Kyle Hislop

   Video tours have become very popular with REALTORS® when advertising a new listing.  Some do the sweeping, panning videos - some do walkthrough videos - while others do a picture slideshow and call it a video (which it isn't).  I've been doing video tours since 2007 and always walkthrough videos.  The reason I use a walkthrough video is because I want potential buyers to get a feel for the house before calling their agent.  With a walkthrough video, you get to walk from room to room and see how the house fits together.  That, combined with property taken photos, potential buyers should have a really good idea whether or not the home will work for them.

  The main problem with doing walkthrough videos has always been trying to keep the camera steady while walking.  The constant swaying back and forth with each step can be frustrating for the viewer.  Throw in a large set of stairs with a 90 degree turn and the viewer may actually vomit all over their computer screen - which, in case you were wondering, is not the result you want.  With that, a REALTOR® could invest thousands of dollars in proper equipment, but we aren't pro's...and we don't want to be.  You could hire a company like Image Ya to do it for you (who by the way, do an amazing job from what I have seen) Here is a link to their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/yagroup.  You could hire me...but I'm not looking to drive outside of the Fraser Valley so you need to be local :)  That leads me to the reason I'm writing this blog - DollyCam.

  I came across DollyCam the other day on the App Store and decided to give the free version a shot.  I cranked out a couple test videos and have to admit I was pretty impressed.  It's not perfect, but a lot of the swaying that can leave many people sea sick is adjusted and smoothed over.  Especially when panning a large room or outside area, it creates a very smooth video.  Even though it works fine with the iPad 2, it's actually built for the iPhone 4.  You can take videos in a variety of resolutions, and of course HD.  Once you take a video with the app, it gives you the option of stabilizing the video at that moment or you can do it later.  Once stabilized you can than copy it to your camera role and use in iMovie.  The test video I'm showing you below was completely taken on my iPad 2.  I never once had to use my computer.  From taping to YouTube the video took about 1/2 hour to put together (that's including uploading).  In my opinion a pretty good investment for only $2.99!!
 
  The video below is actually from one of my current listings and if you would like to see more of the house you can click on this link http://www.kylehislop.com/ActiveListings.php/Details/76/details.  There is a picture slideshow, and if you click on the video tab you can view 2 videos.  You will really notice a difference because the first video (of the inside) was taken without the DollyCam and the second video (of the outside) was taken with it.  
  
  If you have any questions drop me a line at kylehislop@gmail.com or give me a call.  604-795-1616  If you have a product you think would be good for REALTORS® and want me to test it...let me know - I'm always looking for new stuff.

Kyle Hislop
RE/MAX