Dear Monty: We will sell our house on our own in the spring. We want a video so people can preview the house first to see if it will work for them. It will save us time from showing the home to someone who walks away because they didn’t like the floor plan. We will save time getting ready for the showing, and the buyer will save a trip to an unsuitable home. Do you have any advice for making the video?
Monty’s Answer: Creating a video tour offers benefits beyond convenience. As a seller, you demonstrate consideration and seriousness about selling, building trust early in a potential relationship. This goodwill often leads to positive negotiation environments. Here are three effective methods to create your home tour video:
1. Professional Photographers: There’s much more to creating outstanding visuals than most realize. Professional photographers specializing in real estate use specialized equipment like Matterport, Chameleon, or Ricoh360 cameras. They understand framing, lighting, perspective, composition, and contrast—elements crucial for showcasing your home effectively. Open your door and let them work. Depending on your home’s size, location, and the photographer’s expertise, expect to pay between $200-$800+. This option provides the highest quality result with minimal effort on your part.
2. Smartphone Applications: Several apps allow you to create professional-looking videos at a fraction of professional costs. Free options like Zillow 3D Home, The3DApp, HomesGo (Apple Store), or Google Tour Creator (Google Play) offer user-friendly interfaces. Some apps require you to upload footage for professional editing, while others generate the video within the app. These solutions balance quality and affordability, requiring moderate technical comfort but delivering impressive results.
3. Photo Compilation: Take high-quality photos and string them together using editing software. Apple’s pre-installed iMovie (free since 2010), Filmora (free trial, $49 annual subscription), or Movavi (free Windows alternative) can create compelling slideshows. For best results, shoot during daylight hours with all interior lights on, declutter spaces beforehand, and follow a logical progression through your home. To give you a sense of a finished product, here is a sample of photographs shot by a professional and strung together on iMovie to display a ship model.
Pro Tips For Any Method:
- Begin with exterior shots showing curb appeal
- Follow a natural walking path through your home
- Include all rooms, closets, and storage areas
- Highlight updated features and neighborhood amenities
- Keep the total length under 5 minutes
- Consider adding soft background music and room labels
- Narrate key features that viewers might miss visually—like new HVAC systems or roof replacements
- Film on a sunny day with curtains open for natural lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere
- Show seasonal advantages where possible (fireplace in winter, outdoor spaces in summer)
- Include a brief panorama of the neighborhood, nearby parks, or community amenities
- Consider filming at different times of day to showcase how natural light affects living spaces
- Remove personal photographs
- End with contact information and your preferred showing times
Remember, if using photographs you didn’t take (such as from a previous listing), obtain permission from the photographer to avoid copyright infringement.
By investing in a quality video tour, you’ll save countless hours on unsuitable showings while giving serious buyers the confidence to schedule an in-person visit—respecting everyone’s time while maximizing your home’s appeal in today’s digital-first market.