If you’re interested in hiring a professional videographer to shoot your listings, how do you know which person or company is the right fit for you? Assuming you’ve already seen a portfolio, try asking the following questions to narrow down your list.

1. What do you mean by “video”?

For some pros, “video” means using photos to create a slideshow that moves smoothly from image to image. The slideshow might include zooming into and out of photos or panning across them. For other pros, “video” means using actual video footage, either to create a walk-through tour of a house or a movie-style video that tells a story. Other pros might combine photos with video footage. To avoid surprises, make sure that you and your pro are speaking the same language.

2. What areas will you shoot?

A typical video includes footage of the home’s exterior, major living spaces, bedrooms, at least one bathroom, and the kitchen. Some packages may include additional rooms or exterior features such as pools. Barns, guesthouses and other large outbuildings usually cost extra. Make sure the videographer will be shooting all the areas you want to highlight, and ask for upfront pricing on any add-ons.

3. Who will shoot my video?

Expect just one or two videographers for a walk-through tour. But for a movie-style video, your pro should send at least three people: main and backup camera operators and a production/technical assistant.

Some video companies use trainees, interns or part-time amateurs to shoot listing videos, especially if real estate marketing is not their main business. So make sure your video will be shot by a professional, and ask to see samples of that person’s work, not just a general company portfolio.

4. What’s your timeline?

Once a home is staged and ready to sell, you don’t want to wait a week for your video appointment, then another week for the finished video. Companies that work exclusively in real estate marketing, or have a department dedicated to it, will probably have greater availability and a better turnaround time. Look for someone who can send a videographer to your listing within one or two business days and deliver the finished video within 48-72 hours after that.

5. What’s your cancellation policy?

There are many reasons you might need to cancel a shoot: bad weather, contractors who get behind schedule, homeowners who take longer than expected to prep for market. It’s reasonable for a pro to require at least 24 hours’ cancellation notice, or to charge a rebooking fee if the videographer arrives to find the property not ready. But rebooking fees should be no more than half the cost of the shoot.

6. What else do you do?

At some point, you may want more than listing videos. You might want to film a commercial, videos for your website, or an agent bio. If you can find a pro who also does these things, it will make your entire marketing process that much easier.

Kathryn Royster is the communications coordinator for VideoLens, whose HouseLens division is one of the nation’s largest providers of video house tours for real estate listings. Her personal real estate passions are old houses and getting in over her head on restoration projects.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×