Real Estate Video Marketing in Lacey & Tumwater: How to Sell Homes Faster in 2026
I'm going to be honest with you: if you're still marketing properties with just photos, you're already behind.
Video has completely taken over how people consume content online. Think about your own social media habits—when you're scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or even the MLS, what makes you stop? It's video. Movement catches the eye in a way that static images just can't.
I've been creating real estate videos for agents throughout Lacey, Tumwater, and the greater Thurston County area for years now, and I can tell you without hesitation that properties marketed with professional video consistently outperform those without it.
Let me walk you through why video marketing matters so much for real estate in 2026, what types of videos work best, and how you can use video to sell more homes faster.
Why Video Marketing Is Essential for Real Estate in 2026
Here are some numbers that should get your attention: properties with video receive 403% more inquiries than those without. Video listings get shared 1,200% more than text and image listings combined. And 73% of homeowners say they're more likely to list with an agent who uses video. But only 10% of agent do!
But beyond the statistics, there's a simple truth: video tells a story in a way that photos can't.
When potential buyers watch a video walkthrough of a property in Lacey or Tumwater, they're not just seeing individual rooms—they're experiencing the flow of the home. They're understanding how spaces connect, getting a feel for the size and layout, and imagining themselves living there.
This is especially important in today's market where buyers are often doing extensive research online before they ever schedule a showing. Video helps them narrow down which properties are worth their time to see in person.
The Lacey and Tumwater Market: Why Video Works Here
Lacey and Tumwater are incredible communities with diverse housing stock. You've got newer developments near Hawks Prairie, established neighborhoods with character homes, waterfront properties on local lakes, and everything in between.
What makes these areas special is that they attract a wide range of buyers: families looking for good schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, JBLM military families seeking convenient access to base, state employees who work in Olympia, and retirees looking for quieter living with easy access to amenities.
These buyers are tech-savvy and they expect comprehensive online marketing. When they're comparing properties in Lacey and Tumwater, the listings with professional video stand out immediately.
Types of Real Estate Videos That Actually Work
Not all real estate videos are created equal. Let me break down the different types of videos we create at Power Homes Media and when each one makes sense for your listings.
Listing Highlight Videos
This is our most popular service and for good reason. A listing highlight video is a 1-3 minute cinematic walkthrough that showcases the best features of a property.
We're not talking about a boring, slow pan through every room. We're talking about dynamic footage that captures the character and flow of the home—smooth transitions, attention to detail shots, both interior and exterior coverage, and often a combination of ground-level and aerial drone footage.
These videos are perfect for:
Posting on your social media channels
Embedding in your listing presentations
Sharing via email to potential buyers
Uploading to YouTube for SEO benefits
Including in your MLS listing (many MLS systems now support video)
I shot a listing highlight video for a property in the Tanglewilde neighborhood in Lacey last month. Beautiful mid-century modern home with great bones and recent updates. The agent posted the video on Facebook and Instagram, and it got shared 47 times. That kind of organic reach is impossible to buy, and it all came from a well-produced video.
Social Media Content
This is where real estate marketing is really evolving. Short-form video content for platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and TikTok is absolutely exploding right now.
These videos are typically 15-60 seconds, fast-paced, and designed to grab attention quickly. They might showcase a single amazing feature, do a quick tour of the home, highlight a unique selling point, or show off the neighborhood.
The beauty of social media content is that it has viral potential. A well-crafted reel can reach thousands of people who would never see a traditional listing. We've had videos for Tumwater properties get tens of thousands of views from people all over the country.
And here's what's interesting: even if most of those viewers aren't in the market for a house in Tumwater, they share it with friends and family who might be. Social media content turns every viewer into a potential referral source.
Full Walkthrough Videos
While highlight videos show the best of a property, full walkthrough videos take viewers through the entire home in a logical sequence—just like they would experience it if they were there in person.
These are typically longer (5-10 minutes) and more methodical. They're less about cinematic flair and more about giving buyers a comprehensive understanding of the property.
Full walkthroughs are great for:
Out-of-area buyers who can't easily visit in person
Investment properties where buyers want detailed documentation
Luxury listings where buyers expect comprehensive marketing
Unique properties that need more explanation
We shot a full walkthrough for a custom home in Tumwater with some unique architectural features. The buyers ended up being from California, and they told the agent that the walkthrough video was what convinced them to make an offer sight unseen. That's powerful.
Neighborhood and Area Videos
Sometimes it's not just about the house—it's about the location. Neighborhood videos showcase the community, local amenities, schools, parks, shopping, and what makes the area special.
This is particularly effective for newer agents building their brand or for marketing properties in specific neighborhoods you want to specialize in.
Imagine creating a video about "Living in Lacey's Hawks Prairie" or "Why Tumwater is Perfect for Families." You can use this video across multiple listings, on your website, and in your marketing materials. It positions you as the local expert and provides value beyond just the property listing.
Agent Introduction Videos
While this isn't specifically about a property, hear me out. Having a short video introducing yourself and your services can be incredibly valuable when competing for listings.
When a potential seller is choosing an agent, seeing a polished video that explains your marketing approach—including how you use professional video for listings—can be the thing that tips the scales in your favor.
What Makes a Real Estate Video Actually Good
I've seen a lot of real estate videos over the years. Some are fantastic. Others... not so much. Here's what separates great real estate videos from mediocre ones:
Professional Equipment and Stabilization
Nothing screams amateur like shaky, handheld video. Professional real estate videography requires stabilization equipment—gimbals, sliders, tripods—to ensure smooth, professional-looking footage.
At Power Homes Media, we use professional-grade stabilization for all our video work. Our footage is smooth, steady, and polished, which subconsciously signals quality to viewers.
Proper Lighting
Just like with photography, lighting makes or breaks real estate video. We need to balance interior lighting with natural light from windows, ensure no spaces are too dark, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This is especially important in Pacific Northwest homes where natural light can be limited, particularly during fall and winter months.
Strategic Shot Selection
Every shot in a video should serve a purpose. We're not just randomly filming rooms—we're telling a story about the home.
We start with an establishing shot (often aerial if appropriate), move through the home in a logical flow, highlight key features with detail shots, and end with a memorable closing image.
Appropriate Pacing and Music
The pacing of your video needs to match the property. A modern, contemporary home might have quick cuts and upbeat music. A charming craftsman might have slower, more deliberate pacing with softer music.
We carefully select music that enhances the viewing experience without overwhelming it. The music should support the visuals, not distract from them.
Clear Purpose and Call to Action
Every video should have a clear purpose. Whether it's driving traffic to a listing, encouraging shares on social media, or building your personal brand, the video should be designed with that goal in mind.
And always include a call to action—whether that's visiting the listing online, calling for more information, or following your social media accounts.
The Video Production Process: What to Expect
When you book video services with Power Homes Media, here's what the process looks like:
Pre-Production Planning
Before we show up, we discuss the property, its unique features, and what you want to emphasize in the video. We talk about the style of video you want, the target audience, and where you'll be using it.
This planning ensures we capture exactly what you need when we're on-site.
Shoot Day
Video shoots typically take longer than photography sessions—usually 1-2 hours depending on the size of the property and the scope of the video.
We work systematically through the property, capturing both wide shots that show full rooms and detail shots that highlight special features. If we're incorporating drone footage, we'll do that as well.
The key is preparing the home properly. Everything that needs to look good for photos needs to look even better for video because video reveals more. Clutter, mess, and staging issues that might not be noticeable in a still photo become very obvious in video.
Post-Production and Editing
This is where the magic happens. We take all the raw footage and craft it into a compelling story. This includes:
Selecting the best clips
Arranging them in a logical, engaging sequence
Color grading for consistent, professional look
Adding music that enhances the mood
Creating smooth transitions between shots
Adding any text overlays or property information
Exporting in the appropriate format for your needs
Just like our photography, we deliver video within 24 hours. You'll receive files optimized for different platforms—full resolution for YouTube and your website, compressed versions for social media, and any other formats you need.
How to Use Real Estate Video Effectively
Creating great video content is only half the battle. You also need to use it effectively. Here's how to maximize the impact of your real estate videos:
Social Media Strategy
Post your videos natively to each platform rather than just sharing YouTube links. Native videos perform better in algorithms and get more organic reach.
For Facebook and Instagram:
Post during high-engagement times (typically evenings and weekends)
Use relevant hashtags (#LaceyWA #TumwaterRealEstate #ThurstonCountyHomes)
Include a compelling caption that tells viewers why they should watch
Tag the location to help with local discovery
Encourage engagement by asking questions in your caption
For TikTok and Reels:
Keep it short and engaging (15-30 seconds is ideal)
Use trending audio when appropriate
Hook viewers in the first 2 seconds
Add text overlays to highlight key features
Include a strong CTA
YouTube Optimization
YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and real estate videos can rank well if optimized properly.
For each listing video:
Create a descriptive title with location keywords ("Beautiful 4BR Home in Lacey WA - $550K")
Write a detailed description with property features and your contact info
Add relevant tags (Lacey homes for sale, Tumwater real estate, etc.)
Create a custom thumbnail that's eye-catching
Add your listing link in the description
Over time, your YouTube channel becomes a portfolio of your listings and a source of leads from organic search.
Email Marketing
Video significantly increases email engagement rates. Embedding a video thumbnail in your email newsletters (that links to the full video) can boost click-through rates by over 200%.
Send videos to your sphere of influence, past clients, and leads in your database. You never know who might be thinking about making a move or who has a friend or family member looking for a home in Lacey or Tumwater.
MLS and Listing Websites
More and more MLS systems support video now. Always include your video in the MLS listing if possible. Properties with video in the MLS get significantly more views and engagement.
Also make sure video is prominently featured on any listing websites, landing pages, or virtual tour platforms you're using.
Video Marketing for Different Property Types in Lacey and Tumwater
Let me break down how we approach video differently based on property type:
Family Homes
For family homes in neighborhoods like Woodland Creek, Huntamer Park, or the Tanglewilde area, we focus on livability and lifestyle. We showcase:
Open floor plans perfect for family gatherings
Functional kitchens with updated appliances
Bedrooms and spaces for kids
Yards and outdoor spaces for play
Proximity to schools and parks
Safe, friendly neighborhoods
The music is warm and inviting, the pacing is comfortable, and the overall feel is "this is a great place to raise a family."
Starter Homes and Condos
For more affordable properties or condos, we keep videos shorter and punchy. We focus on:
Efficient use of space
Modern updates and features
Low maintenance benefits
Community amenities
Affordability and value
These videos are perfect for social media where first-time buyers are actively searching.
Move-Up and Luxury Properties
For higher-end homes, we pull out all the stops. Cinematic footage, drone aerials, detail shots of high-end finishes, and a more sophisticated overall production.
These videos are longer and more comprehensive because buyers at this price point expect detailed marketing and want to see everything the property offers.
Investment Properties
For rentals or investment properties, the video approach is more practical and informative. We focus on:
Rental potential and income opportunities
Property condition and maintenance needs
Layout and functional spaces
Location and tenant appeal
These videos are more straightforward and less stylized because we're selling an investment opportunity, not an emotional dream.
Measuring Video Marketing Success
How do you know if your video marketing is actually working? Here are the metrics we track:
Engagement Metrics:
Views and watch time
Likes, comments, and shares
Click-through rates to listings
Website traffic from video
Lead Generation:
Inquiries directly mentioning the video
Showing requests after video posts
Follower growth on social channels
Email list growth
Sales Impact:
Days on market for listings with video vs. without
Number of offers received
Sale price relative to list price
Client feedback about video marketing
Our clients consistently report that their video listings generate more interest, more showings, and faster sales. The data backs up what we see anecdotally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Real Estate Video
I've seen agents make these mistakes with video marketing, so learn from their missteps:
Too Long: Nobody's watching a 15-minute video of a 1,500 square foot house. Keep it concise and engaging.
Poor Audio: If you're doing narration, invest in a decent microphone. Bad audio is worse than no audio.
Overly Promotional: The video should showcase the property, not be a 2-minute commercial for you. Keep the focus on the home.
Ignoring Mobile: Most people watch video on their phones. Make sure your videos look good on small screens with vertical and square formats when appropriate.
No Call to Action: Always tell viewers what to do next—visit the listing, call for information, follow for more content.
Inconsistent Branding: Your videos should have a consistent look, feel, and quality level. Inconsistency makes you look unprofessional.
The ROI of Professional Real Estate Video
Let's talk about investment. Yes, professional video costs more than taking photos with your phone. But the return on investment is substantial.
Consider this: if video helps a property sell even one week faster, that's a week of savings for your seller on mortgage payments, utilities, and carrying costs. For an average home in Lacey or Tumwater, that's easily $500-1000 in savings.
If video generates even one additional offer or helps the property sell for even a few thousand dollars more, it's paid for itself many times over.
Beyond individual listings, video marketing builds your brand and positions you as a tech-savvy, full-service agent. This helps you win listings in a competitive market.
Video Marketing Trends for 2026 and Beyond
Real estate video continues to evolve. Here's what we're seeing as we move through 2026:
Shorter Content: Attention spans are shorter. Quick-hitting, 15-30 second videos perform incredibly well on social platforms.
More Authentic Content: Buyers respond to authenticity. Overly polished, commercial-feeling videos are being replaced by content that feels more genuine and relatable.
Live Video: Facebook and Instagram Live tours are gaining traction as a way to engage potential buyers in real-time and answer questions immediately.
Interactive Elements: 360-degree video and interactive elements that let viewers control what they see are becoming more common.
Story-Driven Content: Rather than just showing features, successful videos tell a story about the lifestyle the home enables.
Working with Power Homes Media for Your Video Needs
At Power Homes Media, video is a core part of what we do. We're not photographers who occasionally shoot video—we're full-service professionals with dedicated video equipment and expertise.
When you work with us, you get:
Professional Equipment: 4K cameras, stabilization systems, professional audio equipment, and drone capabilities all in one package.
Fast Turnaround: Just like our photography, we deliver edited video within 24 hours. You're not waiting a week to get your content.
Multiple Formats: We provide video files optimized for different platforms—YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, MLS systems, and your website.
Comprehensive Packages: We can combine video with photography, drone footage, virtual tours, and all our other services for complete listing marketing.
Local Expertise: We know Lacey and Tumwater. We understand what makes properties in these areas special and how to showcase them effectively.
Video Marketing for Every Budget
I know what some agents are thinking: "Video sounds great, but I can't afford it for every listing."
Fair point. But here's the thing—you don't necessarily need full cinematic video for every listing. We offer different levels of video service to match different budgets and property types:
Social Media Clips: Short-form content perfect for Reels and TikTok at an accessible price point.
Standard Listing Videos: 1-2 minute highlight videos that work for most properties.
Premium Packages: Comprehensive video marketing with multiple videos, drone footage, and extended coverage for higher-end listings.
The key is matching the level of video production to the property and price point. A $300K starter home doesn't need the same video treatment as a $1.5M luxury estate.
The Future of Real Estate Marketing is Video
Here's the bottom line: video isn't a trend or a nice-to-have anymore. It's the standard that buyers expect and the tool that top-producing agents use consistently.
In competitive markets like Lacey and Tumwater where inventory can be tight and buyer expectations are high, video marketing gives you a significant competitive advantage.
Properties marketed with professional video get more views, generate more interest, receive more offers, and sell faster. That's better for your clients, better for your business, and better for your reputation in the community.
Whether you're listing a cozy starter home in downtown Tumwater, a family property in one of Lacey's great neighborhoods, or a high-end custom home with all the bells and whistles, professional video helps you tell that property's story in the most compelling way possible.
At Power Homes Media, we're here to help you leverage the power of video to grow your real estate business. We handle all the technical details—the filming, editing, optimization, and delivery—so you can focus on what you do best: serving your clients and closing deals.
Ready to take your listing marketing into the video age? Let's create something amazing together.
