7 Mistakes You're Making with Real Estate Video Tours (and How to Fix Them)

Real estate video tours have become a game-changer in the industry. Buyers expect them. Sellers demand them. And when done right, they can sell a home faster than a static photo gallery ever could.

But here's the thing, most video tours fall flat.

They're shaky. They're dark. They miss the best features of the home. And instead of drawing buyers in, they send them scrolling to the next listing.

The good news? These mistakes are completely avoidable. Whether you're a realtor trying to DIY your video content or you're working with a professional team, understanding what goes wrong (and how to fix it) will elevate your listings and get more eyes on your properties.

Let's break down the seven most common mistakes we see with real estate video tours, and exactly how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Poor Lighting That Makes Rooms Look Like Caves

Nothing kills a video tour faster than bad lighting. Dim, shadowy rooms look smaller, feel uninviting, and honestly just look depressing on screen. Buyers want to see bright, airy spaces, not a home that looks like it hasn't seen sunlight in years.

How to fix it:

Before any filming happens, turn on every single light in the house. Yes, every one. Open all the blinds and curtains to let natural light flood in. The goal is to create even, balanced lighting throughout each room.

A mix of natural sunlight and artificial lighting usually works best. But here's a pro tip: don't rely on your camera to fix lighting issues in post-production. Overexposed windows and underexposed corners are a nightmare to correct and almost always look unnatural.

If a room is naturally dark (like a basement or interior bathroom), consider bringing in additional lighting equipment. It makes a massive difference.

Mistake #2: Shaky, Unstable Camera Movement

We've all seen those video tours that look like they were filmed during an earthquake. The camera bounces with every step. It tilts randomly. And by the end, you're more nauseous than interested in the property.

Shaky footage is distracting. It pulls the viewer's attention away from the home and makes the whole production feel amateur.

How to fix it:

Keep the camera at eye level, about chest to shoulder height works well. Walk slowly and deliberately through each space. If you're holding the camera by hand, bend your knees slightly as you walk to absorb some of the motion.

Better yet? Use a gimbal or stabilizer. These devices are specifically designed to create smooth, cinematic movement that glides through a home like butter.

Remember, most buyers are watching these tours on their phones or laptops. Any shakiness is magnified on a small screen, so stability is crucial.

Mistake #3: Filming a Messy, Unprepared Home

This one sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it happens. A video tour starts rolling and there's clutter on the counters, dishes in the sink, and a pile of laundry visible in the corner of the bedroom.

Virtual tours are unforgiving. They magnify every imperfection. That little bit of dust on the shelf? Buyers will notice. The overflowing closet? They'll pause and zoom in.

How to fix it:

Preparation is everything. Before filming day, the home needs a deep clean. We're talking spotless countertops, organized closets, streak-free windows, and freshly vacuumed floors.

Remove personal items like family photos and toiletries from bathrooms. Clear off refrigerator magnets and notes. The goal is to create a clean, neutral canvas that lets buyers imagine themselves living there.

And don't forget the spaces you think nobody will see. Video tours often reveal pantries, storage areas, and corners that wouldn't typically be highlighted during an in-person showing. Everything needs to be camera-ready.

Check out our pre-shoot checklist to make sure you're fully prepared before the camera starts rolling.

Mistake #4: Awkward Camera Placement and Bad Angles

Ever watched a video tour where the camera was shoved into a corner, making the room look weirdly distorted? Or where the angle was so low it felt like you were viewing the home from a toddler's perspective?

Bad camera placement creates an unrealistic, unflattering view of the space. It can make large rooms look cramped and throw off the natural flow of the tour.

How to fix it:

Position the camera in the center of each room whenever possible. This gives viewers the most natural, balanced perspective, similar to what they'd see if they were standing in the doorway during an in-person showing.

Shoot at a natural height (roughly eye level for an average adult). Avoid extreme low angles or overhead shots unless you're deliberately highlighting a specific architectural feature.

One more thing: watch out for reflective surfaces. Mirrors, glass doors, and shiny appliances can accidentally expose camera equipment or the person filming. Always double-check before you hit record.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Home's Best Features

Too many video tours are basically moving floor plans. They walk through each room in order, showing the basics, but never actually highlighting what makes the home special.

That gorgeous chef's kitchen with the marble countertops? Glossed over. The stunning backyard oasis? Barely visible. The custom built-ins in the living room? Completely missed.

How to fix it:

Before filming, identify the home's standout features. What would make a buyer fall in love with this property? Focus on those elements.

Slow down and linger on upgrades like new appliances, crown molding, or custom finishes. Get close-up shots that show quality and detail. And please, don't forget the outdoor spaces. Decks, patios, gardens, and views can be major selling points: especially in the Bay of Quinte area where waterfront and outdoor living are huge draws.

If the property has great natural sounds: birds chirping, waves nearby: capture some of that audio too. It adds an emotional layer that static photos simply can't deliver.

Mistake #6: Choosing the Wrong Video Tour Format

Not all video tours are created equal. A quick walkthrough filmed on a smartphone might work for a basic rental listing, but it's not going to cut it for a luxury waterfront property.

Choosing the wrong format for your listing undersells the home and misses opportunities to connect with serious buyers.

How to fix it:

Match the tour format to the property and your target audience.

For entry-level homes, a simple, well-produced video walkthrough might be sufficient. But for mid-range to luxury properties, consider investing in professional property videos or interactive virtual tours that let buyers explore at their own pace.

Offering both a guided video and a self-guided 3D tour gives buyers flexibility. Some prefer to be shown around, while others want to click through rooms on their own. Covering both bases maximizes engagement.

Don't forget accessibility either. Adding captions or labels helps viewers who watch without sound (which is more common than you'd think on social media).

Mistake #7: Using Low-Quality Equipment or Cheap Software

You can follow every tip on this list, but if your equipment or software is garbage, the final product will still disappoint.

Grainy footage, poor audio quality, and clunky virtual tour platforms reflect badly on the listing: and on you as an agent.

How to fix it:

Invest in quality. Professional-grade cameras, stabilizers, and microphones make a noticeable difference in the final product. The same goes for virtual tour software: proven platforms deliver consistent quality, smooth navigation, and a seamless viewing experience.

If you're not ready to invest in equipment yourself, that's okay. Partnering with a professional real estate media company ensures your listings always look their best without the learning curve.

Ready to Level Up Your Listings?

Video tours aren't going anywhere. If anything, buyer expectations are only getting higher. Avoiding these seven mistakes will put you ahead of the competition and help your listings stand out in a crowded market.

Need help creating professional video tours that actually sell homes? Get in touch with us or book your next shoot online. We'd love to help you showcase your listings the right way.