How to Film a Great Video Tour of Your Rental

Key Takeaways

• Video tours boost engagement and attract better applicants – Well-organized, high-quality video tours give renters a realistic feel for the property, helping them visualize the space and decide if it’s worth visiting in person, which can lead to faster leasing and higher-quality tenant inquiries.
• Preparation and filming technique make a big difference – Cleaning, decluttering, ensuring good lighting, using stable camera work, and following a logical walkthrough route are essential to making the property look appealing and professional.
• Editing and presentation impact results – Simple, clear editing, accurate descriptions, and strategic highlighting of the property’s best features, both inside and outside, help listings stand out online and generate more serious rental interest.

Rental listings with video tours get significantly more engagement than those without. In a competitive rental market, how you present your property online can directly impact how fast it gets leased and the quality of applicants you attract.

A clear, well-organized video tour gives potential renters a strong first impression helps them visualize the space. To help you film a professional, effective video tour of your rental, McCourt Real Estate & Property Management put together this practical guide!

Steps to Filming an Effective Video Tour

Follow these steps to increase your listing's appeal and stand out to prospective tenants:

Prepare the Property Before Filming

Start by making sure the property is clean and clutter-free. Remove trash, personal items, and any unnecessary furniture. Open all curtains or blinds to capture the area in natural light. A clean, well-lit space helps the video look more appealing and gives viewers a clear view of each feature.

Do a quick maintenance check to make sure faucets work, light bulbs are working, and doors open and close properly. The goal is to present the Midland property in its best condition.

Use a Smartphone or Camera with Good Video Quality

You do not need to invest in expensive equipment. A modern smartphone with a high-resolution camera is usually enough. Before recording, clean the lens and check your camera settings. Set the video resolution to at least 1080p. This ensures the footage is clear when viewed on different devices.

Hold the phone or camera horizontally. This provides a wider view and aligns with how most people watch videos. Avoid switching between vertical and horizontal orientation during the tour.

Use a Tripod or Stabilizer

Shaky video can distract viewers and make your property look less professional, so it’s best to use a tripod or handheld stabilizer to keep your shots steady. If you are filming without equipment, hold the camera with both hands and move slowly.

When walking through the property, keep your pace steady and avoid fast movements, quick turns, or zooming in and out. Smooth motion helps viewers stay focused on the space.

Plan Your Walkthrough Before Recording

Walk through the unit first to map out the filming route. A common approach is to start from the front entrance, move through the common areas, then into the bedrooms, bathrooms, and finally any outdoor space. This keeps the tour logical and easy to follow.

Keep the video under five minutes, especially for smaller units. You do not need to show every corner of every room, rather, focus on layout, size, and main features. Highlight key areas such as updated kitchens, new flooring, or large closets as well.

Keep the Camera at Eye Level

Filming from too high or too low can distort the space. Keep the camera at eye level for the most realistic perspective. This helps the viewer imagine themselves walking through the unit.

Stand back far enough to show the full room, especially in tighter areas like bathrooms or hallways. If possible, use natural transitions between rooms, like opening doors and walking through them without cutting the video.

Don’t Add Unnecessary Narration

If you’re thinking of adding music to your property advertisements, pick quiet instrumental songs. If you choose to narrate, stick to clear and simple descriptions and avoid repeating what can already be seen.

You can also add basic text overlays during editing if needed, such as room labels or square footage. Keep these minimal and easy to read.

Highlight Key Selling Points

Every rental has something that makes it unique or attractive. This could be a large backyard, updated appliances, in-unit laundry, or extra storage. Be sure to include these in the tour.

Also show the exterior of the property, including the entrance, any shared areas, parking, and street view. Prospective renters often want to see what the area looks like as part of their decision.

Edit the Video for Clarity

After filming, review the footage. Trim out long pauses, shaky moments, or redundant shots. Use basic editing software to smooth transitions and ensure the video flows naturally. Remember to keep editing simple. Focus on making the tour easy to watch and understand.

Upload with a Clear Title and Description

Once your video is ready, upload it using a clear, descriptive title. Include details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the city or neighborhood. Write a short caption that highlights key features and encourages viewers to reach out for more information or to schedule a showing.

Use high-quality thumbnails or still images from the video to attract more views. Make sure the cover photo shows one of the best rooms or features. Make sure the description also contains contact information for interested parties.

Bottom Line

A well-made video tour can be the difference between a rental that gets leased quickly and one that sits vacant. It allows renters to preview the space, understand the layout, and make informed decisions. By preparing the property, using the right tools, and following a logical filming process, landlords can create high-quality tours that make their listings stand out.

At McCourt Real Estate & Property Management, we help landlords showcase their rentals in the best light. From professional property photos to guided video tours, we ensure your listings attract reliable tenants and reduce time on the market. Contact us today to learn how we can support your rental business!