shot video can help reduce vacancy time, filter out unqualified leads, and show your rental in its best light.
A strong video walkthrough doesn’t require a film crew or expensive gear. With the right tips and a little effort, any landlord can create a professional-looking video using tools they already own. To help you do that, California Realty Group has put together this guide to walk landlords through the process of filming an effective rental video tour.
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How to Film a Rental Video That Works
When planning to film your rental, it’s important to understand that presentation is everything. A clean, well-lit space shown through a clear and steady video gives prospective renters confidence in your property and in you as a landlord.
Start With the Right Equipment
You don’t need a professional camera to shoot a great rental video. Most modern smartphones are fully capable of capturing high-resolution video that looks polished. Mobile phones are portable, easy to use, and often come with built-in stabilization.
If you already have a recent model smartphone, that’s likely all you need. Investing in a few accessories like a tripod or a handheld stabilizer can further improve the video’s quality by keeping your shots steady and smooth.
Traditional cameras can deliver higher-quality results, but they come with a learning curve, are less convenient, and require transferring files to a computer. For most landlords, the simplicity and speed of using a smartphone outweigh the minor quality advantage of traditional gear.
Prepare the Property
Before filming, make sure the rental unit is clean and decluttered. Remove personal items, trash, or anything that may look out of place. Open all blinds or curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on all lights in the unit to brighten dark areas. This helps the camera capture a more vibrant and inviting space.
Walk through the unit and check for anything that might stand out negatively on camera. This could include a dirty stove, peeling paint, or scuffed floors. Take a moment to tidy up before you start filming. A good rule of thumb is to prepare the property as if a prospective tenant were coming to see it in person.
Plan Your Route
Avoid walking around randomly. Plan a clear and logical path before you start recording. Begin at the front door and move through the home the same way a tenant would during a tour. For example, you might start in the living room, then move to the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and finally any outdoor spaces.
Keep the video flowing smoothly from room to room. Avoid quick pans or sudden changes in direction. Move slowly and steadily, allowing viewers enough time to take in each space. This helps create a better sense of the unit’s layout.
Keep It Steady and Quiet
Shaky footage is distracting and looks unprofessional. If you’re holding your phone, use both hands and keep your elbows close to your body. Better yet, use a tripod or stabilizer if you have one. This creates a smoother experience for viewers.
Turn off fans, TVs, or anything else that creates background noise. If you choose to add narration, speak clearly and avoid filler words. Otherwise, consider keeping the video silent and using captions later to explain key features.
Use Natural Light and Frame Your Shots Well
Lighting can make or break your video. Try to film during the day when natural light is at its best. Avoid filming directly into windows, as it can cause your subject to appear dark or silhouetted. Instead, stand with your back to the window when filming to use the light to your advantage.
Keep the camera at about chest height and hold it level. Avoid pointing the lens too far up or down. Frame each shot to show as much of the room as possible without walking too quickly or making fast turns. If the room is small, stand in a corner to capture a wider view.
Highlight Key Features
As you go through each room, focus on the features renters care about most. These may include updated appliances, large closets, new flooring, or a private patio. Point the camera at these features for a few extra seconds.
If the unit includes amenities like in-unit laundry or covered parking, include those in the video. Don’t oversell or include unnecessary commentary. Just focus on what’s important to renters and let the visuals speak for themselves.
Keep It Short and Informative
Aim to keep your video between 2 to 4 minutes. This is enough time to show the entire unit without losing the viewer’s interest. Be concise and avoid repeating the same areas.
You can also add simple captions or text overlays later to highlight square footage, rental price, or included utilities. Before uploading or sharing the video, watch it from start to finish to check for mistakes, poor lighting, or areas that need improvement.
Bottom Line
Creating a high-quality video tour of your rental doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using your smartphone, following a clear plan, and focusing on lighting and stability, you can film a walkthrough that attracts more qualified renters and sets your listing apart. With a little preparation, your video can make a strong first impression and reduce the time your unit sits empty.
At California Realty Group, we help landlords just like you market their properties more effectively. From guiding you through your first video shoot to offering expert property management services, we’re here to support every step of the rental process.
Ready to find great tenants, faster? Contact California Realty Group today and let’s make your next rental listing your most successful yet.