Coming up in May is the Minnesota State Foosball Championships in Blaine, MN. It has been years since the last MN State. DrifterRadio will be one of this year’s sponsors.
If you would like more information, or would like to sponsor the tournament, contact Seth Nelson at (612) 363-1076.
From a business standpoint, DrifterRadio feels that adding $100 to an event and $250 as a general sponsor is worth the money, especially when coupled with social media and videography.
Plans are being brainstormed. 3-year calendars are be drawn up. Bergstad and I are looking at doing a hempcrete building project in couple of years. We are thinking about starting a veteran business/ag cooperative and buying a farm or acreage in order to grow organic vegetables, organic chickens/eggs, and to start a contracting company that grows hemp that can be used in hempcrete.
Initially, we were thinking that our crew, interns, and volunteers could build structures for veterans and interns to stay in. However, creating a radio station structure might be the right way to go for marketing reasons.
Let me know if you are interested in this journey. We are looking for Veterans, civilian volunteers/support, and organizational partners.
In the mean time, let the hemp aglearning continue:
Cranking up The Cult’s, “She Sells Santuary.” A rock classic.
I’m not exactly sure what the words are, even though I’ve heard this song for over 3-decades, but that doesn’t matter.
The music-energy in the song is not a “drag.”
Test it for yourself.
When the world drags you down, crank this song up with a good sound system:
℗ 2009 Beggars Banquet Records Ltd Released on: 2009-09-20 Associated Performer: Billy Duffy Associated Performer: Ian Astbury Associated Performer: Jamie Stewart Associated Performer: Nigel Preston Music Publisher: Harry Fox Agency Music Publisher: CMRRA Music Publisher: Warner Chappell Music Publishing Ltd. Composer Lyricist: Billy Duffy Composer Lyricist: Ian Astbury
3. Enter text in the prompt for the video you want it to create
4. Choose audience, look/feel of video, and platform
5. Review the 1st draft of the video
6. Rewrite the prompt, or “Regenerate” the draft?
7. Give the AI direct editing commands. Hit “Generate”
8. Manually edit slides and/or the script
9. Export (aka render) video
10. Upload video to social media
That’s the basic workflow for InVideo to go from an idea to an uploaded video. Here’s the training video I made with InVideo power-presenting for this information:
DJ Bobby initiated his journey into home ownership by clearly defining his goals. Why was he purchasing a home? What financing options suited his needs? What kind of house was necessary to meet his requirements? These critical questions set the foundation for his entire home-buying process.
Moving Minnesota
2 Partnering with a Realtor
Understanding the importance of a realtor in the home-buying process, DJ Bobby diligently sought a responsible and knowledgeable professional. The realtor’s role extended beyond mere property transactions; they became an educator, guiding DJ Bobby through the intricacies of the buying process, researching the market, and providing valuable insights into potential properties.
3 Getting Pre-Approved
Embarking on the pre-approval process, DJ Bobby engaged with a mortgage lender to assess his financial situation and credit history. Through the submission of essential documents such as W-2s, tax returns, credit scores, and details of additional income, he gained a clear understanding of the amount and interest rate he could secure for his home loan.
4 House Hunting
Armed with pre-approval, DJ Bobby explored various avenues for house hunting. Leveraging the realtor’s expertise, he delved into online searches, real estate magazines, newspapers, and attended open houses. The realtor’s access to exclusive listings and proactive engagement with other agents enhanced DJ Bobby’s chances of finding the perfect home.
5 Making an Offer
Having identified the ideal house, DJ Bobby, guided by his realtor, crafted a comprehensive offer. This pivotal step involved considerations such as home inspections, earnest money, financing contingencies, closing costs, and choosing an appropriate closing date. DJ Bobby’s offer not only protected his interests but also laid the groundwork for a smooth transition to ownership.
6 After the Offer is Accepted
With the offer accepted, DJ Bobby focused on preparing for closing. Addressing contingencies and collaborating with the real estate team ensured a seamless transition. The post-offer period involved submitting final purchase agreements, completing home inspections, ordering title work, and initiating the appraisal process.
7 Title Work and Financing
As DJ Bobby progressed toward closing, he familiarized himself with the fees associated with title work and financing. From mortgage insurance and property transfer fees to legal and inspection costs, he gained insights into the financial aspects of home ownership. Thorough understanding of these fees ensured transparency and financial preparedness.
8 Time to Move In
The culmination of DJ Bobby’s journey arrived as he prepared to move into his new home. Armed with practical moving tips, including packing strategies, organization techniques, and the importance of a final walkthrough, he navigated the excitement and stress that accompanied this significant life transition. DJ Bobby’s analytical approach, coupled with the guidance of the Walgrave Real Estate Group, paved the way for a successful home-buying experience.
*This was going to be a simple follow up post on Facebook Messenger to the Walgrave Real Estate Group, but it quickly turned into a small book on an intro to real estate videography.
Real Estate Videography
Walgrave Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Savage, Minnesota
February 22, 2024
I. Michael Walgrave’s Background in Videography
My background with film and videography dates back to the 1980’s when we had VCR players and VHS tapes. My brothers, sister, and friends would get the camera out and film when we were in kids. We created breakdance dance parties, lip-sink contests, and skits. It was fun. And dumb. But fun. I was hooked on “creating.”
My videography hobby continued off and on in high school with one production being submitted as a project for a physics class in the 1990’s. It was a “Waynes World”-like skit that talked about the planets. The physics teacher would go on to play that video for years afterwards as an example of putting humor and education in video form.
In 2007 (OEF VII), I decided to film my combat deployment with the 173d Airborne Infantry in Afghanistan.
While deployed, my buddies and I passed the time by filming the daily happenings of the infantry called “Afghan Highway.” We had access to digital cameras, computers with basic editing software, and some internet. We were able to send videos back in forth the combat zone to friends at other posts. It was by no-means meant to be professional “combat journalism.” That wasn’t our MOS (job assignment).
After the military in 2009, I kept the camera rolling and took a 100-day trip down the Mississippi River on a shack-boat. We filmed the whole adventure and created a movie called: “Driftin ol Miss.” At this point, I was just discovering YouTube. I used the first iPhone with a camera (3GS) to film the journey.
In 2010, I went back to college at UW-River Falls for Agribusiness Management with an Emphasis in Sustainability. I kept the camera rolling with live music, agriculture, sustainability talks, and River Falls tourism being the main subjects. I also joined a couple of video/production clubs on campus.
I coined my style as “farmer marketing” videography. Keep it simple, effective, efficient…work with what you got and get it done. You don’t have to know a lot about a tool; you just have to know how to use the tool. I would use this style of videography when working at and touring organic farmers on the West Coast in 2012-14.
So, here we are in 2024. AI, a plethora of platforms to share and communicate on, 8K phone cameras, 5G….the matrix? Realtors in the meta-verse?
Who knows what the future holds, but we definitely have a lot of tech tools today to get business done. I encourage you to have some fun with your real estate marketing videos. After all, technology is just a tool, but your authentic-ness as a person is one big reason strangers will want to do business with you especially if you educate and humor them.
So, without further ado, let’s make some videos, build your network, generate leads, and close more deals!
II. Intro to Real Estate Videography
Here are the main lessons I’ve had with videography over the years.
Videography 001
Turn on the Camera and Hit Record
Pretty basic advice, but sometimes the biggest hurdle to get started.
If need be, have some one else turn the camera on for you.
Don’t be over-critical of yourself and the content, but learn from it with experience.
Develop a habit of taking real estate pictures and hitting record.
You can always come back and edit later.
Have fun and educate.
Videography 002
Do a Test Shot and Review Material
Hit record and review.
How is the audio?
How is the video framing?
How is the video lighting?
Experiment with different camera angles.
Have fun and educate.
Videography 003
Other Production Considerations
Weather.
Battery life of tech.
Storage space on camera.
Have fun and educate.
III. Real Estate Videography 101
Creating good social media content has never been easier.
Learn to create a good work flow for yourself.
Video Production Process
A. Research and Pre-prep before The Shoot.
1. Research the home
2. Research the community
3. Research the market
4. Have equipment and wardrobe ready to go
B. The Shoot
1. Videos/photos of the community
2. Videos/photos of the home
3. Videos of realtor talking about home and community
C. Editing and Data Management
1. Length of Video
Short video: 5-seconds to 30-seconds.
Medium video: 30-seconds to 3-minutes.
Long video: 3+minutes.
2. Use video editing program that works for you and your equipment.
Software for your phone
Eg. iMovie on iPhone.
Software for you computer
AI video editing
Eg Canva
4. Create rough draft
Import vids/pics to editing software
Arrange videos and photos on a timeline
5. Refine rough draft
Add effects
titles
background audio
transitions
Adjust audio volume and effects
6. Double check everything
7. Create and export final draft
D. Upload and Share
Try multiple platforms
Eg. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X-Twitter, etc.
Share with business partners and team member for feedback.
Share with the internet on multiple platforms and blogs.
III. Thoughts and Considerations on Real Estate Social Media
The link below is a current example of my “Farmer Marketing” style that I’m “testing” for generating leads and connecting buyers and sellers for a deal:
The video was filmed Tuesday, February 20th, 2024. Hosted by Fieldstone Family Homes Inc, Tyrone took me on a “power tour” of 5-homes in 1-hour and 15-minutes at the Kenwood Hills neighborhood of Lakeville, Minnesota.
From traveling to filming to editing to being shared with stakeholders took about 30-hours. The video length initially posted is 1-minute and 34-seconds in length.
The video contains pics/vid, transitions, subtitles, and narration.
The video is titled “18290 Jurel Way, Lakeville, MN | Fieldstone Family Homes Inc |” on my Moving Minnesota YouTube page.
Let us review my own material:
A. The Good
1. Tyrone responded promptly, guided the tour, opened doors, …lights-camera-action!
2. Efficient and timely.
Filmed multiple houses in a short time on short notice.
Changed wardrobe
Good for post production efficiency.
Helps potential clients get to know you.
3. Weather/sunlight cooperated.
4. Took horizontal and vertical shots with an iPhone 15.
Will need both those camera shots for differnt platforms and visual variety.
Eg. Instagram (vertical-viewing) vs YouTube (horizontal-viewing).
5. Perfectly staged new home with great indoor lighting.
B. The Bad
1. More realtors from the team didn’t show up to join in on the “power tour.”
2. Not yet a big time production with millions of fans.
3. Too long for the short-attention span crowd.
4. Do I need to be on camera more? To what end?
C. The Ugly
1. Ongoing questions to be answered
Does this video create value?
Does it educate, make someone laugh, or both?
What can I improve on? Audio, video, timing, camera, angles, etc?
2. Am I leveraging this video correctly with my audience and network?
D. The Awesome
1. New builder partnership with Fieldstone Family Homes Inc.
2. They can make your client’s new home dreams come true.
That was a fun project.
I hope to see the team show up for the next real estate video production nicknamed, “Power Tour 2,” in Inver Grove Heights February 28, 2024. Wednesday 11am. (2hr).
Bring your cameras and your wardrobes. Have fun, educate your clients, and get to work!
If you have been following DrifterRadio.com since its inception 20-years ago, you are well aware of the drifting I have done. Hitchhiking for foosball, truck driving, deployment to Afghanistan, wandering around Europe…etc.
The latest incarnation of my drift is in real estate in the bustling Twin Cities of Minneapolis.
Business drifting.
As the days are already warming up in February 2024, the real estate market is starting to come out of hibernation. As such, I am finding myself back on the highways of Minnesota metro area. I anticipate putting on some miles in Minnesota this year.
The 2006 Honda Accord (171,000-miles on the odometer) should get me around the area just fine. There is nothing special about this 4-cylinder 2-door silver vehicle. Gas mileage is decent and this model is capable of handling a high mileage marathon.
I look forward to being “back on the road” in a refined sense. I’ve never thoroughly explored the vastness of the Twin Cities metro area of 3+million people. Touring around to show a house, host an open house, etc. turns into a different adventure daily.