Ever wondered why some rental listings immediately catch a prospect’s attention while others get scrolled past?
For many remote landlords, the struggle is real.
You know your property has great features, but without being there in person, showing them off effectively can feel tricky.
That’s where a well-crafted video tour comes in.
A video tour can bridge the distance, letting potential residents experience your property as if they are walking through it themselves.
If you are aiming to make your listing stand out, Abrams Realty for investors in Virginia Beach understands exactly what it takes to create video tours that truly connect, inspire interest, and help you find a long-term tenant.
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8 Tips for Standout Virtual Tours
Shooting a professional-looking video tour is possible with just your phone.
Follow these eight simple tips to create clear, engaging tours that impress potential residents and make your listing unforgettable.
1. Clean and Declutter First
A spotless, well-organized property instantly creates a positive impression on viewers. Before filming, remove clutter, wipe surfaces, and arrange furniture so rooms feel open and inviting. Otherwise, this is what you're left with:
Organizing helps the camera capture the true size and beauty of each space and is vital to attracting tenants.
Think about what a prospective resident wants to see in a video tour. Clear counters, neat floors, and organized storage areas signal that the property is well cared for. A little preparation before pressing record can make your virtual tour feel far more professional and appealing.
2. Use Natural Light
Shoot your video during the hours when sunlight naturally fills the rooms. Open curtains or blinds to let the light in, and turn off harsh overhead lights that may distort colors.
Position yourself so the light source is behind the camera, not in front of it.
This way, rooms appear brighter, warmer, and more welcoming. A well-lit space makes every feature of the property easier to see and appreciate on screen.
3. Hold the Phone Steady
Shaky footage can quickly distract viewers and make your video feel less professional.
Hold your smartphone firmly with both hands, or better yet, use a tripod or stabilizer to keep movements smooth.
If you are walking through the rental property, move slowly and keep the phone at eye level.
Steady filming ensures that viewers focus on the property itself rather than trying to follow unsteady visuals.
4. Shoot in Landscape Mode
Filming horizontally allows viewers to see more of the room in each frame.
This perspective feels more natural and works better for most online platforms, making your video appear more polished.
Before starting, turn your phone sideways and double-check that the recording is in landscape mode.
This small step can dramatically improve the overall viewing experience and help potential residents visualize the space more accurately, attracting tenants and reducing vacancy rates.
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5. Plan Your Route
Plan a natural, logical walk-through that follows how a visitor would explore the property, beginning at the entry and moving through living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces to show flow and layout clearly to help residents imagine living there.
Script short notes about where to pause, which features to call out, and where to change angles; practice the route to avoid awkward backtracking, maintain steady pacing, and make sure each area gets the right amount of screen time for clear viewing.
6. Highlight Key Features
Identify the features that residents will value most, such as updated appliances or new renovations, abundant storage, natural light, or convenient parking.
Focus on benefits, explaining how each feature improves daily living rather than just listing specs.
Use close-up shots and brief narration to draw attention to these highlights and show how they function in real life. Demonstrate storage space, run faucets, and open closets so viewers trust what they see, and keep clips short so the pace stays engaging.
7. Move Slowly
Walk at a measured pace so viewers can appreciate room dimensions and details.
Rushing through spaces makes it hard to orient and may cause viewers to miss important features, so practice a dry run to find the right speed.
Pause briefly at focal points, hold steady for a few seconds when showing counters, appliances, and storage, and avoid sudden pans.
Also, use slow, smooth turns to reveal each area fully, a calm pace helps residents absorb the layout.
8. Check Audio and Background Noise
Before recording, walk through the property to listen for potential noise sources like street traffic, HVAC systems, or nearby construction.
Turn off appliances and close windows when possible to reduce interruptions, and consider filming at quieter times of day when ambient noise drops.
If you plan to narrate, use the phone's mic or a simple external lavalier if available, and speak clearly.
Add a brief, quiet intro and caption key points so remote residents can follow even if they watch muted.
Bringing Your Property to Life from Afar
A well-shot video tour can be the deciding factor that turns interest into applications, especially for remote landlords who need their property to shine without in-person showings.
If your rental has been sitting vacant on the market, you may be making some advertising errors. Check out our guide on common rental marketing mistakes.
Or, reach out to Abrams Realty.
We can guide you on creating tours that highlight your property’s best features while attracting the right residents. Our expertise ensures every angle, detail, and presentation works in your favor, so you can find a quality tenant.
Reach out today to discuss your options and discover the approach that will work best for your unique property.
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