Real estate offices
31/10/2024

Why real estate portals such as Housing.com are switching to video for their listings

Why is video taking over, and how can real estate agents leverage it to stay ahead? Here’s a breakdown of the numbers and benefits

Why real estate portals such as Housing.com are switching to video for their listings
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In today’s fast-paced digital world, video content has evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have for real estate marketing. As platforms like Housing.com continue to launch “snackable” short video features—such as Housing Stories and HousingShorts—there’s a clear trend emerging: video is becoming the standard for real estate listings. But why is video taking over, and how can real estate agents leverage it to stay ahead? Here’s a breakdown of the numbers and benefits that make video walkthroughs the new standard in selling homes.

The rise of mobile realestate searches

Did you know that over 70% of home seekers start their property search on mobile devices? With so many users searching on their phones, agents and property managers need to cater to these mobile audiences. Video walkthroughs are optimized for mobile viewing and allow potential buyers to get an immersive experience on the go. Unlike static images or lengthy descriptions, videos can deliver a full, engaging experience that fits neatly into a smartphone screen.

According to Housing.com, the launch of their “snackable” video features is directly targeted at today’s mobile-first audience, who are more inclined to watch a quick video than browse through text and photos. And with more than 50% of internet users preferring video content over other formats, it’s easy to see why video is the go-to format for real estate marketers aiming to capture mobile users’ attention.

Housing.com integrates een video first strategy
Homes listed with video walkthroughs get up to 403% more inquiries than those without video.

Faster sales with video walkthroughs

The power of video in speeding up the sales process is hard to ignore. Homes listed with video walkthroughs get up to 403% more inquiries than those without video. Why? Because video walkthroughs give potential buyers a true sense of the space, allowing them to make faster, more informed decisions.

With apps like Walkly, real estate agents can create polished video walkthroughs in just minutes, allowing them to show off every feature and highlight of a property without spending hours on post-production. This streamlined workflow means agents can list properties quicker, attract more serious buyers, and ultimately close deals faster. 

Increased engagement andbuyer interest

Real estate videos don’t just help sell homes faster—they also improve engagement. Listings with video content see up to 67% more engagement (Source: Sprout Social, Benchmarks 2024) than those with static images alone. Videos allow agents to showcase a property’s atmosphere, flow, and unique features in a way that static images simply can’t.

This approach is particularly effective for today’s audiences, who tend to have shorter attention spans and are accustomed to quick, bite-sized content.

Video walkthroughs keeps viewers longer on immo portals

Improved efficiency for real estate agents

One of the biggest pain points for real estate agents is time management. Traditional video production can be time-consuming, with hours spent on filming, editing, and adding branding elements. With tools like Walkly, agents can cut down on that time significantly. Walkly’s app automatically adds text, logos, and other branding elements, optimizing videos for various platforms like social media, real estate websites, and digital ads.

This efficient workflow frees up agents to focus on other aspects of their job—like closing deals and finding new clients. By eliminating time-consuming editing tasks, agents can use Walkly to consistently produce high-quality content, keeping their marketing efforts steady and professional.

It reduces unnecessary viewings by up to 40%, meaning agents are more likely to spend time with serious leads.

Fewer wasted viewings, more serious leads

An additional benefit of video walkthroughs is their ability to “pre-qualify”buyers before they even step foot in the home. When potential buyers have access to a full video tour, they’re better able to determine if a property meets their needs and preferences. This helps eliminate unnecessary showings with buyers who might not be a good fit, saving both the agent and the client valuable time.

According to industry studies, video tours can reduce unnecessary viewings by up to 40%, meaning agents are more likely to spend time with serious leads. This also enhances the client experience, as they aren’t wasting time on properties that won’t meet their expectations.

Building trust and credibility

In an industry where trust is everything, video is a powerful tool for building credibility. Showing a property’s features through video adds transparency to the listing, which increases buyer confidence. According to a recent study, 73% of sellers would prefer to list with an agent who uses video, as it shows professionalism and a willingness to leverage technology.

70% of people that are looking for real estate, do it on their smartphone

Embrace video as the future of real estate marketing

As real estate portals like Housing.com and apps like Walkly lead the way in video-focused marketing, it’s clear that the trend is here to stay. Video walkthroughs not only provide potential buyers with a rich, immersive experience but also allow agents to save time and increase their reach. With the right tools, creating quality video content is easier than ever, allowing agents to keep up with the fast-paced, mobile-first world of real estate.