4 Props that Pop: Video Prop List

As a producer of real estate property videos we are often asked by our agents and home owners “how can I make my property video stand out?”  This is a great question!

Firstly, keep in mind the goal of a real estate video is to create an emotional connection between the potential buyer and the property.  In a real estate video focusing on the property’s best features and playing up the home’s lifestyle is key.   Your VSI videographer will do his magic behind the lens but you can have an impact too.   There are several items, we call them props, that can have a significant effect on making your property stand out  and creating that essential emotional connection.

In this post we will focus on four props that will help make your property video pop!

(These tips apply to photographs as well)

#1. Fresh Flowers        #2. Candles

#3. Fruits & Vegetables        #4. Beverages

See these props in action by going to our YouTube channel.

*   *   *   *   *

#1 FRESH FLOWERS:

It’s proven that fresh flowers improve your mood and produce feelings of well being.  This is how we want viewers to feel when they see your property video.  Purchase fresh flowers for the key rooms in the home (kitchen, living room, master bedroom and master bathroom).  You can coordinate the color of the flowers with the color of the room, or you can pick a contrasting color to really make the flowers stand out.  Place the blooms in a prominent area of the room to have a dramatic effect.

Our top picks for flowers:  Tulips, Blue Hydrangea, Gladiolus, Lilies, Roses,  Irises, Orchids, and Sunflowers

Our top spots for flowers:  Trader Joes and Whole Foods

 *   *   *   *   *

#2 CANDLES:

Simply put, candles are romantic.  They sooth, calm, and captivate us.  They also look amazing when captured on film.  Showing movement is the whole point of producing a live-action video.  The movement of flickering flames on a dining room table candelabra, or tea lights surrounding a warm bath are sure to lure buyers to your property.

Four great things about using candles or the  fireplace:

(1) Capturing movement for the camera.  (2) Highlighting the ambiance of the property.  (3) Demonstrating the lifestyle buyers will lead when purchase the property.  (4) Showcasing a selling feature of the home, whether its the fireplace itself, beautiful tile work around the bathtub, or granite counter-tops.

While we are talking about pulling the matches out, lets also address fireplaces.  Having a fire going, even in the summer, will do wonders for your property video.  If you’d rather not have a raging fire in July, you can also light varying heights of cylindrical candles and place them in the fireplace.

 *   *   *   *   *

#3 FRUITS & VEGGIES:

Nothing is as synonymous with home than food.  Images of food conjure up emotions of comfort, relaxation, and joy coupled with thoughts of family and celebrations.  They don’t call it ‘comfort food’ and ‘home cooking’ for no reason.  Strategically placed bowls of fruit or colorful vegetables have the same calming and ‘at home’ effect as fresh flowers.  On video shoots we use fruit and vegetables to add color throughout the home, soften hard surfaces, or add drama or whimsy.

Our top picks for fruits:  Apples , Citrus: (limes lemons oranges), Bananas, Berries, Pears, Peaches, Plums, and Tomatoes

Our top picks for vegetables:  Artichokes, radishes, leeks, onions, red potatoes, lettuce, and bell peppers

In addition to fruits and vegetables consider other food items such as hor dourves, breads, pastries, salad and herbs.

Fruits and vegetables can be used when showcasing the kitchen, keeping room, or dining room, but they don’t always have to.

*   *   *   *   *

#4 BEVERAGES:

Beverages send a welcoming message when seen on film.  They relay a message of “come in and enjoy some hospitality.”  Remember, you want viewers of your video to be drawn in, so using beverages as props adds to the lifestyle of the property.

Our top picks for beverages:  Wine, Cocktails, Sparkling water (Pellegrino or Perrier), Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Glass bottled soda

All of the images in this blog post were enhanced using four props: Flowers, Candles, Food, and Beverages.  These items help create an emotional connection to the property and will certainly make your real estate video stand out.

Virtual Studio Innovations is on YouTube.  Here is the link to our YouTube channel where you will see what we do on a daily basis and you’ll see first hand how these four props can make a video pop!