What is the difference between an Agent Introduction and a Guided Tour? How do I prepare?

Agent Introduction

The Agent Introduction is a simple, structured add-on that gives you a brief on-camera presence at the beginning and end of your video.

How it Works

An Agent Introduction includes:

Intro (on camera): A short greeting where you introduce yourself, the property, and invite the viewer in.
Typical length: 15–20 seconds

Outro (on camera): A closing message thanking viewers and inviting them to connect with you.
Typical length: 15–20 seconds

That’s it! No voiceover or additional on-camera segments beyond these two moments.

Examples of Video Tours with Agent Introduction add-on

Guided Tour

The Guided Tour expands on the Agent Introduction by giving you more opportunities to guide the viewer through the home.

How it Works

In addition to an intro and outro, a Guided Tour may include:

• Voiceover (VO): Narration over footage, typically based on a script you prepare
• Additional on-camera segments: Appearances in key areas of the home (e.g., kitchen, backyard, primary suite)
• Or a combination of both

This creates a more in-depth and personalized video, where you can highlight features, add context, and shape how the home is presented.

Examples of Video Tours with Guided Tour add-on

Key Differences

Agent Introduction:

• Intro + outro only (15–20 seconds each)
• No voiceover or additional appearances
• Can be added to any video type (Highlight, Cinematic, or Luxury)
• Requires less on-site filming and editing time than a Guided Tour

Guided Tour:

• Intro + outro, plus VO and/or additional on-camera segments
• More flexibility in how you present the home
• Best paired with Cinematic or Luxury videos (Luxury is ideal)
• Requires more on-site filming and more editing time

Cost & Time Considerations

• Agent Introduction: $200
• Guided Tour: $450

The Guided Tour involves more time on-site with your Visual Artist and more time in post-production to shape a cohesive, effective video.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Agent Introduction if:

• You want a clean, professional on-camera presence without a large time commitment
• You prefer a simple, structured format
• You’re looking to add personality to your video in a quick, focused way

Choose Guided Tour if:

• You want to go deeper into the home’s features and layout
• You want more flexibility in how you present information (on camera, voiceover, or both)
• You see value in a more personal, informative viewing experience

Preparing Your Lines (Highly Recommended)

For both formats, it’s best to come prepared with what you want to say.

• Think through your key points ahead of time
• Write out your intro and outro, and any additional lines if you’re doing a Guided Tour
• Keep your messaging clear and concise

Your Visual Artist will absolutely help guide you on-site and can help refine delivery, but having a plan going in leads to a smoother shoot and a stronger final result.

Voiceover vs. On-Camera (Guided Tour)

If you choose a Guided Tour, you have flexibility in how you present your message:

Voiceover (VO):

• Easier to deliver a polished, scripted message
• Allows you to read from a prepared script instead of memorizing lines
• Just like the on-camera segments, the VO is recorded on-site by our Visual Artist. You don’t need to record it yourself

On-camera segments:

• Gives viewers more opportunities to see and connect with you
• Works well for emphasizing key spaces or standout features

Many agents choose a combination of both.

Optional: Recording Your Own Voiceover

We strongly recommend recording your voiceover with our Visual Artist on site. This ensures the best audio quality, gives our Visual Artist a chance to offer real-time suggestions on your script and performance, and allows us to edit smoothly without extra back-and-forth.

If you don’t have time during the shoot, we understand. In that case, you can record your own voiceover and send it to us. Please note that audio quality may not be as polished as what we capture on site, but we offer some suggestions on how to minimize recording issues.

How to Record on an iPhone:

1. Open the Voice Memos app (comes pre-installed).

2. Record in a quiet, furnished space with soft surfaces to minimize echo—carpeted rooms work best. Avoid recording in your car; it may seem quiet, but it typically creates a “boxy,” unnatural tone.

3. Hold the phone about 6–8 inches from your mouth and speak clearly.

4. Keep the recording under 30 seconds (about 3–4 sentences).

5. When finished, tap the Share icon and email the file to your Open Homes contact.

Tip: Reading from a script is fine—just try to sound natural and conversational.

General Tips & Best Practices

• Keep it concise. Focus on the most important features and selling points
• Dress for camera. Solid colors work best; avoid tight patterns or stripes
• Trust the process. Your Visual Artist will guide positioning, pacing, and performance to make sure everything looks and sounds polished

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to film an Agent Introduction compared with a Guided Tour?

Agent Introductions include only an intro and outro, and therefore take less time to film (typically no more than 20 minutes). Guided Tours can take longer (often 30-60 minutes) because they include additional on-camera segments and/or voiceover, which require additional setup, coordination, and filming time on-site.

I'd like an intro and outro, but also one quick additional on-camera segment (e.g., in the remodeled kitchen). Does that mean I need to upgrade to a Guided Tour?

Feel free to run your idea by your Visual Artist. In some cases, it may be possible to include one very brief additional segment without upgrading. However, if the request adds meaningful filming or editing time, a Guided Tour may be required.

Is it still considered a Guided Tour if I record my own voiceover and send it to you?

Yes, it would still be considered a Guided Tour. Even if having the Visual Artist on-site takes less time, using a self-recorded voiceover still requires additional editing time for a number of reasons, including to match quality standards. 

That said, we strongly recommend recording your voiceover on-site with your Visual Artist. This ensures the best audio quality and allows for real-time guidance on your script and delivery, which typically leads to a stronger final result.

For more information, see the "Recording Your Own Voiceover" section above.

I’ve written a script for my Guided Tour. How do I know if it’s the right length?

It’s great to come prepared with a script! As a general guideline, focused messaging performs best. Your Visual Artist will work with you on-site to help refine your script and delivery so it feels clear, natural, and keeps the video moving at a strong pace.

Can I pair a Highlight Video with a Guided Video Tour?

Highlight Videos (typically 30–45 seconds) pair well with an Agent Introduction. Guided Tours are better suited for Cinematic or Luxury videos, which provide more in-depth coverage of the home to support longer voiceover or additional on-camera segments.

Do these add-ons include lifestyle shots?

Non-speaking lifestyle shots, such as interacting with the home, enjoying outdoor spaces, or capturing candid moments, are part of the separate Lifestyle Footage add-on and are not included in the Agent Introduction or Guided Tour.

Can I ask for Guided Tour segments to be filmed around the neighborhood instead of at the listing?

Possibly! If your order includes both Guided Tour and Lifestyle Footage, some neighborhood filming may be feasible. Check with your Visual Artist in advance, as certain locations may have filming restrictions, permit requirements, or logistical limitations.

What if I’m not comfortable being on camera?

If you prefer minimal on-camera time, the Agent Introduction is a great option. If you still want to add more detail without additional appearances, a Guided Video Tour with voiceover can be a strong alternative.