6 Hours CE Credits
and a
FREE Marketing Video
It's all part of American Real Estate University's new Media Marketing Designation
DATES:
November 9th-
from 9AM to 4PM
November 10th-
20 Minute Video Shoot
(Time slots will be selected by participants)
LOCATION:
3475 Piedmont Road
Suite 210
Atlanta, GA 30305
*Sponsored by Brand Mortgage at the Prominence Building in the Jones Lange LaSalle Training Center
INCLUDED:
6 Credit Hours
Media Marketing Designation
Free Video Business Card
(Click above for a sample)
COST:
$105
*This is an introductory rate that reflects nearly 40% off
REGISTER:
American Real Estate University
Back by popular demand...
Reel Productions TV instructors, Tara Jones and TJ Hedges are back in the teaching arena with the new Media Marketing Specialist Designation.
What you'll learn:
-A comprehensive look inside marketing in a tough economy
-The importance of visibility in an up or down mark
-How to get the most bang for your buck with marketing tools
-How to stay on top of the latest marketing trends in the real estate industry
-How to shoot, edit and post video online
-How to market your FREE video from class
-Much, much more!
Sign up today at American Real Estate University
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/22/2009 06:50 AM |
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT post your videos to YouTube among the general mass of videos. Why? Your video will reside in the vortex that is YouTube meaning it will be paired with videos that you may not want to be associated with. Each time a video is done playing on YouTube another "video suggestion" pops up for the viewer to choose. These videos were chosen based on key words in the title of the last video.
Here's how this can hurt your and your business. If you have a great video that you posted on downtown Atlanta and after it ends your competitor's video pops up because he, too, specializes in downtown Atlanta, you just did yourself a disservice and helped your competition to boot. You can also have "unsavery" or distasteful videos pop up after yours if you're not careful, potentially offending clients when all you were trying to do was help. How does that happen? Well take one of our clients for example...Bottom Line Home. After his video was done playing on YouTube various videos pertaining to “bottoms” popped up! UGH!! Now think about people who embed the YouTube video player on their site and have these problems. They are now contaminating their own personal site with YouTube issues all for the sake of SEO results. And here’s the real unfortunate part. Once you place your videos on YouTube, they’re there.
So here's how to avoid these massive problems and still get all the Google juice from posting your video(s) on YouTube. Simply create your own channel. This is a free service on YouTube and takes all of about 15 minutes. You can customize the colors, format, etc. to really make it a design that matches your current branding. The great news is that once your video is done playing, if you have another one posted, that will be the suggested video to play. No more imposition of YouTube junk. Just the quality and professionalism you want to portray :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/17/2009 12:58 PM |
If you answered, "How the heck should I know?!", you're not alone. But I'm going to show you how to check.
Bottom line, if you're website isn't verified with Google, you're certainly not getting the "Google juice" (better known as SEO results) that you should.
So here's what you do:
1.) First of all, sign in or sign up for a Google account on Google.com...it’s free.
2.) Then, go to your settings where you’ll find Webmaster Tools.
3.) Click on Webmaster Tools and you should see two blue bars...one that says “Messages” and one that says “Sites”. If your site is not listed, click the button that says, “Add a Site”.
4.) After entering the URL (complete with the http://), you will be given a code. Enter that code on the home page of your website and you’re all set!
It’s not a lot of effort and it will help improve your SEO results. After all, Google doesn’t have to search for you anymore...you sent Google a message telling them exactly where you are using that code :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/14/2009 07:06 PM |
So Reel Productions TV has been quite busy over the past several months traveling and shooting video across the country for real estate professionals. I thought it was time for an update:
1.) Reel Productions TV is heading back to world of teaching by popular demand. Starting, November 9th and 10th, Reel Productions TV will hold a 6 hour credited course in Buckhead, Atlanta through the American Real Estate University. The first day, agents will earn their Media Marketing Designation...the second day, they will get a video business card as part of the class! This is our compliments as a way to get your started in the right direction for marketing yourself in today's market. More details to come shortly!
2.) Reel Productions TV.com is now completely automated for agents and business owners to order their videos online! Check out our new, user friendly site and keep checking back as we continue to revamp our site to make your job easier in marketing your business and your properties. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions!
3.) The Video Connector has quickly become a very popular listing tool for agents across the country! If you haven't checked out this creative tool to make you stand out from the competition and make your job easier, please do so today.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/08/2009 12:15 PM |
I ask this question after receiving hundreds of business cards from attending an event in Atlanta GA called Industry Day. As I was going through my pile of cards to follow up, I realized I couldn't get in touch with close to one third of the people who ASKED to be contacted! Why? Their business card either had no e-mail address, no website or was in another language...I kid you not.
Bottom line, business cards are meant to make a connection, to allow others to know a small piece of information about you and your business to ultimately make a relationship and hopefully, a sale somewhere down the road. If your new contact has no idea how to get in touch with you, you have just closed all roads to making a potential business relationship in any form or fashion.
If you're on Active Rain, you know the power of networking. Don't think that power doesn't exist outside the internet. Good old fashion hand shaking and card exchanging may be "old school" but it works :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/24/2009 01:47 PM |
If you've never been on A Greater Town, it's a free, global website where you can post your services. Not sure how many consumers use the site but it appears to have a large following from small businesses.
At any rate, it's free exposure to post your listings, your profile, your business, etc. So why not?
Good luck!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/16/2009 09:16 PM |
I believe this event is sold out...but if you’re one of the 400 registered attendees, please stop by our booth and introduce yourself as a fellow Active Rainer!
The Second Annual Industry Day is set for this Friday, September 18th from 9AM to 4PM at the Decatur, Georgia Holiday Inn. The event is expected to have 400 agents on hand and more than 20 vendors will be showcasing their products and services all in one room.
Reel Productions TV will be one of those vendors on hand displaying our video services and unveiling our newest product, The Seller’s Video Connector.
We will also be shooting the event as well for host, Cathy McDaniel, 2008 Educator of the Year of American Real Estate University.
Speakers include Fannie Mae, Foreclosure.com, Titanium Solutions and more.
The goal of 2009 Industry Day is to provide trusted resources and guidance regarding loss mitigation, short sales and REOs.
Hope to see you there!
Check out real estate video.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/14/2009 03:40 PM |
No, that's not a ploy to get you to look at my blog...we are actually going to be giving away FREE, quality video for your real estate web site thanks to The Video Connector.
We've already launched our DVD that has been met with great response by agents (if you haven't checked it out, please see our video below). Now, thanks to your feedback, we're responding with free, downloadable video that will be available on The Video Connector website.
We'll be launching in a few days with all the details on the video and how you can download it to your site. No strings attached, no purchases or money needed...just our gift to you.
As always, stay tuned....
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/05/2009 08:12 PM |
I so often hear, "I don't have time to blog", "I just don't get the importance of social networking", etc. So keeping these thoughts in mind, I pose the following food for thought on why I blog:
1.) There is no faster way to reach the masses
2.) I am able to send a concentrated and controlled message to who I want, when I want
3.) The message can be sent as many times, in as many different formats as I choose
4.) It's free
5.) I love sharing knowledge on my areas of expertise
6.) Sharing knowledge is just the right thing to do
7.) Helping others ALWAYS comes back to me two fold
8.) I am able to create a qualified network online that would take months to create in the "real world" environment by shaking hands
9.) I can do it in the comfort of my home
10.) No one can hear my child screaming in the background
11.) It is a creative outlet where I can pose questions and thoughts to colleagues
12.) I'm able to get instant feedback or input on suggestions or questions
13.) Results can often times be instantaneous
14.) The SEO results rock (especially when used correctly)
15.) I can launch a product/idea nationally with the click of a button
16.) I make new friends, contacts and potential clients
17.) It's always cool to look back at my "resume" of blogs and see how I've have progressed
18.) My online 'storefront' becomes bigger with every blog I post
19.) I get to see what your competition is doing
20.) Bottom line...I don't have time -not- to blog.
Would love to hear why you blog...
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/29/2009 08:14 PM |
The following information is according to a recent Forrester report:
Simply put, the report says steaming online video is among the most promising media of the interactive media. More than 70% of adults online will watch videos in 2009...the actual number of videos watched is expected to double in the next five years.
Simply put, the report says steaming online video is among the most promising media of the interactive media. More than 70% of adults online will watch videos in 2009...the actual number of videos watched is expected to double in the next five years.
In the article, 9% of marketers are currently experimenting with video in email, especially since those e-mails containing video had an improved click through rate of 2-3 times. In other words, someone was 2 to 3 times more likely to click on a link in an e-mail if it was video. Another 21% plan on including video in their email marketing efforts in the next 12 months.
The report also states that marketers are advised to use video to boost existing marketing goals, but shouldn’t entirely replace traditional email.
Bottom line, video is infiltrating every segment of the web all the way into the marketing of businesses...including real estate.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/25/2009 09:15 PM |
The Importance of Real Estate Video- Part 5
Here is one of our most recent home tours. I thought I would share this for one main reason...every person that looks at the video below is essentially, a 'showing' for that property, thus proving the importance of real estate video.
The agent, Anne Rains of Keller Williams GA, would have never been able to get the number of people viewing this video online, physically through the doors of this exquisite home. And as we all know, sales is a numbers game...the more people you reach, the more opportunity you have to make a sale.
This is one example of how your can make video work in the marketing of your business and for the benefit of your client.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/24/2009 08:58 AM |
The Importance of Real Estate Video- Part 4
Ok, so apparently I struck a nerve with my last post making people think outside the box with real estate video so I thought I would continue along that same vein.
The whole point of video marketing, in any industry, is to engage the consumer. Whether it be to evoke emotion, response or education, video is a powerful tool when used correctly. Add to that the “coolness factor” that your client will likely perceive and you have a great opportunity to make an impact with a simple tool called a camera.
Videos that evoke Emotion:
Think about these videos as your community profiles. You want to portray a lifestyle to your clients. Whether it be luxury, beach, mountains, or family-friendly, a community profile is meant to evoke emotion in the viewer by showing them the atmosphere of the featured environment. Show community parks, schools, shopping, local amenities, restaurants, etc. This is not only a great way to showcase areas that you specialize in but also show your potential clients the highlights of the area.
Videos that evoke Response:
Think about these videos as your agent profiles or video business cards. By showing consumers your talent and skill, you are asking consumers to pick up the phone or send you an e-mail...you are asking for their business.
Videos that Educate:
Think about these videos as consumer tips. You are educating the consumer on what they need to know in the home buying or selling process. Topics can range from staging to knowing when to make an offer. Anything that teaches the consumer information that you have creates a climate where you are the expert and market specialist.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/21/2009 08:24 PM |
So hands down, the number one reason to use video online is to increase your SEO results. But what about using video outside of the web? Take your imagination to this place if you haven't already. I'm talking about engaging your client personally with video.
Here's how:
1.) The Out of Town Client- What a personal touch to grab a camera and take a walk through a home for a buyer that may be out of town. This is an excellent way to not only show the client you care about their search but also that you are tech savvy and up to par with today's technological standards. It's one way to go above and beyond as an agent.
2.) The Inspection- We all know that inspections can be time consuming but are monumentally important. What if a client can't be on site for the whole inspection or even part of the inspection? Or what if one member of the party can't be on site? Offering to video the property inspection is another way to show you are a hands-on, top notch agent.
3.) The Preparation- We all know every seller out there doesn't know the best way to market their homes for sale. So why not arm them with videos to show them what you would love to tell them? OK, so one of these is going to be self-serving but it's a product I believe in whole-heartedly. The Seller's Video Connector is an inexpensive, 10-video DVD that you can present to the seller to get their home ready for the market. Video, used in this way, will set you apart from the competition and will ultimately make your job easier by selling your listings.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/19/2009 06:31 PM |
The team at Reel Productions TV has been hard at work creating a tool that will assist real estate agents in their business through the use of video. Introducing the Seller’s Video Connector. We’ve compiled 10 of our best videos on one DVD designed to get fast, home selling results. This DVD features proven, home selling techniques that inform your seller on what they can do to help you as an agent market and sell their house...FASTER.
Topics like cleanliness, curb appeal and staging are addressed in an entertaining and easy to understand format. This information will set you apart from your competition and provides you with a great leave behind listing tool. A tool that your client will find invaluable to create the perfect environment to sell their home quickly.
Get more listings, sell more listings, make more money!
Make the Connection Today with
The Seller’s Video Connector.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/18/2009 10:32 PM |
The Importance of Real Estate Video- Part 2
-Implementation-
So now that you have the stats on why video is important and how it will help your business, now let’s talk practical implementation.
Video does not and should not be expensive. The whole point is to fertilize your site with video to help in the SEO results, provide content for consumers and show that you are up on the changing technological times, therefore, giving the perception of being tech savvy...something consumers are actively searching for in their real estate agents.
Coldwell Banker recently did it on the national level with Coldwell Banker On Location by hiring out several productions companies as well as asking agents to provide content themselves. Their work earned them a Inman Innovator nomination as well as recent accolades from Greg Jarboe, author of “You Tube and Video Marketing”.
The point is, when you implement video, you get noticed.
Doing it Yourself:
Video can easily be done yourself cost effectively and with an air of professionalism. Last year, we did an eight part video tutorial on how to shoot, edit, upload and distribute your video exclusively for Active Rain members. It is still posted in my blog archives and contains great information on producing top-notch real estate video yourself.
You can also have professionals, like ourselves and other throughout the country, come in and teach agents how to use video. This class is normally a nominal charge per agent and provides golden information on shooting, editing and uploading video.
Hiring a Professional:
Due to the demand of real estate video, hundreds of businesses have popped up specializing in this area. Some are better than others and we’ll let each agent come to their own conclusion. But what you should know is that the cost should not rake you over the coals.
On the surface, video appears to be an expensive marketing tool. But the ‘legs’ it provides reaches far beyond any other form of medium making it the most cost effective tool you can own. Print marketing has it’s place but it can only be used in that way. Video can transformed to be on your website, on other company’s websites, in an e-mail, in a blog, on Facebook, in links on Twitter and LinkedIn, in a marketing report, on television, etc. So look at the benefit compared to the cost and I think you will realize video is the best option out there when speaking of marketing, especially on the web.
Different forms of video content:
There are a number of things you can add on your site. The most common:
A video home tour
But think outside the box with a community profile, agent/broker profile, marketing report, consumer tips, video business cards, etc. Maybe show consumers what you do on a typical Saturday or work day. Take them inside your world so they get a better understanding of who you are and why you are the best choice for their business.
Remember, video does much more than improve your SEO results. It shows the consumer you are an agent who is current in the marketing of today. And that consumer perception is invaluable to your business.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/17/2009 08:28 AM |
The Importance of Real Estate Video My Series: Part I
So what a surprise? The owner of a video production company specializing in real estate video is going to tell me why it's important to have video on my site. Before you go there, read on.
There’s more to video than just production. The more people using video in the real estate world, the better. Why? It elevates the industry as a whole and here’s how:
The more video on real estate sites, the more powerful the SEO results
The more powerful the SEO results, the more people viewing the sites
The more people viewing the sites, the more chances for you to gain a customer
The more chances for you to gain a customer, the more chances you have to make transactions
Transactions = money
Money = a stimulated economy and a stimulated industry
So before you look at the beginning and end and say, “Did she really just say real estate videos will help stimulate the economy???” Look at the facts:
Vital Video Stats:
- Websites with video sustained a visitor more than twice as long than those without
- Websites with video top the Google search results
- People watch 100 million videos per day on YouTube
- Web users are now downloading 8 Billion videos per month!
- Nearly 74% of online users watch videos
- More than 67% of online users watch video advertisements
- 65,000 videos are uploaded daily to YouTube
- Over 70% of the US population now has high-speed Internet making online videos mainstream
- There are over 108 million online video users today
*By 2010, that figure is expected to climb to 157 million users
*By 2012, 190 million...that’s 88% of the entire online audience
- 68% of Internet users have downloaded video in the last month
Now, let’s bring it home with a real world example:
- Online retail website grew by 4% last year. But the number of visitors to retail websites who watched videos on that site grew by 40%. Nearly half of those retailers said they plan on increasing their online video for the following year.
What it means to the average small business owners:
- Online video ads are now exceeding television ads dollar per dollar. In 2009 video ads attracted $0.17 per hour viewed, compared to $0.13 for TV. showing that business owners see more value in placing video online than on TV.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/14/2009 08:28 PM |
Services we offer:
Agent Profiles
Consumer Tips
Video Home Tours
Video Business Cards
Recruiting Videos
Marketing Reports
many more!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/10/2009 12:41 PM |
Lane Bailey, blogged about our company the other day and I thought I would share his kind words. Lane is a top notch Realtor and one of the best social networkers in the country so it's an honor to have him as a friend and a client.
This blog comes on the heels of a new release for Reel Productions TV. We have been asked over and over again to travel for our videos so we have come up with a creative option that we are launching next week :-) This will give everyone, nationwide, the opportunity to have quality videos at their fingertips! I'll keep you posted.
For buyers, getting to know a home is part of the process. Seeing it, feeling it, walking around the taking it in... That is great if you are around the corner, or even across town... but what if you are unable to take that time to tour scores of properties before pulling the trigger? Maybe you are a busy executive, maybe you are relocating and have a day or three in a strange town to buy a house... Maybe you just want more than 8 (or 12 or 16) pictures from the MLS.
Video is one of the solutions. It is part of a complete marketing package for a home...
And there is a local business that I trust to handle MY video needs. And, as with any tool, it isn't the tool that makes the difference as much as the craftsperson that wields it. Reel Productions is based here in the Atlanta area, although they travel the country providing top-notch video services for clients large and small.
Their bread and butter is video tours of homes. They range from the elaborate, hosted tours to simpler productions with voice-overs. Here are a couple of examples.
The people responsible for this are Tara Jones and TJ Hedges. They launched the company a little over a year ago. Soon after, they produced one of the videos above, the hosted one of 9010 Brixham Court in Laurel Springs (Suwanee, GA). I have worked with them on several projects since then, and each time they have met and exceeded my expectations.
Simply put, if you are selling a home, you NEED to have a video on the home's website. Buyers are visual, and want to see pictures and videos and everything else they can get their eyes on... And I think that the quality of the video Tara and TJ provide is exceptional... AND it is reasonable. Ok, if they have to fly to your town then it might not be as reasonable unless you have several properties for them to shoot at one time, but if you are around Atlanta, they have excellent rates.
One other little thing... Tara and TJ are people that really care about their clients... both agents and consumers. They previously produced a series of videos on using tools likr the Flip Video camera. They are in the process now of producing a series of videos for sellers on how to better prepare their properties for sale. Tara gave me the advance word on this while we watched my 5 year old on the ice for hockey camp...
I guess I should list some of their other services... Community Profiles, Video Business Cards, Business Profiles, Agent/Broker Profiles... You get the idea. Whether the purpose of the video is to have website content for a business or a listing, or a TV commercial, they can make it happen. Both Tara and TJ come from a TV news background and they are award winning journalists.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/08/2009 10:20 AM | Comments (0) |
In preparing to teach a seminar last week, I set out to research the latest video numbers. What I found, was surprising! Video use on the web is rising at an astronomical rate...a rate that has never been seen before on the web.
According to comSource:
*Visitors spend an average of 75% longer on websites with video
*In April 2009, Americans watched 16.8 billion videos online. That's a 16% increase from the March 2009.
*Google sites reached an all-time high of 107.9 videos viewers in April 2009.
*85% of consumers go online first before making a purchase (this includes homes) This number rises in younger demographics.
Below are graphs for the top 20 websites in different categories. It shows the use of video throughout their sites.
-ESPN Sportszone, Fox Sports, NBA.com, NFL.com, NHL.com, etc.
-Jokes.com, The Onion, I Am Bored.com, CRACKED.com, etc.
-NewsMax.com, PoliticalCartoons.com, Slate Magazine, People's Daily Online, etc.
-Parade Magazine, Reader's Digest, Time Magazine, etc.
-Kraft, Betty Crocker, Campbell's Kitchen, The Pillsbury Company, etc.
Here's how the Top 100 did it:
- 79% of the surveyed companies have placed their Web videos deep into their Web sites, 3 clicks or more away from the home page.
- 44% use online video in an advanced manner: contextual integration of videos, variety of video players, call-to-action tied to the video.
- 58% offer a full-fledged “video center” comparable to a corporate TV channel.
- 51% give access to such video center directly from their home page (one click away).
- 32% display video ads for their products in the site; 20% display video ads on their home page.
- 59% offer full-screen video option.
- 1% have video on autoplay (i.e. video starts as soon as the user lands on the page).
- 3% open video in a new browser Web page.
- 4% use a pop-up window to display video. Video formats: 77% use Flash video, 6% use Windows Media Player, 3% use QuickTime, 0% use Real Player. (The percentages don’t add up to 79% because some websites use more than one video format)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 07/15/2009 07:12 AM |
OK, so making the deadline over a holiday weekend was not the first choice for many. Therefore, we have added an additional week to get your submissions in. Please be sure to nominate your agent for a FREE makeover (both physically and technically) NO LATER than Friday, July 10th. This is an excellent opportunity for the selected agent to gain exposure and knowledge from industry experts! We're have great, national partners in place ready for the show!!
Do you know an agent or broker stuck in a time warp and could use some updating? We're not just talking about fashion, we're talking about their entire business! Is their website out of date? Do they even have a website? Do they look at you funny when you say the word "blog"? Is their headshot from the start of the Glamour Shot phase? Is their wardrobe just not what you would consider "agent appropriate' If you're thinking, "I've got just the person!", we want to hear from you.
Real Estate Surprise is a pilot show set to film in the Atlanta metro area the month of July. Selected agent/broker must be in the Atlanta area during this time. Participant must be at least 18 years or older and a licensed agent in good standing. An agent/broker with at least 10 years experience is preferred but is not required. Only looking for open-minded agent/broker who can handle being surprised and is open to change. A good attitude is a MUST! Selected agent will receive invaluable advice from industry leaders in the world of real estate, fashion and photography.
Contact Reel Productions TV today at Tara@ReelProductions.TV for submissions. Please include a recent photo of agent/broker, a brief description as to why person should be chosen, location of agent/broker, agent's website (if applicable) and your contact information (phone and e-mail). All submissions must be received no later than July 3rd.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 06/19/2009 08:06 AM |
Reel Productions TV in Realtor Magazine!
Check out the article below in this month's Realtor Magazine:
What Other's are Using: Multimedia Marketing Tools
The article has great insight into what tools agents are using in the business to be successful. You should get some great ideas! A special thank you to Matt Rains of Keller Williams, GA for the props!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 06/15/2009 09:09 PM |
Congratulations, to our client, Coldwell Banker for being nominated for an Inman Innovator Award for their new video-based website, Coldwell Banker On Location.
As I have been blogging, Reel Productions TV has been on the road for several months for corporate Coldwell Banker generating tons of material for their site launch.
Check out some of our videos below:
Consumer Tip- Making the Offer: When, Where and How Much
The goal of Coldwell Banker On Location is to produce a video for each community in America. Why? Well, as you may know, video has a much higher ranking than text in the eyes of Google. So if you place hundreds or thousands of videos together, your website just became king in the world of SEO. That is the exact recipe CB used for this site.
The corporate level is now taking it a step further and asking their local agents and brokerages to jump on board as well and produce their own video or have a production shop continue to make video for them on a local level to add to the national site. This includes video listings, community profiles, agent/broker profiles, video business cards, market reports, recruiting videos and more.
You'll also see consumer tip videos including spots for buyers, sellers, homeowners and more. It's all in an effort to be perceived as the market leader across America. And anyone who knows me or has ever read my blogs knows that I say this often, "Perception is reality" and that is what video can do for anyone out there. If you tell people you are the market leader and support it with professional video, testimonials, blogging, etc...you have just become the market leader through your perception to the masses.
I believe this is the first of many video-only sites we will see on the local and national level. Again, congratulations to Coldwell Banker for all their efforts. Best of luck in August at Inman!!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 06/15/2009 11:45 AM |
My biggest pet peeve in the video production world is an agent, broker or business that made the commitment to have a video produced, spent the time making it happen and then NEVER POSTS IT FOR ANYONE TO SEE!! The whole point of video is to set yourself apart from the competition through marketing yourself in a unique, state of the art way. No one knows that you have video if you're not marketing it to the masses.
So, here are few easy tips to show you how easy it is to upload video to the web. I just spent all of one hour uploading 14 videos to WellcomeMat If you have not been on this site, get there! It is one of the most user friendly video hosting sites out there. All you have to do is sign up for an account and then hit the UPLOAD VIDEO button. From there, the instructions could not be more user friendly. Your video video automatically uploads creating a URL for you to share however you wish.
Here is my video channel, essentially a home page for me to place all of my videos and to send potential clients for viewing. For example, if I have a client that is interested in a community profile, I can simply send them an example of our work by attaching a link such as this:
Or you can embed the video as seen below by simply hitting the SHARE button and then hitting COPY CODE. All you have to do is paste that code into your blog and you have an embeded video!
It is an easy, yet professional way to show potential clients you know your way around high tech marketing! And the possibilities are endless...send video home tours, agent profiles, video blogs, video business cards... It's a sure fire way to get yourself noticed above the masses :-)
For more help on uploading videos to other video hosting sites, check out our video tutorial from last year posted below. Some things on there are dated, but the basics remain the same!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 06/12/2009 08:32 AM |
The following is a re-blog from about a year ago. I thought the timing was appropriate with many agents getting listings with the turn of the weather and in some cities, the market. This is Video Tutorial #2 out of a series my partner, TJ Hedges, and I created. A lot has changed in a year (like our hairstyles, company branding, etc!) but the message and tips remain the same. I hope you get some great ideas on creating your own video!
So now that you know how to turn the camera on how do you know what to shoot? It's not as easy as you may think. We're going to walk you through a typical home tour with some photographer 101 basics.
First of all, try and find the focal point in the room. Is it the stack stone fireplace? The decorative hood over the range? The unique spiral staircase? Whatever the feature, try and showcase it first to grab the viewers' attention. The key to remember when creating a video home tour is giving them a "tease". You don't want to show them every light switch and electrical outlet...you want them to come see the house in person so you can sell it to them! With that in mind, keep it simple. Just a one to three shots in the main rooms (we'll get to what the main rooms are later) will do the trick.
Second, NEVER shoot into windows. Why? No matter how powerful the light is in the room it can never overpower the sun. That means whatever is inside will turn black (or extremely dark) and all you see are the windows. Therefore, never set up an interview by a window (since you won't see the person's face) and try to avoid pans into the windows since you will completely throw the color off in the room.
Third, keep your shots steady. Viewers can get sick watching a shaky video. Have you ever seen Blair Witch project? That photojournalistic technique is not recommended when selling real estate. If you have a tripod, use it. Try and find a flat surface where you can place your camera for pans or zooms (see below) so your shots will look more polished and professional. Always try to begin with an establishing shot...a shot that shows the entire room before beginning a pan or zoom technique.
So what are pans and zooms? Clearly stated, a pan is moving the camera from side to side and a zoom is closing the camera lens in on a particular object. To accomplish a pan correctly make sure your camera is steady. If you're panning a room try and keep the "horizon line" (think about being on a boat) straight. This means you want the floor to remain in the same spot throughout the shot. Keep the same idea in mind when panning up and down, say, on a staircase. The sides of the shot should remain consistent to keep a professional look and feel.
For zooms, don't use it unless it's necessary. Just because you have a feature on your camera doesn't mean you should use it! Ask yourself these questions: What am I zooming in on? Why am I zooming in on this object? Will it add any additional information to the viewer? I once watched a video home tour where the photographer zoomed in on a plant. Why? Does the plant come with the house? Do I need to know something additional about this plant that I didn't get from the first shot? Think about detail whenever using the zoom such as a decorative back splash or exquisite crown molding. Anything that can not be picked up on the initial shot or pan of the room MAY require a zoom.
 Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 06/09/2009 07:11 AM |
I am on a mission to dispel every rumor that video is too expensive to implement in the real estate industry. Back in February, Reel Productions TV decided to offer a monthly special for video home tours. The response was overwhelming so we decided to keep it around for a while to enable agents/brokers to get more video on their site.
Check out a sample of one of our video home tours:
Our special rate of $199 includes full motion video of the home, a customized script, professional voiceover, custom graphics (if desired...some agents, like Lane Bailey's above, wanted to keep it brand-free so he could post it on the MLS) and embed code.
Consumers are looking for unique ways to make their home stand out from the crowd and they are expecting their real estate agent to have the answers. Think about showing this the next time you head to a listing and you will be, hands down, in front of the competition. Truth be know, only about 5-percent of real estate agents/brokers are currently using video. Get noticed!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/28/2009 11:41 AM |
Check out our recent work with Brian David Realtors in Hoboken, New Jersey. The entire brokerage was able to get a video business card as a way to introduce and ultimately, transform their website to video based content...a trend that is becoming more and more popular. The great thing about these video business cards is that they were a quick, inexpensive way for agents/brokers to get video on their site (increasing their Google SEO results), show consumers their varying personality and begin building a video presence in which their competition is lacking. Perhaps the best part, these cards only cost the agents $75 bucks each...thereby dispelling the myth that video is expensive.
Take a look at one of our favorites of the day:
One look at the above video and you can tell we had an absolute ball shooting these! If your brokerage is interested in finding out more on Video Business Card parties, give us a call. We're national but a real person will answer the phone :-)
Waylon Jones- 678-361-8005 or you can e-mail Info@ReelProductions.TV or Waylon@ReelProductions.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/26/2009 05:07 PM |
In case you haven't seen Coldwell Banker's new video website yet, I thought I would bring the videos to you. Here is a sampling of some of the community profiles we produced:
Their entire website is created to give consumers the information they need to make a decision on where they want to purchase a home. By providing a myriad of information in video form they are representing themselves as the market leader...a concept Reel Productions TV has been preaching for a long time. Think about you can create this same kind of video presence for your own market or demographic your serve.
CB didn't stop at showcasing the communities, they also wanted consumer tips to show their clients they were well-versed in other areas of real estate. Here are some examples:
Making the Offer: When, Where and How Much?
Conveying Beyond Square Footage
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/17/2009 07:05 PM |
Check it out:
(Click 'play' on the first podcast from Tomato Radio)
I was interviewed by Real Estate Tomato about video in the real estate industry along with Ian Watt, blogger extraordinaire from British Columbia.
Ian first speaks of how and why to do video yourself and also gives some great ideas on video blogging. Jim Cronin then speaks with me about how to use video on a professional level by bringing in a production team.
Jim and Jason from The Real Estate Tomato did a great job capturing the importance of video in the real estate world. Hope you enjoy it and get a lot out of the discussion!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/16/2009 07:03 AM |
Check it out....I'm going to be on the Tomato Radio Show this Friday at 3:30PM! Check out the blog below from The Real Estate Tomato founder, Jim Cronin.
"This month's Tomato Radio Show is Dedicated to Discussing Online Video in Real Estate: Video Blogging, Live Testimonials, Property Highlights, Community Reviews, and More!"-Jim Cronin
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/12/2009 08:36 AM | Comments (1) | real estate tomato radio show |
So for the past three months I have been noticeably absent from blogging, my home, family and friends...but for good reason! Reel Productions TV has been hard at work, on the road, helping corporate Coldwell Banker launch their brand new website!
The video based site is truly unique in that it features communities, agents, consumer tips and more. Each video delves into consumer issues or community profiles to give buyers and sellers a better look at the real estate market. Even Coldwell Banker agents have an opportunity to introduce themselves online and invite consumers to do business with them.
Reel Productions TV was honored to be in the prominent mix of vendors which include CNN, Associated Press, This Old House, Turn Here and more.
This exclusive video site is a true indication that video is here to stay in the real estate market. And that major, international brokerages such as Coldwell Banker are taking the necessary steps to ensure their place in the landscape as an innovator in the video world.
Check it out...you can see a number of our videos on the home page. Continue to check this site as new videos will continue to be added as they expand their video reach across the country and beyond!
Official Press Release Below:
COLDWELL BANKER® LAUNCHES ‘ON LOCATION’ YOUTUBE
REAL ESTATE CHANNEL, featuring EXTENSIVE video CONTENT
and local insights
First In Category to Fully Leverage Video to Help Consumers Learn About the Local Areas and Real Estate Issues That Matter to Them
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (May 4, 2009) – Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today launched an innovative branded YouTube channel designed to offer consumers a new way to search for and interact with real estate information and listings. Named Coldwell Banker On Location (www.youtube.com/coldwellbanker), the site was created to more fully leverage the power of video for real estate search and discovery, and to drill deeper into the local insights that consumers want.
To create On Location, Coldwell Banker closely collaborated with both YouTube, a Google subsidiary, and Google to develop a customized framework and user experience – offering what is arguably one of the most comprehensive and immersive brand channels on the YouTube platform. On Location is the first branded YouTube channel to use dynamic IP lookup to search for videos, which automatically serves up local results when visitors first hit the site.
An Emphasis on Video and Local Content
Two areas of strategic focus set Coldwell Banker On Location apart from other real estate Web sites. First, it showcases the power of video to bring real estate more vividly to life – offering behind the scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, smart tips and timely news on real estate topics, and video listings of homes for sale. Second, content posted to On Location has a strong emphasis on local information and insights, so consumers can dig deeper into the areas of the country that interest them most.
Supporting this highly-localized perspective is one of the more unique aspects of Coldwell Banker On Location – the ability to search for videos through a special map feature that has been developed specifically for the site. The map ‘widget’ is a prominent feature at the top of the On Location site and the main starting point for consumers searching for a home, a specific area of the country or more information on a real estate topic.
At launch, Coldwell Banker On Location will be the first YouTube brand channel to use dynamic IP look-up, so visitors to the site will automatically be shown video search results from their own area / zip code. Then by clicking the link “Browse By Map,” consumers can enter the city / state or zip code of their choosing – which will immediately pull up all videos posted to On Location associated with that area. These video results are displayed as icons on the map.
Each search will return a wide range of video results, including video listings, spotlights on that local community and Coldwell Banker sales associate/representative profiles. Consumers can click through to view specific videos – as well as connect back to the main Coldwell Banker Web site to learn more about a specific property for sale.
“Video is a critical part of how today’s consumers want to explore real estate, and we intend to use it to an extent never before seen in our industry,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “On Location provides an exciting new platform for our vast network of thousands of sales associates to directly share the kind of local insights and knowledge that is invaluable to consumers hoping to learn about a new area.”
Gillespie noted that the site will appeal to a broad range of consumers. “You might be a first time homebuyer deciding between a few different towns in your area, someone about to relocate across the country, a Boomer thinking ahead to where to retire, or simply a person who’s dreaming about your ideal home. No matter what stage you’re at in your life or the real estate process, On Location has the insights you need served up in an exciting new format,” he said.
“Coldwell Banker On Location is about building the Web’s richest array of real estate video content that is also the richest in local insights,” said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “It’s the combination of these two missing pieces of the puzzle that make this site so exciting. In addition, Coldwell Banker is the first in the industry to put the full power of its brand and network behind a tool that represents the future of real estate – the video listing.”
“There are currently over 8 million monthly searches conducted on YouTube pertaining specifically to real estate,” said Sam Sebastian, real estate industry director for Google / YouTube. “Consumers are clearly hungry for real estate-related video content, which represents a huge opportunity. We’re thrilled that Coldwell Banker has realized the potential of the video medium faster than any other brand in the industry. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Coldwell Banker to build On Location into one of the Web’s most active destinations for real estate search, discussion and engagement.”
Some of the video and written content for On Location will be supplied by a select group of partners, including the Associated Press, CNN, Reel Productions TV, This Old House and TurnHere. Coldwell Banker On Location will complement the company’s main Web site at www.coldwellbanker.com – including the ‘Learn’ section which features educational content as well as news articles and updates on the real estate sector.
In addition to using YouTube as a platform, Coldwell Banker is leveraging the Google family of ad networks and channels for promotion of On Location. This includes both Google and YouTube search ads, YouTube banner promotions and Google TV.
Development of the On Location site was a collaborative effort by Coldwell Banker interactive agency partners, FD Kinesis and Bootstrap Software, Inc.
About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,500 residential real estate offices and 105,300 sales associates in 46 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 05/04/2009 06:30 AM |
Should Video Home Tours Be Mandatory?
Before you answer, check this out...
Some MAJOR brokerages are quickly moving to this philosophy. Why? Because they want their listings to be seen as different and more professional. When I first heard this I thought, "Wow, that's a bit extreme". But then I thought, "What a great idea!" It really does make sense. Why not have your agents do all they can to stand out in the crowd? And since only a small fraction of the real estate industry is currently using video, success is almost guaranteed if executed properly.
Here's the inside scoop of what we've been hearing on the mandatory video front:
-Video tours for any listing above a certain price point
-Video business cards/agent profiles for each agent on the main/corporate site
-Community profiles for brokerages showing the areas where they specialize
Here's the flip side of how the video world is changing. Brokerages are now becoming more of a "big brother" over the video they produce. Why? Well, one look at some of the poor video out there and you'll get the picture. Brokerages spend an awful lot of money, some on a national level, developing and protecting their brand. All it takes is one agent with poor judgement doing something 'not so professional' and posting it on YouTube. The brokerage is now in the position of performing damage control based on the actions of one agent. Because of this, many major brokerages are now asking for complete editorial control over each and every video posted with their logo/likeness. Some video distributors have heard this call and are now offering tools to help brokers with their quest for quality and professional video. WellcomeMat is offering customized websites that brokerages can control. If a video doesn't make the cut, it doesn't make the site.
Would love to know your thoughts.
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 04/30/2009 09:02 PM |
Reel Productions TV just returned from a multi-day shoot in San Antonio, Texas and I have to say, agents there have a lot on their side! This was my first trip to San Antonio and I was struck by the amazing natural beauty of the area coupled by the architectural detail that exudes culture. Not to mention, the people are some of the nicest you would ever want to meet! And why wouldn't they be happy with one of the coolest downtowns in all of America? The Riverwalk rocked! And did I mention the year long balmy weather?
But let's talk real estate. We were there to shoot community profiles so we got to see the ins and outs of several metros through the San Antonio area. All were quaint with their own appeal...shopping, restaurants, views, etc. But all boasted amazing houses. You've heard "every thing's bigger in Texas", well, they take that saying to heart with their homes. Even if the house wasn't large in size it's curb appeal felt monstrous.
And then, there's this out of Business Week today:
Best Zip: 78228
Location: San Antonio (West Side/St. Mary's University area)
Metro: San Antonio
Annual listing price change: +9%
Average listing price: $116,652
Days on the market: 134 days
San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas, is best known as the site of the battle of the Alamo. The city also has a Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park and SeaWorld San Antonio. St. Mary's University in San Antonio is the oldest and largest Catholic University in the state.
Definitely a great trip!
Thanks for the warm welcome San Antonio!!
Next stop, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Remember, if you're in the area, please be sure to let us know...we'd love to meet you :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 03/30/2009 07:42 PM |
Reel Productions TV is taking a break from their teaching schedule due to a CRAZY production schedule! We hope to have our seminars up and running again by summer.
Until then, look for us in the next six weeks shooting in these cities:
Denver
Las Vegas
Pittsburgh
Minneapolis
Detroit
Tampa
Orlando
Destin
San Antonio
Chatanooga
Nashville
Kansas City
St. Louis
and of course, Hotlanta!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 03/15/2009 02:30 PM |
Monday, March 16th from 9:30AM to 12:30PM
403 Corporate Center Dr
Stockbridge, GA
**3 CE Credits for GA agents/brokers
-Learn how to increase your SEO results through the use of video
-Learn why video is so important in this economy
-Learn how to shoot, edit and upload video to the web
-Much, much more!!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 03/05/2009 08:37 AM |
OK, we all know the economy is less than stellar. However, we all still need to get on with our business! So we've partnered up with teaching extroidanair, Matt Rains, to bring you tons of information that will help you thrive in your business. Check out courses Video 101 and 102 and Blogging 101 and 102.
LEARN HOW TO:
-INCREASE YOUR SEO RESULTS THROUGH BLOGGING AND VIDEO
-SHOOT EDIT AND POST VIDEO
-CREATE CUSTOM GRAPHICS FOR VIDEO
-EMBED TOOLS FOR MAPS AND VIDEO
-TO BECOME THE MARKET LEADER WITH TECHNOLOGY
-WRITE YOUR BEST BLOG
-GET YOUR BLOGS AND VIDEO SEEN ABOVE ALL OTHERS
-MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!
WHEN:
March 18th and 19th
Blogging 101 and 102: March 18th beginning at 9AM
Video 101 and 102: March 19th beginning at 9AM
WHERE:
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.
Evans, GA 30809
COST:
Only $30 per course
GEORGIA REALTORS RECEIVE 3 CE CREDITS PER COURSE!!!!!!
VIDEO 101
Did you know 80-percent of consumers go to the web before they ever pick up the phone to make a purchase? This fact includes home sales. Are you giving consumers what they are demanding...relevant content in an entertaining way? If not, don’t miss out on Video 101!
This course will give a comprehensive understanding of how video can be successfully used in your real estate career. Agents and brokers will get a better understanding of video and how they can implement the medium to not only showcase themselves as the market leader but also propel their level of professionalism in the market place.
Agents will learn the basics of video, creative ways to use video, how/where/when to use it, the best places to post on the web, the basics of a simple edit and the do’s and don’ts of shooting including lighting and audio. Plus...find out how to look, sound and feel your best in front of the camera as well as the basics of scriptwriting.
This hands on course is taught by broadcasting and production professionals with more than 35 years combined experience.
VIDEO 102
A few video facts:
• 135 million people logged on to watch online videos in November of 2008.
• Online viewers accounted for 20-percent of total viewership in 2008. That means 20-percent of the population went to the web for content instead of TV!
Do you have online video?
If not, Video Training 102 will teach you what you need to know to produce your own professional, quality video. As a real estate agent, your image is crucial...make sure your video is as professional as you are.
Learn editing and shooting techniques such as simple effects and camera skills that will have your video standing out from the crowd. Learn how to construct and voiceover an engaging script that will compliment the quality of your video. We’ll also teach you how to create a custom graphics package to place inside of your video to continue branding your image and business.
Leverage yourself with the power of video marketing. Everyone knows that video is the way to go for real estate in 2009. Are you ready?
This hands on course is taught by broadcasting and production professionals with more than 35 years combined experience.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 03/02/2009 07:10 AM |
OK, we all know the economy is less than stellar. However, we all still need to get on with our business! So we've partnered up with teaching extroidanair, Matt Rains, to bring you tons of information that will help you thrive in your business. Check out courses Video 101 and 102 and Blogging 101 and 102.
LEARN HOW TO:
-INCREASE YOUR SEO RESULTS THROUGH BLOGGING AND VIDEO
-SHOOT EDIT AND POST VIDEO
-CREATE CUSTOM GRAPHICS FOR VIDEO
-EMBED TOOLS FOR MAPS AND VIDEO
-TO BECOME THE MARKET LEADER WITH TECHNOLOGY
-WRITE YOUR BEST BLOG
-GET YOUR BLOGS AND VIDEO SEEN ABOVE ALL OTHERS
-MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!
WHEN:
March 18th and 19th
Blogging 101 and 102: March 18th beginning at 9AM
Video 101 and 102: March 19th beginning at 9AM
WHERE:
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.
Evans, GA 30809
COST:
Only $30 per course
GEORGIA REALTORS RECEIVE 3 CE CREDITS PER COURSE!!!!!!
VIDEO 101
Did you know 80-percent of consumers go to the web before they ever pick up the phone to make a purchase? This fact includes home sales. Are you giving consumers what they are demanding...relevant content in an entertaining way? If not, don’t miss out on Video 101!
This course will give a comprehensive understanding of how video can be successfully used in your real estate career. Agents and brokers will get a better understanding of video and how they can implement the medium to not only showcase themselves as the market leader but also propel their level of professionalism in the market place.
Agents will learn the basics of video, creative ways to use video, how/where/when to use it, the best places to post on the web, the basics of a simple edit and the do’s and don’ts of shooting including lighting and audio. Plus...find out how to look, sound and feel your best in front of the camera as well as the basics of scriptwriting.
This hands on course is taught by broadcasting and production professionals with more than 35 years combined experience.
VIDEO 102
A few video facts:
• 135 million people logged on to watch online videos in November of 2008.
• Online viewers accounted for 20-percent of total viewership in 2008. That means 20-percent of the population went to the web for content instead of TV!
Do you have online video?
If not, Video Training 102 will teach you what you need to know to produce your own professional, quality video. As a real estate agent, your image is crucial...make sure your video is as professional as you are.
Learn editing and shooting techniques such as simple effects and camera skills that will have your video standing out from the crowd. Learn how to construct and voiceover an engaging script that will compliment the quality of your video. We’ll also teach you how to create a custom graphics package to place inside of your video to continue branding your image and business.
Leverage yourself with the power of video marketing. Everyone knows that video is the way to go for real estate in 2009. Are you ready?
This hands on course is taught by broadcasting and production professionals with more than 35 years combined experience.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 03/01/2009 07:40 PM |
I was recently interviewed by Real Law Central...a website that focuses on the legal issues facing real estate agents. Because they are a subscription based site I was only allowed to post an excerpt from the article. I felt the following information was the most pertinent. Real estate broker, Brain Copeland of Nashville was the other featured interview in the story.
Issue Date: RealLawCentral.com - Feb. 16, 2009, Posted On: 2/5/2009 |
Many real estate brokers and agents don’t use video home tours as part of their marketing plans, but as millions of people view sites like YouTube each day and more prospective buyers begin their home searches online, some industry experts wonder what’s holding agents back. Here, we examine the ways others have found innovative ways to utilize video and turn the technology into leads and sales. Tara Jones, co-owner of Reel Productions TV in the metro-Atlanta area, understands that technology can be intimidating. A former reporter for WSB-TV in Atlanta, Jones and her business partner TJ Hedges provide video production services for real estate professionals. Jones said real estate agents and brokers already have to be jacks-of-all-trades for their customers. For those who don’t have the time and expense to devote to creating and marketing video tours, companies like Jones’s take the reins. Other real estate professionals, though, have tackled the job themselves. Assume nothing, get permission The biggest offenders of video tour production are those who use music that they are not permitted to use. Copeland warned that agents shouldn’t assume no one will notice they’ve used a song without proper permission. “The biggest mistakes that agents make are, they say, ‘I’m going to put the song “Our House” in the background.’ That’s the biggest mistake you can make, because you are breaking the law. So while you may have this great idea to use it, you’ll have to go on the side on non-creativity in those cases,” Copeland said. Using songs that are copyright protected without permission is a violation of the law, and the federal government won’t simply look the other way if it finds a violation, even if the agent pleads ignorance. Jones said her business partner, Hedges, once worked with a mass duplication company that was retained to produce 100 copies of a DVD which happened to include songs for which the DVD producer had not obtained permission to use. “The FTC came in and asked if they had a license for the songs that were on there. Once they got done slapping the fines on, the company got a $7 million bill,” Jones said. “They went bankrupt and lost the whole business, and they weren’t even the ones producing the DVD, they were just duplicating it. So it really has this unbelievable trickle-down effect.” Avoiding steep fines is simple: go to a site with royalty-free music like royaltyfreemusic.com or digitaljuice.com. Those sites charge a one-time fee, but it pales in comparison to the fines an agent could face for using a song without permission. Songs at many of the sites range from about $10 per song to $99 for access to an entire library of music. The songs featured on the sites won’t include the latest hit by Beyonce, but they do have genres of music like contemporary, jazz, Latin and others that “don’t sound like elevator music,” Jones said. Before shooting video of a home, Jones advised that agents first get permission from the seller — of course — and check the contract and disclosures to ensure nothing that is shot and portrayed as a “feature” of the house isn’t actually leaving with the seller. Once during a shooting of a home, Jones and Hedges noticed a beautiful set of front doors and asked the agent, “almost in jest,” whether the doors were staying with the house, certain that they would be perfect to shoot for the video. It’s a good thing she asked, Jones said. “We went and looked at the disclosure and sure enough, they were taking the front door,” Jones said. “Assume nothing. If in doubt, look at that disclosure.” When shooting a video neighborhood tour, agents should remember that public streets are fine to shoot and require no permission. Any private property, though, like a mall or a pizza parlor, will need the thumbs-up from the owner. Before posting any videos online, agents who are affiliated with a brokerage should make sure the company doesn’t have any rules or restrictions in place regarding the technology. Some larger brokerages, Jones said, are finding that inexperienced agents who post less-than-professional videos and include the company brand may be harming the brokerage more than they are helping. Even client testimonials can result in legal wrangling if not handled appropriately, Copeland advised. He provides a release to any client before shooting video of them. Although some real estate professionals may expect that since it is their own client, they “won’t care” about taking video, Copeland said that’s not a safe assumption, and agents should protect themselves, just as they would in any real estate contract. “You never know. Relationships go sour. Every single person who ever gets on a camera with me has to sign a release,” Copeland said. |
For the full story, please visit www.reallawcentral.com
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 02/10/2009 06:45 PM |
We're at it again!
Come join us, Active Rainers, as we host another video training class this Monday, February 9th in Duluth, GA from 9:30AM-12:30PM. It is an interactive, video training seminar for real estate agents to learn the basics of shooting, editing and posting video...much like our Reel Tech TV video tutorials that began right here on Active Rain! We'll also explore different web marketing tools, how to increase your SEO results through video, how and where to upload video and much, much more!!
Georgia agents/brokers also receive 3 continuing education credits. TJ and I will be teaching the class. This is a great opportunity to get on board the video train!
Hope to see you Monday!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 02/04/2009 06:08 PM |
I had just had to share. Check out the below article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. They highlighted, Lane Bailey, one of our clients (OK, maybe one of our favorite clients but don't tell the others!) The article really focuses on how Lane is stepping outside of 'traditional real estate' to continue his success in a changing economy and market. We all know he's a social networking king but for the next several days he's going to be the media king in the ATL :-)
Way to go, Lane!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 02/01/2009 01:13 PM |
$150 Video Home Tours Are A StealThe Entire Month of February!
No, the above is not a misprint...Reel Productions.TV presents this amazing offer toMetro Atlanta Realtors!
Have a home tour shot in the month of February for only $150... that's comparable to the cost of a single one day print ad in the local paper.
What's Included:
Quality Full Motion Video
We are talking video not moving pictures with elevator music. Shots of exterior, main living area, master, kitchen dining room and any special feature areas. Package includes high energy music and custom graphics all edited and posted to the internet for your usage.
Use Your Video To...
Create Excitement About Your Listing.
Place it on your website, on other real estate related sites, send it out as an e-mail blast, as part of your e-newsletter, send it out as a DVD, loop it at an open house or WOW potential clients at a lisitng presentation.Don't Wait... Spaces are Limited!There are only 28 days in FebruaryBook Your Tours Today!
Call 678-571-5728ore-mail tara@reelproductions.tv
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/26/2009 02:28 PM |
NEW: Learn how to shoot, edit and post video!
UPDATE: Several of you have asked, you do not have to be a Realtor to attend class.
Join us March 16th for a Video Training/Web Marketing workshop. We will be teaching real estate professionals how to shoot, edit and post video and most importantly how to market their video while optimizing search engine results. This workshop has been a huge hit so check at the bottom of the page for additional class dates if you can't join us in February.
This is not a class where we are going to sell our services...this is a class to get you up to speed with what you need to know to produce video yourself! Class runs from 9:30AM to 12:30PM at 403 Corporate Center Drive Stockbridge, GA. Cost is $60. Georgia Realtors receive 3 CE credits.
Click here to sign up.
Course Synopsis:
With more and more agents and brokers taking the plunge into shooting and producing their own video, the correct tools and resources are vital to protect the professional image they have worked so hard to create. Through our video training seminar real estate professionals will get the tools they need to incorporate video successfully into their marketing model while optimizing their search engine results through the medium. You won't find this workshop anywhere else!
*Why video is so important and why the video revolution is particularly vital in the real estate industry
*Hands-on demonstration of how to shoot, edit and post video on the web
*Comprehensive list of where video should be posted to get the most viewers and generate leads
*How to optimize search engine results utilizing video
*Creative uses for video that agents/brokers can easily implement into their everyday business life, setting them apart from the competition
*Tricks of the trade for scripting and voicing videos
*On-camera techniques to ease fears in front of the lens
*Expansive equipment list detailing how to get the most for your money
*How video can be marketed through various mediums
*Extensive question and answer period for participants
Upcoming Video Training/Web Marketing Classes:
April 20th, May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th
*All classes will take place in the Metro Atlanta area and will be from 9:30AM to 12:30PM.
AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW 2-DAY SEMINAR IN AUGUSTA, GA MARCH 18TH AND 19TH! BLOGGING AND VIDEO TRAINING ALL IN ONE! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
About the Instructos:
Emmy Award winning journalist Tara Jones and photographer/editor TJ Hedges with more than 35 years combined experience in the broadcast and production world have teamed up to form Reel Productions, LLC. A production company dedicated to providing quality, online video marketing.
Over the years their client list has included a virtual who's who of America's fortune 500 companies including AT&T, Coca-Cola, McDonald's Corp., Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Broadcast entities ABC, CNN, CBS, ESPN and PBS. Their current splash in the real estate industry has attracted such clientele as Prudential Utah, real estate industrialist, Kevin Tomlinson, Soft Realty and Real Espace, just to name a few.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/24/2009 06:33 PM |
OK, in light of my blog I posted less than 24 hours ago, I give you the following.
When I was in NY at Inman Connect, I too, was asking the same questions about Twitter. "I just don't get it!", I preached amongst the Tweeters! But alas, I was shown at least one way that makes a little bit of sense on how to operate the site.
I'll share with you what was shared with me and if other 'Tweeters' want to chirp in and explain some other ways on how Twitter helped them and their business or social networking efforts, please do so. This blog can then become a place of reference for real estate professionals to learn one of the newest technological trends in the social world.
Here's what I learned:
Find a person who has master Twitter, go to their account and simply click "follow" on all the people they are following. Since I have already done this you can simply copy mine here. From there, you will be shocked at the number of people who reciprocate and follow you in return. Now, that you have a significant base of followers, every time you blog, be sure to past the link/URL on Twitter and tell people to go there*.
*Since you only get a small amount of space, Shrink this Link is a great site to condense your URL (There are a number of other sites like this as well) Maybe someone else can explain this to me but sometimes, the URL shrinks to "TinyURL.com" on its own in Twitter and sometimes it doesn't.
The final step that was explained to me is a little time consuming but it works! Each time someone follows you, send them a quick, "Thanks for the follow!" This advice was given to me by Lane Bailey...social networking extraordinaire! Believe it or not, this was a great way to open up a line of dialogue between fellow Twitters. I have met several people on Twitter using this piece of advice. Thanks, Lane!
Again, please post any advice you have on how you have mastered Twitter. Thanks!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/20/2009 07:09 AM |
At first glance, Twitter appears to be the underdog in the battle of social networking. But at closer glance, Twitter is up more than 752% for the year. That's according to Compete, website analytics. At that rate, it won't take long for Twitter to catch up to the big dogs like Linkedin and of the monsters like Facebook.
Another interesting point to note is that MySpace is down for the year almost 10% while Facebook is up over 85%. Those stats could be the direct result of all of us "old people" invading the tween, online space for business!
See you on Twitter!
Visit
Year Δ What is this? | Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/19/2009 08:15 PM |
I can't tell you the number of real estate professionals who have taken the plunge and now have video but aren't marketing it correctly. In fact, they're not marketing it all! There is no point to go through the trouble of shooting, editing and posting or hiring a crew to do the same if the video is going to stay in your back pocket. The industry is on the verge of a major marketing shift and video is at the helm. To take advantage, here are some tips to get your videos seen by the masses.
We've all heard of posting video on numerous websites such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, YouTube, Yahoo, Google, etc. But let's not forget about some no brainer websites/ideas as well. Make sure you are posting your video on your own website! You would be shocked at the number of clients we have that fail to place the video on their own site.
But don't rely solely on web marketing. Your videos can also be sent out as an e-mail to every person in your address book. Don't assume that people who are the closest to you know everything about your business and the latest happens within your business. It's not a bad idea to send out a video blast with your latest listing or whatever your video may be about. You may be shocked at the response and potential leads you generate.
Another idea? Burn your video to a DVD and mail it out to potential clients along with your printed marketing material. Set yourself apart from the crowd by being different and innovative. This is one excellent way to do just that.
Check out your local cable outlet. For our Atlanta clients, we partner with Comcast on Demand to get their videos on air to the masses. The 24 hour program runs seven days a week on a real estate loop and is viewed by an average of 800,000 people! Not a bad way to get guaranteed eyeballs. One of our clients placed a home tour on Comcast and had more than 13-thousand hits on his video in less than a month!! He had amazing leads that lead to several, in-person showings as well.
Finally, why not make video part of the way you do business. Send out a monthly e-mail or a quarterly marketing report. It's a great way to stay in contact with your clients and prospects all in a cutting edge, sophisticated way. And you don't have to shoot a new video to do this...simply attach whatever video(s) you already have with your newsletter or market report.
Here's an example of great property with a great video...imagine the potential if you spread this far and wide!
Happy real estate video shooting!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/18/2009 06:50 PM |
Check this site out: Open Directory Project
You can list your website here for no charge. The directory provides content feeds to all the major search engines. It also provides a link to your site from an informational hub that Google deems important. Pretty cool, huh? I just listed our site and it took about 5 minutes.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/16/2009 07:43 PM |
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and hire a professional. Now what? I’ve compiled a list of questions mainly gathered from the Digital Video Summit at Inman Connect in NY to help you find the right crew for your needs.
1.) Ask to see their work. This is their resume in video form. See if they have the skills you are looking to hire.
2.) Ask for references and CHECK THEM! Would you believe most companies that ask for references never check them? If you are going to make the investment make sure you know you’re dealing with the right people.
3.) Shop around. Once you know what you are looking for, get bids from several video companies. You may be surprised at what you find some in your own backyard are more expensive than ones across country!
4.) Ask “what is included with that price?” Many companies don’t include post editing fees and this can KILL you in the end.
5.) Find out if you own the video or if the company owns the final product. If the company owns the footage this could become tricky when trying to distribute your video to the masses.
6.) Make sure any music that is used is licensed or copyright free!!!! This is important even if you're doing the video yourself.
7.) Ask about their turn-around time. How long will it take to get your video shot, edited and delivered to you?
Good luck...your videos are going to look great :-)
OK, so after much debate, both in person and online, I have decided to open up this dialogue on Active Rain. Posting real estate video on YouTube has become a hot button topic and here's why. There are a number of people out there who believe that YouTube is a great place to post their real estate videos and other who warn against it for various reasons. I highlighted the major pro's and con's and would then like Active Rainers to chime in.
PROS:
-More visibility for the video
-Guaranteed eyeballs
-Title of video in YoutTube helps in SEO results
-Mass marketing
CONS:
-No control over video once it is released to YouTube
-Non-relevant and sometimes, inappropriate videos follow real estate video
-Non-qualified eyeballs watching the video
-Once the viewer is done with your video you've lost them in the YouTube world
What do you think?
UPDATE: Be sure to check out the comments below...they offer a lot of great insight, tips and ideas on how to 'work' YouTube. Thanks everybody!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/12/2009 01:33 PM |
Easy answer: Anything that is entertaining to the viewer can be deemed as a great video. When thinking about what you want your video to look like think about the main points you want to get across to the viewer and what is the most entertaining way to convey those points.
I’m not talking about song and dance or comedy. Entertainment can be as simple as good production value. Anything that is pleasing to the eye to watch and evokes emotion is entertainment. We just want to make sure the emotion is a positive one!
At Inman NY in the Digital Video Summit, the question was posed, “Should I use track or should I just use music?” The answer is two fold. Most in the room felt that track/voiceover was a good idea to help tell the story. A point was also brought up that if your video ever left your site it should be self contained so people know what they’re looking at and who they should contact for more information. That means including contact information and a URL on every video.
The other answer to that question is, as long as the video is entertaining, there are no rules to follow. If you can tell the story without a voice, go for it! Of course, this is a lot harder to do and requires a more specific photojournalistic eye, but it certainly can be done.
For argument’s sake, let’s just say you’re going to write a track for your video. What should you write? How do you get started? Well, first and foremost, you want to portray a compelling story to the viewer...one that holds their attention. Try to focus on the main points that you want to convey.
For example, say you’re doing an agent profile on yourself. You want to get across that you work well with people, have 20 years experience, specialize in the Upper West End neighborhood and are actively looking for more clients. Keep those points in mind when drafting a script and that will help keep you on track by giving you a direction for your story. It’s always best to remain conversational in your writing and speaking. The days of Walter Cronkite are over! Be yourself. If you sound like you’re reading...STOP and start over. The art of voiceover is to sound like you’re talking without “reading”. Remember, like everything in life, you will get better with practice.
As for the length of the video, I recommend no more than two minutes. We live in a YouTube world with short attention spans. If you loose them, they’re gone. It’s better to keep them wanting more than have them turn away due to boredom or poor quality.
As a side note, many professional crews will write and voice the script for you if you do not want to do it yourself. Or, they can simply write it for you if you still want to track it yourself.
Along the YouTube vein, keep this in mind before posting your video on YouTube's site:
1.) Will your desired viewer be looking for real estate videos on YouTube? The number one videos watched on YouTube (BY FAR) are music videos.
2.) If you viewer can't find you or watches all your videos, will they then return to your website or will they be sucked into the YouTube vortex and never return to you.
3.) You lose complete control when you release your videos to YouTube. Including, the follow-up videos that pop up after your video plays which could be ANYTHING.
We always recommend to place your videos where the 'correct' eyeballs will see them. Make your moves strategic to see optimum results.
Happy video shooting!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/10/2009 07:20 PM | Comments (13) | Creating Video in the Technology and Tools Channel | real estate video tips |
I wanted to invite all Active Rainers to a video training class this Monday, January 12th in Stockbridge, GA from 9:30AM-12:30PM. It is an interactive, video training seminar for real estate agents to learn the basics of shooting, editing and posting video...much like our Reel Tech TV video tutorials that began right here on Active Rain! This was something I heard over and over again while in New York..."How can I learn how to shoot my own videos?" Here's your chance. Web marketing tools, SEO results and more will also be discussed.
Georgia agents/brokers also receive 3 continuing education credits. TJ and I will be teaching the class. This is a great opportunity to get on board the video train!
Hope to see you Monday!
**If you aren't able to travel but want the class in your neck of the woods let me know...we can make that happen!**
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/10/2009 07:33 AM |
This was the panel in which I was a speaker. We were able to view some fabulous videos from each of the panelists that really gave a flavor of what can be done with video.
Ian Watt showed his famous driving, video blog. Matthew Leone showed how a third quarter market report can be "brought to life" and Doug Heddings took us through a New York neighborhood and apartment with style. I opted to show a luxury condo, hosted home tour that we shot in South Beach.
The mix of videos was a true blend of creativity which helped evoke thought as to what -can- be done with video. Since we never really dove into great detail about the different uses for video I thought I would put some suggestions here.
Video Business Card: Think about what you say to a person you've just met when describing what you do for a living. Subliminally, you are asking for their business. Why not put it in video form and put it on your home page? Or e-mail it out? Or mail it out in a DVD with other marketing material?
Video Newsletter: You know you have wonderful ideas and innovative thoughts that you're getting ready to implement. Why not share your continued successes with your previous, current and potential clients? Did you just sell an amazing house? Or piece of land? BRAG ABOUT IT ON VIDEO! You will convey professionalism, competence and a sense of forward thinking. Again, put it on your website, e-mail it out or mail it out.
Community Profile: If you specialize in a certain area of town, showcase it in a community profile. Be the tour guide of the area and the perceived market expert. Remember, perception is reality. A good use for this...how about Comcast on Demand or your local cable provider? What about playing it at your open houses? Or how about in your office or storefront?
Agent/Broker Profile: Show people your personality and what it's like to work with you. If you become a real person to them in the video you are automatically more approachable and more likely to get a phone call from a prospective client. Same distribution suggestions as above.
Home Tours: There are a million different ways to do a home tour...with on-camera talent, voiceover, music, fast edits, slow edits, showing the community/schools/shopping/amenities, interviewing the homeowner, neighbors, etc. No matter what you decide, MAKE IT PROFESSIONAL! Quality is key and image is everything is real estate. You have done a lot to build your reputation, don't ruin it with a poor quality video. Again, same distribution suggestions as Community Profile.
Video Blogging: This one is new for me because the very essence of it is lower production value. Of course, you're not going to spend time, money and effort on a video blog but still make sure the audio is usable and the footage is viewable. I believe that this form of social networking will explode in the upcoming months and years so why not take the plunge? Restrict this distribution to social networking and your blog site only.
Video Testimonials: If -you- tell the world you're fantastic you're perceived as conceited. If -others- tell the world you're fantastic you are!! Use this on your website for sure!
Virtual "About Us": You know the part of the website where you stick your bio, picture, etc. That should be a video! -Tell- people about yourself and why you got into real estate. Give them a glimpse into who you are and what makes you tick. Again, you become approachable which is a huge asset for a real estate professional.
Marketing Campaign/Launch: If you're actively looking for new clients, tell them! If you're getting ready for a new launch of a product, tell them! If you have a new, amazing listing, tell them! Think of what you would do as a mail out and turn it into video form. From there, a DVD can be mailed or the video can be e-mailed.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/08/2009 08:12 PM |
Didn't go to Inman NY? No worries...check this out!
There were an average of 50 people in the first ever Digital Video Summit at Inman Connect in NY. All in all, I have to say I was quite impressed with the number of knowledgeable agents/brokers in the room in regards to video. I noticed a stark contrast from just six months ago at Inman in San Fransico. There, few agents “got” the whole video revolution. Many were confused about how to successfully implement the medium into their business and couldn’t decide if they wanted to attempt the venture themselves or hire a professional.
Fast forward six months and you have a room filled with viable questions really addressing the issues of video in real estate and much of the room opting out of the “do it yourself” mode. Which makes me wonder...did many of these agents/brokers try to do it themselves and found it too time consuming? Did they not enjoy the process? Did they simply not find the time in their crazy schedule to get it done? None of these questions were posed but I can surmise at least one of the above is probably accurate. Here’s my take on that...real estate agents have enough to do in their day. In essence, each agent/broker is a business owner having to deal with countless daily dealings. Adding video production to their already packed schedule probably wasn’t a viable option for most.
Still, some wanted to know what cameras were the best to buy, what equipment was needed to produce/edit video and what kind of costs they were looking to endure. The loaded question of the day was, “How much time is this going to take if I do it myself?” Needless to say, there was an audible chuckle from the audience. Some probably knew the answer and others could probably take a wild guess. It was best summed up by one panelist saying, “It’s kind of like putting together a stool from Ikea. The first time you do it, it’s really not that easy and can take a lot of time. But you get better and faster each time you do it.” Great analogy.
In this and in upcoming blogs, I will do my best to thoroughly answer each one of the above questions as well as the other hot button questions such as:
-How can I be creative with my video?
-Where should I distribute my video?
-Should I track the video or set it to music?
-How do I tell a compelling story?
-What questions should I ask when hiring a professional photography crew?
-How important is quality?
-What should my video contain?
These are questions that my partner, TJ and I get on a constant basis when teaching our video training seminars. Because of that, we have brochures for the answers!
Here’s our first answer on camera choices:
Editing Software:
Final Cut Pro (Mac), I-Movie (Mac), Windows Movie Maker (PC)
-In my opinion Mac makes editing as close to idiot proof as possible. It is very user friendly and can truly be self taught if you dedicate a couple hours to learning. It allows you to make edits with effects (dissolves, swish pans, etc...some are fancier than others), add music, graphics and voiceover track. The software is standard on Mac computers.
-Windows Movie Maker can do all of the same as I-Movie but can be a little more confusing.
Costs:
If you’re doing the production yourself factor in the cost of the equipment you purchased (camera, lights, microphone, editing software, graphics software, etc) PLUS the amount of time it took you to shoot, edit and upload your video. Why? As a real estate professional you should know the answer to this one...
TIME IS MONEY! If it took you one day factor your normal productivity for the day and what you normally anticipate as a monetary return. If you’ve never thought this through before, you should. Another way (and perhaps the more common method) is to take what your earned last year and divide it by your work calendar year (excluding vacation time, days off, etc)
So let’s say you average $200 a day, you spent $500 on equipment and it took you two days for the entire production. Your hard cost is $900. Keep in mind, the next time you shoot, you can eliminate the equipment cost given that you didn’t purchase anything additional.
Now taking that figure and looking at what it currently costs to get a professional video made, you are honestly comparing apples to apples. However, your finished product will be comparing apples to oranges. BUT WAIT, I promise I am not doing a shameless plug...there is a lot to be said for agents/brokers shooting their own video. I am passionate about giving people the tools, knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their own. That is the main reason we started teaching video training seminars because we were inundated with questions on how to produce a higher quality video as a “do it yourselfer”.
But remember what I said above, time is money. You have to ask yourself if you want to take the time to produce a quality video that you would be proud to hang your name on or do you want to pass the baton? There is no right answer. It is an individual choice for each one of you to decide. The question that has already been infaticly answered is, “Do I need to use video as a real estate professional?” YES!!!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/08/2009 07:53 AM |
While many of my counterparts are still out on the town, my New York minute is about to come to an end for the first night of Inman Connect. As I sit overlooking Times Square where the New Year's ball is still standing, I can't help but anticipate all the excitement and wonder that this New Year will bring and what better way to get the ball rolling than by spreading ideas at Inman.
Beer and Bloggers was fantastic, as always. Well, technically it was only my second 'BB' but both have been great ;-) I met a ton of amazing people all with brilliant ideas that I can't wait to see hit the marketplace. It always amazes me the level of talent, creativity and skill that can be packed into such a small room. The energy it creates is truly an experience to be had.
A special thanks to Rudy with Trulia for a wonderful opening night party. And a 'thank you' to the Active Rain crew for getting me to the party without freezing to death! You guys are the best :-)
Tomorrow starts the first round of seminars as well as the inaugural Digital Video Summit which I am most excited to attend. I'll be sure to report back on the discussions, ideas and ah-ha moments of the day. If this first night is any indication of the ideas about to be presented, we are all in for a treat.
Talk to you all soon!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/06/2009 10:00 PM |
That's right! According to Internet audience measurement firm ComScore, 135 million people across the country tuned in to their computer to watch video as opposed to their television. AdAge reports that almost 20-percent of total video consumption is now online...up from 11-percent just a year ago.
So now the burning question, are you using video on your website? If not, why not? Clearly there is a market searching for streaming, online video and if they don't find it on your site they're moving on.
So why do so many people have video on their sites? Well, that's a loaded question with a lot of answers. First and foremost, video is now a lot cheaper to produce and with the new, user-friendly technology, more people are able to take part in the trend. Second, high speed Internet connections and Web technologies are now able to keep up with the streaming demands so video now looks GREAT online. This is something new. Remember the days of "stuck" video and the "buffering" icon? You still see them every now and again, but for the most part, they are becoming obsolete because of advancing technology. Finally, video is all the rage. As with any trend, most hop on board if they see something taking off. There's no doubting that video is now a freight train moving through the high speed world. Those that have it can come on board, those that don't are getting run over.
So how do you get started? It's really quite simple and you have a number of options. You can pick up a camera (as inexpensive as a Flip camera) and start shooting. Remember, we have a whole video tutorial series here on Active Rain that can help you through the whole process. There are also video training classes(we happen to teach one ourselves!) that can give you all the tools you need to not only shoot your video but also implement it in the world of online marketing so you get the best results. Or you can contact a professional to do everything for you.
Bottom line, whatever you choose to do, do something! It will not only help your business in the long run but it will also open up a whole new world of opportunity that you didn't even know existed! Imagine sending out video e-mails, video newsletters, DVD mailers, having your business profile on Comcast on Demand, a video based website, video testimonials, video playing at your open houses...the possibilities are endless! And all make you look like the true professional you are.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/05/2009 11:20 AM |
After penciling in my New Year appointments on my brand new 2009 calendar, I suddenly realized Inman NY is next week!!!! What is the world happened to the last six months? I seriously felt like I was just trucking up the hills in San Francisco last week. But alas, here we are 26 weeks later and I am psyched to head back for another round of Inman networking.
Inman San Fran was my first experience with the conference and it was a great one. I met FANTASTIC people, many of whom I still stay in contact with and was able to network and learn like never before.
This time, I will be going as a speaker at the Digital Video Summit...a new seminar for Inman and I am proud to be a part of its inaugural session. Video is not going to be huge in the real estate world, it already is HUGE! So now, agents, brokers, etc. want to know how to get involved and this summit is one great way to learn.
Here's a glimpse of the schedule. I hope to see you all there!!
Workshop Program
Wednesday, January 7, 8:30 am – 9:15 am
Can Video Really Sell Houses?
Find out if integrating video is your next strategic move. Should you and if so then how?
Moderated by Joel Burslem, VP of Content, Inman News
- Brian Balduf, Co-Founder & CEO, VHT Inc.
- Hector Gavilla, President and Founder, DiamondHomeVideos.com
- Benjamin Wayne, Founder & CEO, Fliqz
Wednesday, January 7, 9:15 am – 10:15 am
4 Killer Uses for Real Estate Video
How to do you produce, use, and most importantly profit from it? Watch and hear from agents who are doing it well. Did they do it themselves or use a professional?
Moderated by Joel Burslem, VP of Content, Inman News
- Doug Heddings, Senior VP, Prudential Douglas Elliman
- Tara Jones, Co-Owner, Reel Dwellings TV
- Ian Watt, Luxury Condo Realtor, MacDonald Realty
- Matthew J. Leone, Marketing Manager, Terra Marketing, Terra Holdings, LLC
Wednesday, January 7, 10:15 am – 11:00 am
How to get video cheap—from do it yourself to consumer-pro to low-end production
Show me the money... Just how much will video cost? Learn some tips for doing it on the cheap, from DIY to hiring a professional.
Moderated by Michael Price, President, ML Broadcast
- Morgan Brown, Director of Marketing, TurnHere
- Phil Thomas Di Guilio, Co-Founder, WellcomeMat.com
- Fred Light, Video Producer, NashuaVideoTours.com
Wednesday, January 7, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Share Your Video With the World
Learn the secrets to successful marketing, syndication and distribution of your digital video from these experts.
Moderated by Michael Price, President, ML Broadcast
- Paul Kontonis, Co-Founder & CEO, ForYourImagination
- Vikki Neil, VP/GM Online Brands, Scripps Networks Digital
- James Shiner, Lead Developer, ZIPVO, LLC
Wednesday, January 7, 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Keynote: Where Can Online Video Take Us?
Learn how video can be used in just about every aspect of your real estate business. So just what's the future of video in real estate?
- Channing Dawson, Senior Vice President of Emerging Media, Scripps Networks Digital
See you in NY!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 01/03/2009 09:02 PM |
Here are some tried and true techniques to get your motors running if you find yours is currently on empty!
BUSINESS RELATED:
-Try something new. If you've been e-mailing blasting for the last two months, do something else. Pick up the phone, run an ad in the paper, log on to a new networking website, make a business call to a new client, join a networking group, do ANYTHING but what you've been doing. Insanity could easily be defined as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results!
-Reach out to your previous clients by sending a holiday e-mail or card. Remember, these people were once at the top of your priority list...don't let them fall to the bottom. They could be your biggest cheerleaders and source of referrals.
-Tie up all your loose ends. If you're waiting on a phone call, e-mail, need to make a phone call or e-mail...do it! There is no time like the present to complete a task. It could mean more business and money to you in the long run.
-Talk about your business where you normally don't. Does your hairdresser know what you do? How about your next door neighbor? What about your extended family? You may be surprised at the number of people who are not aware of your ability to help them in the business world. During this time of gathering and festivities be sure to update those you meet.
PERSONAL:
-Go to a yoga class. I know this sounds 'new age' but you'll be amazed at the clarity you will find as you force yourself to relax and rejuvinate.
-Start a journal. Getting the clutter out of your head just by putting it on paper can create room for new thought and ideas.
-Clip coupons. Saving money creates a "feel good" emotion and a sense of accomplish. Clip coupons in the local Sunday paper and/or online at Coupons.com or other money saving places.
-Take an Angel off the Angel Tree at the mall (or any other selfless act). Recognizing that others are less fortunate can help put your own trials and tribulations in perspective. Helping those in need is ALWAYS a way to make yourself feel better :-)
Hope this helps!! :-) :-) :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 12/06/2008 06:36 PM |
This "Meme" stuff is new to me, so bear with me! Don Rogers called me out on this one and I will try to make him proud.
The topic: One item I would like for Christmas.
Don did the best thing in his blog by turning his item into a beautiful sentiment of gratefulness for his grandparents. That's inspiring. I actually took his lead and wrote a very poignant, meaningful blog about how life is about more than "things"...yada, yada, yada. But before I could post it I realized, I'm not being entirely truthful. What I really want for Christmas is a winning lotto ticket! But it's not for completely selfish reasons...here's why:
Every person I know would get a fantastic holiday gift, my family would no longer have mortgages to worry about, my daughter would be set for college (and so would her children!), several charities would have the best Christmas ever, my church would be able to pay off their recent renovation bill, not one Angel Tree would have one single angel left to buy for, the Salvation Army would need bigger pots to hold more money, Toys for Tots would need bigger bins for more toys, the homeless shelters would have more food and clothes to offer those in need, animal shelters would be able to house more abandoned pets, my husband and I would be able to take that trip to Aruba that we've been talking about for years (OK, that one is a little selfish) and I would have the wardrobe I have always dreamed of (OK, that one is REALLY selfish)!
But all in all, that would be a FANTASTIC Christmas for A LOT of people all from buying a $1 little piece of paper ;-) So that is what I would like for Christmas if anyone wants to get it for me!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 12/03/2008 07:48 PM | Comments (4) |
THE EFFECTS OF TODAY'S MEDIA
In light of my last blog, I am sharing my positive thoughts of the day :-)
Today is the first day that I can officially call myself a 'former news reporter'. It is a decision one year in the making.
After having one foot in the world of news and one foot in the world of real estate, I painstakingly realized...that doesn't work. Why? Because the real estate industry is not as bad as the media is portraying. I could no longer be a part of the problem and have decided to be an active part of the solution. This is the most empowered I have felt in years!
Remember, words have power. I didn't realize that for more than a decade I was using my words for the lesser good. Not anymore. There will be no more instilling fear for the sake of ratings or for the approval of management. It is toxic and it is wrong.
What I want each and every person out there to know is that there is a very soft filter on the news you see everyday. From local to national, you are always at the mercy of the person who wrote the story. Whether it is intentional or not, opinion and biases will come into play. Please use your own filter when informing yourself of the day's events.
Here's a neat experiment I tried earlier this month. I decided not to watch the news AT ALL for one week. Crazy, yes...especially for a journalist. However, it proves the point I am about to make. I continued with my work with ReelDwellings.TV, the production company I own. The phone was ringing from real estate agents anxious to get on board the video band wagon. I kept thinking, the economy must be doing better because I am witnessing consumer confidence and progressive thinking from my clients (mainly ALL real estate professionals). Then, after a week, I turned the news back on. To my surprise, I heard about how horrible the economy was, how real estate agents are dropping like flies and how a recession is inevitable! I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone! What's worse was I started to worry about my business and if all of the contacts I had made were all for not. Isn't that nuts???! Just because someone fed me negative information I immediately applied it to my life and it had immediate effects on my mood and actions. Fortunately, I snapped out of it quickly.
The whole point of this post is to reiterate my last blog. It appears I struck a nerve with many Active Rainers thirsty for positive thought and talk. Make it happen...speak the positive, mute the negative. I am in no means suggesting that you stick your head in the sand. Knowledge is power. Take what you know and then use it to your benefit. Opportunity is among us. Rise above and make it happen!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 12/01/2008 11:04 PM |
With the holiday season upon us, I pose a challenge to each and every member of Active Rain.
All of us are bloggers and look to each other for inspiration and advice. With that in mind, I challenge you to post -at least- one positive blog a week. Once you've accomplished your weekly task see if you can take it daily. The point is to engage positive thoughts which create positive words which result in positive actions. We all know we can use that these days?! I am a firm believer in 'words have power'...use them wisely. Anyone who knows me knows that I say, "Speak it!" whenever they want something positive to develop in their lives. This is a small step in getting started.
I decided to post this entry after a routine visit to the gym. A place where I go daily to rejuvenate and energize my mind and body. But on this particular day, the instructor was uncharacteristically negative and started talking about the affairs of the world as if we were all doomed. Wouldn't you know it...her words were like poison through the air and the entire class deflated. Why? She just told us we were defeated so in turn, we responded. The class, which I take routinely, was much more difficult on this day because mentally, I had to overcompensate for the negatively she festered.
A simple example, yes...but still a valid one. Positive words invoke positive reactions just as negative ones invoke adverse reactions. Imagine the power we Active Rainers could have with spreading affirmation throughout the forum?
I start this challenge, now! :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 11/26/2008 01:48 PM |
DECEMBER:
Reel Tech TV is hitting the road! We've been inundated with requests to teach our video blogs in person so Monday, December 8th is our first, state certified seminar.
We'll be teaching agents:
-Why video is important
-How to use video to increase your business
-How to shoot, edit and upload video
-The best ways to use your video
-On camera tricks of the trade
-Much, much more!!
Monday, December 8th from 9AM to 12PM
6650 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA
$60
*3 CE credits for GA realtors!*
Click here for more information and to register for the class
-Only 40 seats remaining-
If you're not able to make it to the class, no worries! Look out for more dates in 2009 and keep watching our blogs on Active Rain each week!!
JANUARY:
Reel Dwellings TV will be speaking at Inman Connect on Wednesday, January 7th! Join us for the Video Digital Summit...a new seminar at Inman to teach realtors the basics of video and how to make it work in their business.
I'll be speaking from 9:15AM to 10:15AM on the panel, "5 Killer Uses for Video".
We hope to see you in New York!!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 11/15/2008 04:23 PM |
The whole idea of creating a video is to get potential clients to use your services. So once you have the video, what do you do with it? How do you get the eyeballs on that video to increase your business? Click on this week's episode of Reel Tech TV for great ideas and tools to show you how!
Want to learn these Reel Tech TV tips in person? We're taking our class on the road! Join us Monday, December 8th in Duluth, GA for a 3 hour seminar. **Georgia realtors, this class offers 3 hour Continuing Education credits**
Course: |
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Date: |
Monday December 8th Cost: $60 9:00am - 12:30pm |
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Location: |
Virtual Properties | Duluth
6650 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 700 Duluth, GA 30097 Only 42 seats remaining!!
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For more information check out ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 11/14/2008 07:35 PM |
This is the best market in years!
That's what real estate investors told me when I did this story on Channel 2 in Atlanta on Sunday. The story is a positive reflection of the real estate market and speaks to the opportunity that exists in the industry....a far cry from most of the media reports in recent weeks. Thought everyone could use some good news :-)
Check out the story here:
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/17736400/index.html
Put "Tara Jones" in the search section and then change the drop-down bar to "last 30 days"
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/13/2008 04:14 PM |
So now that you have shot and edited your video, where do you post it? We have some great ideas and "how-to" advice in this week's episode of Reel Tech TV.
Don't forget to check out our brand new website for more information at ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/13/2008 08:10 AM |
Without further adu, here's episode #5 picking up where we left off. In this tutorial you will learn the basics of how to edit your video...a question we receive constantly. Know that this can appear confusing at first glance but does become easier with application and practice. You can do it!
Next week's episode: Now that you know how to edit, where is the best place to post your video?
For more information please check out ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 10/01/2008 08:31 AM |
I pose this question not as a hypothetical but as a real soul searching question. You may be unaware of what your actions (or lack there of) are truly saying about your business. Remember, image, especially in the real estate market, is everything. So with that in mind I pose the following for thought:
Just because the market is bad don't stop selling your brand. Now, more than ever is when you need to be seen standing strong in what you know and what you sell. Media can generate fear which can generate negative actions. Don't allow bad press to interfere in your daily operations. People are still buying and selling everyday, even in hard times. They will look for those who are optimistic and will choose to spend their time, money and referrals with them. Why? Because people want to feel good. If you tell them "times are tough" are you really sharing anything that they don't already know? The challenge before you is to find out how to get past what we know and succeed anyway.
There's no denying we are in hard times and more than likely, you or someone you know has felt a direct impact from the down-turn of the market. But just like anything else in life...if you fall down, get up, brush yourself off and get back in the race. After all, it's not the fastest runner who always wins, it's the most consistent one.
Happy selling :-)
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/24/2008 01:10 PM |
I'm going to be on Rain Radio today at 2PM EST (11AM PST) Tune in and learn all about video!!
This is a reblog from Brad Andersohn:
Reel Dwellings TV meets RAIN Radio
Sounds like a Terminator meets Alien showdown, but it's not... it's better! Today we have Tara Jones fromReel Dwellings TV on the show talking about Video and how to take it to the next Radical Level.
Tara Jones is an experienced Professional Video Host. She'll be discussing various aspects of Real Estate Video and how it affects today's Industry and YOU. Tara will share answers on many of the questions we all have about Real Estate Video.
When to do it yourself vs when to rely on the pros? How to over come the fear of video and how to best use it to sell homes and communities. What makes a good video, what makes a bad video, and why video is so important in today's Real Estate market?
What's the best camera for video? How much does it cost to have the pros come in? What is the future for Real Estate and Video? What are the biggest Challenges shooting, editing, uploading etc.?
About Tara: Tara and Reel Dwellings TV are taking real estate video to new heights.
No more boring still photos fading in and out while listening to bad jazz music. Professional videographers, expert editing and experienced on-screen talent make real estate video engaging and dynamic. If you are looking to showcase a neighborhood, highlight your services, or take your virtual tours to a higher level, then join our show.
Tara has already put up some very useful "Help & How-To" posts here on ActiveRain. She has also helped a few AR members cross that threshold and assited them into the blazing hot video scene. Check out her Blog here on ActiveRain, you won't be disappointed. It's ALL about "video" with some great tips, tricks, and techniques.
Meet Tara Jones from Reel Dwellings TV and ActiveRain
Come join us, ask questions, or just listen in. We'll be live on the air at 2:00pm EST, 11:00am PDT. Just go to RainRadio for all the details. Join me every Thursday at the same RAIN time, same RAIN Channel. :-)
I'm really excited to have Tara as our guest. I was very fortunate to meet her in person at the Inman Connect in San Francisco a couple months back, and I'm really looking forward to her sharing her experience and wisdom that she has gained over the many years of doing video. Listen to R.A.I.N today, as Tara expands on some of the thoughts and ideas she has already been so generous in sharing with us on AR.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/18/2008 08:46 AM |
We have had such a huge following with our video tutorial series on how to create quality video with the Flip camera, people have been wondering, "Where in the world is the next episode?" Well, a broken leg on my part has set back production of Reel Tech TV a few weeks. For that, we sincerely apologize.
Thank you for your patience and please look for new, upcoming episodes within the next couple of weeks!
Until then, we're always here to answer any of your video questions so keep on shooting!
For more information check out ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 09/12/2008 01:05 PM |
Click below to check out this week's episode:
When is the best time to use a Flip camera and when is the best time to call in the pros? Check out this week's episode of Reel Tech TV to find out! Brought you by Reel Dwellings TV a production company dedicated to bringing quality video to the real estate industry.
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/24/2008 05:47 PM |
Click here to watch this week's episode!
Most of us fell victim to the ways of the digital camera when it first came out. We learned how to use all the new bells and whistles and shot amazing pictures. The problem was (and for some remains) we leave the pictures on our camera! Don't let this happen to you with the FlipTM. It's relatively easy to download your video on either a PC or a MAC. Here's how.
Whether you're a PC or a MAC user you first have to "flip" out the USB plug from the FlipTM camera. Simply plug it into your laptop (or hardrive) and wait for the icon to pop up on your screen. Once it does click on it and wait for it to load the software (this may take a minute or two depending on how fast your computer is) Once it is loaded, your videos should appear.
The first thing you want to do is save your videos. Don't skip this step or won't be able to edit later. Hit the "save videos" green button and all of your video clips will appear. You can randomly select which ones you want to save or you can hit "select all". If you have several videos the numbers at the bottom of the screen will help you scroll through the pages of video clips. You will have three options to save...to your computer, to disc or to e-mail. To do all three you have to do them separately. (We'll get into the specifics of all of those in a later episode) To save to your computer, simply select the videos you want (just by clicking on them individually or by hitting "select all") and then hit the green save button in the upper right hand side of the screen under save to computer.
Here's a great tip for naming your videos if you plan on editing later. Don't take the name the computer gives you because it will likely be a number and letter code that makes no sense to you as a user. Instead, change the name of the video to exactly what you shot. For example, "living room wide shot"..."living room tight shot". This will make editing your video MUCH simpler in the long run.
Next video lesson: When should I use the FlipTM Camera?
For more information log on to ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/17/2008 06:58 PM |
Check out my partner's post! TJ Hedges' has some of THE BEST pointers if you're looking to improve your shooting/editing skills.
Everyone has seen the virtual tour by now. You know, the one my friend Lane Bailey calls the typical "Powerpoint video." Great for content but unless your up at 2 a.m. and bored with buffy the vampire slayer your not going to sit through 7 minutes of watching this stuff. Of course the music will aid in curing your insomnia.
What makes great video? Content, content, content. The old addage is true.
In every listing there is something that is appealing to a potential buyer. The job of the video shooter and editor is to bring this out in an entertaining way. Because in many cases that job is preformed by the agent you are the expert in discovering what that "something" is.
That means that all there is left to provide is the entertainment portion.
How do we do this? Here are a couple of hints:
1. Make it short. 90 seconds to 2 minutes is plenty. While shooting remember to find items that are going to stay with the home. In the edit think in 5 to 6 second shots for a wide shot and 3 to 4 seconds for the tighter material.
2. Never, I repeat never use elevator music. Find stuff that people would actually listen to. Caution do not use copywritten material. This can lead to huge legal problems and fines you do not even want to think about. There are several options for quality royalty free music out there. So, get your google on and do a liitle search for royalty free music.
For further hints check out our video tutorial on this subject using the flip camera
http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/28E1FBCB43
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/13/2008 08:23 PM |
So now that you know how to turn the camera on how do you know what to shoot? It's not as easy as you may think. We're going to walk you through a typical home tour with some photographer 101 basics.
First of all, try and find the focal point in the room. Is it the stack stone fireplace? The decorative hood over the range? The unique spiral staircase? Whatever the feature, try and showcase it first to grab the viewers' attention. The key to remember when creating a video home tour is giving them a "tease". You don't want to show them every light switch and electrical outlet...you want them to come see the house in person so you can sell it to them! With that in mind, keep it simple. Just a one to three shots in the main rooms (we'll get to what the main rooms are later) will do the trick.
Second, NEVER shoot into windows. Why? No matter how powerful the light is in the room it can never overpower the sun. That means whatever is inside will turn black (or extremely dark) and all you see are the windows. Therefore, never set up an interview by a window (since you won't see the person's face) and try to avoid pans into the windows since you will completely throw the color off in the room.
Third, keep your shots steady. Viewers can get sick watching a shaky video. Have you ever seen Blair Witch project? That photojournalistic technique is not recommended when selling real estate. If you have a tripod, use it. Try and find a flat surface where you can place your camera for pans or zooms (see below) so your shots will look more polished and professional. Always try to begin with an establishing shot...a shot that shows the entire room before beginning a pan or zoom technique.
So what are pans and zooms? Clearly stated, a pan is moving the camera from side to side and a zoom is closing the camera lens in on a particular object. To accomplish a pan correctly make sure your camera is steady. If you're panning a room try and keep the "horizon line" (think about being on a boat) straight. This means you want the floor to remain in the same spot throughout the shot. Keep the same idea in mind when panning up and down, say, on a staircase. The sides of the shot should remain consistent to keep a professional look and feel.
For zooms, don't use it unless it's necessary. Just because you have a feature on your camera doesn't mean you should use it! Ask yourself these questions: What am I zooming in on? Why am I zooming in on this object? Will it add any additional information to the viewer? I once watched a video home tour where the photographer zoomed in on a plant. Why? Does the plant come with the house? Do I need to know something additional about this plant that I didn't get from the first shot? Think about detail whenever using the zoom such as a decorative back splash or exquisite crown molding. Anything that can not be picked up on the initial shot or pan of the room MAY require a zoom.
Next video lesson: Downloading your video onto the computer (Gulp!)
For more log on to ReelDwellings.TV
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/10/2008 06:53 AM |
Video Tutorial #1: What is Flip Video?
As we begin our educational video series we wanted to let you know a little bit about who's doing the teaching! TJ Hedges is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist with more than 20 years experience in production and broadcasting. Tara Jones is an Emmy Award winning reporter, anchor and spokesperson with more than 15 years experience in production, broadcasting and public speaking. Both were working together at the number one station in the country, WSB-TV in Atlanta, GA, when they were approached by a successful broker in the area to join forces in the real estate world and form Reel Dwellings TV. It was then that they realized the need for quality video in this forum.
Everyone knows that video is the next "big thing" in real estate. Everyone is hopping on board and wanting to stand out from the crowd by incorporating the new medium in their website, e-mail, etc. But as a real estate professional, image is everything. So why put an inferior product associated with your name? Poor quality video can sometimes do more harm than good. It can relay an air of unprofessionalism and incompetence. Clearly, not the message you want to send to potential clients.
It is for this reason that we want to educate real estate professionals to give them an edge on promoting their services and skills.
While the Flip Camera can not compare to the quality finish that Reel Dwellings TV can provide, our goal is to show you how to create superior video using new technology to incorporate on your website.
So now, on to the FlipTM!
A flip camera is actually called Flip VideoTM and it's a small, ultra-light handheld device that shoots an hour of digital video. There is a small viewer in the back to show you what you are recording, a microphone in the front to record audio, a USB connection to hook up to your computer for downloading the video, and a small hole with a locking device for attaching a tripod. Best of all, it all runs on two AA batteries that can be found in the front of the camera.
To get started simply press down on the small gray button the side of the camera. You should see a quick Flip VideoTM graphic and then "ready" on the top left side of the screen and "Time left" at the bottom left. This is alerting you of how much time is left on the memory before you have to delete some video. As soon as you find a shot you want to record hit the red button in the middle of the silver square. The green "ready" should turn into red numbers which are counting how long your recording is running. When you want to end a shot, just hit the red button again and you've stopped your recording. It's that simple.
Because the camera is so light your video will likely be very shaking. That's not good for any viewer out there. That's why they sell an attachable tripod. This fits into the bottom of the device simply by sliding over the unlock button and then screwing in the top. The tripod is great for pans (moving the camera side to side or up and down) and zooms (moving into or away from an object) which can be done by hitting the plus or minus buttons on the gray square.
So now that you know the basics, let's get to shooting!
Next week's video lesson: The basics of shooting
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/05/2008 11:53 PM |
I'm fresh from Inman Connect and excited about all of the things I learned and shared on my experience in San Francisco. Of all the sessions offered, I of course, being in video production, was interested in the video discussions. And it seems I wasn't alone. Almost every session I attended that even mentioned video was standing room only...speaking to the notion that real estate professionals are well aware of the need for the medium in their trade. But most had the same concerns and questions: What is a flip camera and should I use it? Should I do it myself or hire a pro? How do I edit? How do I post to my website? How long should the video be? What about music and graphics?
Having the two small letters "TV" on my name lanyard, I was bombarded with questions everywhere I went so we (ReelDwellings.TV) decided to come up with a plan of attack to help.
We are beginning a "boot camp" of sorts to teach real estate agents, brokers and business owners when, where and how to shoot their own video. Learn techniques, tools and tricks of the trade to make QUALITY video. Then, we'll give you our advice on when it's time to put the Flip (tm) camera down and call in the pros.
We'll be posting our written blogs here on Active Rain and you can check out the video form on WellcomeMat.com and of course at ReelDwellings.TV.
You can follow along at http://reeldwellingstv.activerain.com/. It all begins next week so stay tuned!!!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 08/01/2008 01:00 PM |
So everyone has been telling me Inman's conference in San Fransico is the place to be. So I booked my ticket, signed up for the conference and am already starting to pack my suitcase.
In researching this event I was blown away by the amount of knowledge that can be obtained in just three short days. Couple that with testimonials from every "past Inman person" I talk to and I know I am in for a treat.
I look forward to meeting the movers and the shakers of the real estate technology world. More than that, I can't wait for the brainstorming discussions that are bound to be had in Beers and Bloggers. Being in the technical side of real estate is a great place to be in this day and age. In a lagging economy agents, brokers and business owners need to market themselves like never before and technology has become their best friend. Being in the business of helping people is what I have always strived to do and now it is a realty more so than ever.
Having said that, I can't wait to learn even more tools and ideas to help the real estate world thrive through some of the most trying times in recent memory. See you in three weeks, Inman!
| Posted by Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA on 07/02/2008 08:00 AM |
With a name like Atlanta Dwellings TV you would think we would stay in Atlanta, right? Well, not so much. Last week we found ourselves in the southern most part of the United States in South Beach!! It was a fantastic trip that proved the importance of quality video is needed nationwide (or maybe even globally!)
Kevin Tomlinson and John Lennon were our tour guides for the week and what tour guides they were! I don't think anyone knows the South Beach area better than these two real estate gurus! We toured the best of the best condos such as Continuum North and South, Portifino and my personal favorite, Apagee.
Coming from Atlanta, it was a whole different real estate world down there. Neighborhoods for them are the buildings themselves. John Lennon of South Pointe Drive Realty gave us a great description on how these "neighborhoods" work. The bottom floors of most condos are seperated into one bedroom units creating more space for more condos. As you move up in floors, the space per unit increases thus increases the market price. This process continues all the way until you reach the penthouse which normally has several bedrooms and baths. Apparently, condos are built this way so the bank has more confidence in funding a multi-million dollar project by appealing to the waiter all the way up to the celebrity.
But then, there's Apagee. Throw everything I just said out the window. Apagee is a phenomenon of sorts in the condo world because it is all penthouse living! Instead of hundreds of units in the building there's only 67. That means high space and high dollar for every unit.
So what is high dollar for prime real estate in South Beach? I didn't know the answer to this question until I toured some of the amazing units. Nothing we shot was under $5.5 million!! In the world of South Beach that's the norm. The penthouse in Apagee (the true top floor penthouse) is a whopping $22 million! But don't tell the locals that's expensive. They know you're paying for the best. The best features, the best location and of course, the best views. No wonder the A-listers flock to South Beach...one step inside luxury and it's hard to leave.
Check out AtlantaDwellings.TV for our amazing video shoots. The first few pieces should be up in the next few weeks. And check back often because we're planning on going to South Beach to shoot more amazing condos, profiles and of course, awe-inspiring views!!
