Real Estate Video Stage Fright- Overcoming the Camera Anxiety
If you have followed my website and YouTube channel for any length of time, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of real estate video. Four years ago when I first started shooting videos for my target audience of Realtors and mortgage lenders, I didn’t know what would come of it and IF it would really help my business. I can now say that it is one of the best things I have ever done to grow my Title business. Fast forward four years to now, and I preach this message over and over to my Realtor clients and prospects. “Real Estate Video will help your business and convey your message though the medium consumers prefer!” I then get hit over and over with a series of excuses and anxiety ridden reason why they are camera-shy. These are Realtors that agree with and understand the value of using real estate video, yet still come up with reasons not to move forward and implement. My goal for my clients is to have them expand their business and brand to as many “qualified” people as possible. Video is the best way to make this happen. Let’s talk about how Realtors can overcome the stage fright and anxiety of using video in their business.
Ugh! Another social network that I have to learn and use? Yes, except Snapchat is not like other social networks. Snapchat is a video and picture application that allows you to send messages that last from 1-10 seconds to your followers. These messages are called “Snaps.” These video and picture messages don’t stick around though, because once the message exceeds the 10 second (or less) limit, it disappears. This “disappear” feature helps to keep your followers attention, knowing what they are seeing is about to be gone…forever. You can also text message your followers through the application and do face-time videos! 
Have you heard of a “bridge loan?” Many people have, but don’t know exactly what it does or how to get one. 
I was at a real estate event this past week and I had a conversation with a top producing agent. She told me she recently went on a listing appointment and the sellers had interviewed 4 agents. She was the last one in the door. She went on and explained that the sellers wanted her to lower her commission from 3% to 2.5% or even 2%. The previous 3 agents that presented before her ALL agreed to lower their commission. I asked her if this is happening more and more…sellers asking Realtors to lower their commission? She said that “Yes” she had seen it more and more over the last couple years. Why are sellers asking Realtors to lower their commission? I believe there are many factors in play. Let’s talk about those factors and how a real estate agent can best educate, and add value to sellers to earn that 3%.
I would say at least 3 -4 times a month I get this call or email from a Realtor: “Wade…we really want to use Stewart Title on this transaction, but this other Title Company says that if we go with them, they will give my buyer a free home warranty at closing. Can you guys do that?” That is when I have to drop the news, that the Title Company Home Warranty isn’t really free. Ever hear the phrase…”no such thing as a free lunch?” Think along those lines. You might be thinking that this doesn’t happen in your area of country, and you are probably right. It does happen in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC area…all the time. There are several things about this marketing tactic to “earn business” that needs to be explained. Not only to real estate agents, but also the buyers and sellers on the transaction. It affects them as well.
As I keep teaching all kinds of real estate marketing and technology related classes throughout Northern Virginia, we are talking more and more about real estate video. In today’s world, it is a topic that really can no longer be avoided. So as Realtors are starting to face that implementing video into their business is a must, the next line of questioning relates to video marketing ideas. What do I shoot videos about? How do I get my video topic information? How do I upload them to YouTube? How do I 
The Spring market is arriving and that means a few things. Business is about to start booming and…Realtor Broker Opens! When I first moved to the Washington DC/Northern VA area in 2012 I didn’t know what a “Broker Open” was as this was something agents didn’t really do in Phoenix, AZ. I quickly find out that they were all the rage in Northern Virginia, and a way that Title Companies built relationships with agents. Having sponsored and taken part in many Realtor Broker Opens over the last 4 years there are ways to maximize Realtor traffic, expose the property, and get what you really want…honest property feedback from producing Realtors. Here are tips to dominating Realtor broker opens and making the most of those 3 hours.
In any job, the feeling of “burnout” hits from time to time. Even those over zealous Realtors, Lenders, and Title Company professionals who rave how much they “love their craft” have hit the wall. That feeling where fatigue hits and we need that extra motivation to keep going at a high level. I have been in the Title Industry since 2005 and there have been several times where I needed to step back and take a deep breath, or find an outside positive influence that was rejuvenating. What do you do when the wall hits and the feeling of burnout surrounds? There are many ways Realtors can seek motivation during these frustrating times, or when they are looking for positive solutions, not only their business, but in life. Here is how Realtors can stay motivated and avoid burn out!
YouTube is a very powerful tool for anyone who takes advantage and uses it. I can personally say that the decision I made to shoot videos for my business was a “game changer.” It got eyes to me, my value proposition and it allowed prospects to “meet me” before I ever met them. Very helpful for when that face to face meeting does take place. One of the best features of using this video platform are the YouTube Playlists that can be created for your videos. Think of YouTube Playlists like “video categories” for your content. They allows someone who lands on your channel to sort through your videos for specific content they wish to watch. It’s like putting a music CD in your car and allowing you to listen to just certain songs. I HIGHLY recommend that Realtors and Lenders add every video they shoot into YouTube Playlists. Here are the top reason’s why…
I was meeting with someone last week and he said: “If Title Companies stopped bringing bagels and donuts to Realtor offices, bakeries would go out of business!” We had a chuckle but the more I thought about it, I agreed with him. In many markets around the country, the Title Insurance Sales Rep behaves and is seen as just that…the “order taker/bagel pusher.” It is time to change the mindset of the real estate agent and start adding real value. I can’t tell you how many times I offered a marketing solution, taught an agent a valuable lesson in real estate technology, or helped them in their business and they said–“Wow, I didn’t realize Title Company people offered this help for agents.” Ever have this happen to you…or never happen to you? So how should the Realtor view their Title Insurance Sales rep? As an order taker/bagel pusher or more? Much…much more.