4 Inexpensive Ways To Film a Rental Video Tour

By Bobbye Joe McMillan

Bobbye Joe McMillan is the driving force behind Cornerstone Property Management, bringing over 30 years of expertise in real estate to help clients achieve their property goals.

In today’s rental market, first impressions happen online. Most renters decide whether to reach out within a few seconds of scrolling through a listing. That means you need to make it feel real, welcoming, and worth visiting in person. You can achieve that with a well-made video.

I once worked with a landlord who had a beautiful apartment in a great area, yet it sat on the market for weeks. The photos were decent, but nothing stood out. Once she filmed a short, bright, and steady walkthrough video, everything changed. The listing started getting attention, and qualified renters began reaching out. Seeing the layout and light in motion helped people connect with the space in a way that static photos never could.

A rental video tour gives potential tenants a better sense of space, light, and layout than any photo carousel ever could. It helps them picture themselves in the home, which often leads to faster inquiries and stronger applications. The good news is that you can make a professional-looking video without hiring a crew or spending a lot of money.

Here are four inexpensive tips to help you get started:

1. Use your smartphone effectively. Most smartphones today can capture excellent video quality, and you can absolutely use yours to make a rental tour that looks professional. The key is stability and composition. Hold the phone firmly with both hands or use a basic tripod. A small, inexpensive tripod instantly makes your footage smoother and easier to watch.

Film in horizontal mode since that format works best for listing platforms. Clean your lens before recording, and walk slowly through the property so viewers have time to take everything in. Try to keep your movements steady and natural. Then, talk briefly about key features while filming, such as natural lighting or updated finishes. You can also just add short captions later using free editing apps like CapCut, VN, or InShot.

2. Prioritize good lighting. Lighting has the biggest impact on how professional your video looks. Natural light always produces the best results, so try filming during the day when the sun is bright but not harsh. Open blinds and curtains to let in light, and turn on all indoor lights to create an even tone.

Avoid filming directly into windows, since that can make the room behind you appear dark. Instead, face toward the light source whenever possible.

If some rooms still appear shadowed, use a small clip-on light or portable LED panel. These affordable tools can quickly brighten a dim area and help your space look clean and inviting.

3. Make a simple shot list. Creating a short shot list before filming helps you stay organized and ensures your video flows naturally. Plan to capture the front door, entryway, kitchen, living area, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any outdoor space. Then, spend about ten to fifteen seconds per room and move at a steady pace. Avoid fast turns or wide, sweeping motions. A calm, consistent walk-through keeps viewers comfortable and focused.

You can also start filming outside and walk in to show how the home feels upon entry. This small touch adds a natural sense of progression and helps renters imagine arriving home at the end of the day.

4. Edit for a clean, professional look. You don’t need professional software to make your video look polished. Free apps like iMovie, VN, or CapCut allow you to trim clips, adjust brightness, and add text labels such as “Spacious Living Room” or “Fully Updated Kitchen.”

Keep your final video short and engaging, ideally under three minutes. Add a bit of soft background music to create a pleasant mood, and end with a simple outro that includes your logo or contact information. These finishing touches make your video feel complete and ready for sharing on any rental platform or social page.

A rental video tour is one of the most effective ways to attract the right tenants. It shows transparency, helps renters connect with the property, and speeds up the leasing process. With a smartphone, good lighting, and a little preparation, you can create professional videos that bring your listings to life.

If you want to learn more about filming rental tours, understanding what renters look for, or improving your marketing process, reach out to me anytime through phone or email for a free consultation. With a few small improvements, you can turn your listings into videos that get noticed and rented quickly.