In the age of reels, are you still stuck in 2015?

In 2025, video is no longer optional in real estate marketing — it’s the main language buyers understand. But while the industry has evolved, many builders are still stuck in outdated video practices that do more harm than good.

From treating walkthroughs like catalog entries to ignoring mobile-first platforms, we’ve seen it all. And at Marketing Garage, we believe that with just a few smart shifts, your video strategy can go from “meh” to “memorable.”

Here are the 5 most common video mistakes we see in real estate marketing — and how to avoid them:

❌ 1. Boring, Generic Walkthroughs

Let’s be honest: No one is excited by a slow, silent walk through an empty flat with elevator music in the background. These videos often feel lifeless — showing the property, but not selling why someone should want to live there.

🧠 Today’s buyer wants more than just a tour. They want to feel the lifestyle, imagine themselves there, and connect with the story.

✅ Fix it: Think like a filmmaker, not just a realtor. Use dynamic camera movements, background scores that set the mood, and scripts that highlight emotion and aspiration. Showcase moments — like morning light in the bedroom or coffee on the balcony — not just square footage.

❌ 2. No Human Presence

Too many videos feel robotic. No voices, no people, no relatability. But here’s the thing: people don’t buy properties; people buy from people.

📉 When you skip testimonials or founder appearances, you're missing the chance to build trust — especially for first-time buyers.

✅ Fix it: Bring in your people. Add snippets of real customer stories, interviews with your sales team, or a personal message from the founder or architect. Let buyers see the passion behind the project. Human connection builds confidence.

❌ 3. Ignoring Mobile-First Formats

You spent money on a slick landscape video — great. But if it only lives on YouTube or your website, you’re missing out. Today, most property decisions start on Instagram, WhatsApp, or LinkedIn, and all of them favor vertical video.

📱 Studies show that more than 75% of real estate video views now happen on mobile — often as short-form content.

✅ Fix it: Think cross-platform from Day 1. Every video should have multiple formats: 16:9 for YouTube and websites, 9:16 for reels and stories, and 1:1 square for feeds. Adapt the message per platform, but keep the essence consistent.

❌ 4. No Distribution Plan

Creating a video and uploading it once is like printing a brochure and leaving it in your drawer. Without a planned release strategy, even the most powerful video can go unseen.

🚫 We’ve seen great videos flop simply because there was no ad budget, no calendar, and no content repurposing strategy.

✅ Fix it: Work with your marketing team (or a creative partner like us 😉) to build a content calendar, optimize platform-specific publishing, and align with your campaign’s paid media strategy. Amplify the content — don’t just post and pray.

❌ 5. Skipping Emotional Storytelling

Real estate isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one. When your video is packed with facts but lacks feeling, you risk losing the buyer at “hello.”

👎 Carpet area and amenities matter, yes — but it’s the emotion behind those elements that triggers decisions.

✅ Fix it: Anchor your videos in human moments. Show what it feels like to move in, to wake up to the view, to celebrate a first Diwali in that home. Combine specs with stories. Emotion-first marketing isn’t a gimmick — it’s the most effective way to build recall and trust.

📍 Final Word: Video is an Asset — Don’t Undervalue It

Here’s the truth: A strong video can build awareness, generate leads, and close sales faster. But only if it's done right. It’s not just about having a camera — it’s about having a strategy. One that combines creative storytelling, technical excellence, platform awareness, and a solid distribution plan.

🎬 At Marketing Garage, we’re not just video creators — we’re real estate storytellers. We understand the pulse of the market and the power of emotion. So if you’re ready to turn video into your strongest marketing weapon, you know where to find us.