![\"leasing](\"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2021\/02\/Balance-Sheet-960x540_v100_MF-RentCafe-Reach-MOG-Jan-Blog-Post-12868.jpg?w=300\")
<\/p>\nAs leasing technology and the customer journey has evolved, so has the role of the leasing agent. Also called leasing consultants or leasing specialists, these are the people who help walk prospects through the process of becoming residents \u2026 a path that\u2019s become increasingly virtual.<\/p>\n
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, renters were doing most of their apartment research online, often deciding which properties to tour based on apartment listing sites, review sites and branded social media accounts. Then, when social distancing measures became the norm, people started relying even more heavily on online content \u2014 including pre-recorded video tours and livestreams with leasing agents \u2014 to choose their next home.<\/p>\n
In fact, a recent survey<\/a> revealed that \u201crenters are becoming so comfortable with renting digitally, that 72% say they would rent an apartment without ever seeing the property in person if a 3D virtual tour was offered.\u201d<\/p>\n What does this mean for you, the person responsible for leasing apartments? It means it\u2019s time to improve your video skills.<\/p>\n Here are some tips to help you get more comfortable behind the camera as well as in front of it. (Don\u2019t worry, no previous filmmaking experience is required.)<\/p>\n Filming<\/strong><\/p>\n Want to shoot a video tour that converts? Even if you\u2019re just filming with your phone, considering these three things will set you up for success:<\/p>\n Get more tips for staging virtual and self-guided tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n Starring<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s no sense in being camera shy if you\u2019re a leasing agent. You\u2019re the face of the property as far as prospects are concerned. If you want renters to know, like and trust you, starring in your video tours is a good idea.<\/p>\n When filming a video with a person in it, whether that person is you or someone else, pay attention to:<\/p>\n Editing<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re creating pre-recorded video tours for your property website, Facebook page or other publicly accessible platform, some simple video editing can set you apart from the competition. Apps like iMovie<\/a> (free for iOS devices) and Adobe Premiere Rush<\/a> (this one works across platforms) allow you to edit footage directly on your phone.<\/p>\n Quick editing suggestions include:<\/p>\n Posting<\/strong><\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve shot and edited your video, you\u2019re ready to post it. This is the easy part, but there are still a few things you should pay attention to:<\/p>\n Going live<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re going live \u2014 whether on social or via FaceTime or Zoom for a livestream unit tour \u2014 the same filming and starring principles apply, without the benefit of editing. Just remember that there are some great things about broadcasting in the moment. For example, you\u2019ll be able to answer your customers\u2019 questions immediately, getting them one step closer to picking the right place to call home.<\/p>\n What else should leasing consultants do to be successful?<\/strong><\/p>\n Watch this episode from Moments of Genius with Drew Davis<\/a> to learn how you can increase your value with three skills leasing agents will be expected to master going forward.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n