For the last several months, Vancouver Realtor Ian Watt has been blogging his daily thoughts about real estate by video.

It’s a really bare bones production – he just props up a small camera on his dashboard and records himself as he drives to and from his listing appointments.

If you haven’t seen them, it’s one of the most interesting uses of video in real estate I’ve seen. You can see these video diaries on his web site at ianwatt.ca. Go watch a few and then come back.

Now, part of the attraction certainly is that Ian has a dynamic personality that’s just made for video (and, as a fellow Canuck, I get a kick out of the accent); but, more deeply, I think it’s because while watching his videos you get the feeling you’re getting a sneak peek into his world, which builds a kind of intimate connection with you and me, the viewers. You really feel like you’re in that car with Ian and he’s talking directly to you.

Most importantly, the reason Ian’s videos work is they hit on three important things in online video. They are short, entertaining and they are spontaneous; there’s no script, so it’s authentic and Ian gets to demonstrate his expertise in real time.

One of the big takeaways I got from the Digital Video Summit and REBarCamp last week in New York was that the real estate industry has perhaps been led astray in their thinking around online video. Too much of the focus to date has been on using video to market listings on the web, but the reality is that may not even the best/most economical use for video in real estate.

Video is much more than that and through video blogs, video chat, neighborhood tours, market reports, it is a powerful way to build connections with an audience online; whether that be colleagues, clients or consumers.

Just ask Ian Watt.

By the way, if you are interested in trying your hand at videoblogging; Ian is hosting a competition through Strutta.com for the most original real estate video blog. Details in the video, of course.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/2799802[/vimeo]

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
×