Struggling to get people to watch your real estate videos? Coach Nick Baldwin shares 3 powerful video hooks that grab attention and build trust.
Let’s be honest: you’re putting time and energy into creating video content for your real estate business—maybe even every week. You’re showing properties, giving advice, and offering helpful tips for buyers and sellers. But despite all that effort, your view count stalls after a few seconds.
What’s the problem?
Nine times out of ten, it’s your hook.
In today’s fast-scrolling, attention-fragmented social media world, your opening line is everything. The first 3 seconds decide whether someone stops and watches—or keeps scrolling right past you.
If you’re trying to reach buyers and sellers with video and not getting the traction you want, let’s fix that. Below, I’ll share three powerful real estate video hooks that actually work—plus why they work—and how to use them to position yourself as the local expert buyers and sellers trust.
VIDEO: 3 Real Estate Video Hooks That Actually Work (And Get Views)
Why Your Real Estate Videos Aren’t Getting Views (Hint: It’s the Hook)
Most real estate professionals make the same mistake when it comes to creating videos: they bury the value of their message.
They start with:
“Hey guys, it’s Nick with XYZ Realty…”
“Just wanted to pop on here real quick to talk about something…”
“So, I was showing a house the other day and I thought of this…”
These kinds of intros feel polite—but they’re killing your watch time.
Here’s why: the viewer doesn’t care who you are—yet. What they care about is what’s in it for them. Your job is to earn their attention right out of the gate by telling them why they should stop scrolling. That’s what a great hook does.
What Makes a Good Real Estate Video Hook?
A scroll-stopping hook checks three boxes:
It sparks curiosity
It creates emotional engagement
It speaks directly to the viewer’s real-world problem or interest
When you lead with a strong, targeted opening line, your audience leans in, not away. And once they’re hooked, they’re more likely to keep watching, engage with the post, and ultimately trust you with their real estate needs.
So let’s get into it: here are three hooks that are proven to grab attention and build trust with buyers and sellers.
🔥 Hook #1: “You won’t believe what this home sold for.”
This one works because it speaks to everyone’s favorite hobby: being nosy.
People love peeking into real estate deals, especially when they involve homes in their own neighborhood or price range. Whether they’re actively buying, selling, or just curious about market trends, this hook taps into a natural desire to compare and evaluate.
Use this hook when:
You’re doing a “Just Sold” post or video
You want to explain why a home sold above or below market value
You’re showcasing surprising comps in a particular area
Pro Tip: pair it with a specific zip code or community name in the caption or audio (e.g., “You won’t believe what this home in Brookside just sold for.”)
That little dose of curiosity can double your watch time.
🚨 Hook #2: “Before you buy a home, please don’t make this mistake.”
This one hits hard for buyers. Why?
Because it’s urgent, helpful, and sounds personal—like advice from a trusted friend or family member. The word “please” adds a layer of compassion. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a warning. It builds trust.
This type of hook is gold when you’re trying to:
Educate first-time buyers
Explain common homebuying pitfalls
Share financial tips or inspection red flags
It makes the viewer feel like you care—and when viewers feel that emotional connection, they’re more likely to engage, follow, and reach out when they need help.
Real-world example:
“Before you buy a home, please don’t skip the sewer inspection. I’ve seen too many buyers get hit with massive repairs after the deal closes.”
That’s content with both heart and value.
💰 Hook #3: “This one feature adds thousands to your home value—and almost no one talks about it.”
This is the perfect hook for sellers—and even for homeowners who aren’t selling yet but want to increase their home’s value.
It triggers curiosity and authority. The phrase “almost no one talks about it” makes the viewer feel like they’re getting access to insider knowledge. That builds your brand as an expert and advisor—not just a salesperson.
Use this when:
Sharing renovation or staging tips
Talking about cost-effective upgrades
Highlighting hidden value in homes (e.g., energy efficiency, landscaping, curb appeal)
Example:
“This one feature adds thousands to your home value—and almost no one talks about it. It’s outdoor lighting. Professionally installed landscape lighting makes a home look safer, more luxurious, and instantly adds curb appeal.”
Here’s the thing: algorithms reward engagement. They want to see likes, comments, shares, stitches, tags, and saves. That’s how content gets surfaced to more people. But if your settings block those features, the algorithm has nothing to go on—and your post dies on the feed.
ICT Coach Nick Baldwin
Why These Hooks Work for Real Estate Pros
These aren’t random catchy lines. They work because they speak to the mindset of today’s consumer:
Buyers are overwhelmed with options and fear making a costly mistake
Sellers want the highest return and love a good “insider” advantage
Everyone wants to feel smarter and more informed
When your content acknowledges those feelings, people stop scrolling. They listen. And more importantly—they start to trust you.
Hook Strategy: How to Use These in Your Real Estate Content
Want to get the most from these hooks? Here’s how to use them effectively:
✅ Use them in the first 3 seconds of your video.
Don’t wait. Start your video with the hook—before your name, logo, or brand intro.
✅ Pair the hook with great visuals.
If you’re using “You won’t believe what this home sold for,” show the front of the house or a walkthrough while you talk.
✅ Add text overlay to your video.
Even if someone’s watching on mute, they should see the hook in bold on screen. This boosts retention and accessibility.
✅ Repurpose these hooks.
Use them in Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok—anywhere your audience scrolls quickly.
Final Thoughts from Coach Nick
Real estate videos don’t need to be long. They need to be strong—especially at the start.
If you want more people to watch, engage, and respond to your content, focus less on being perfect and more on being attention-worthy. Lead with value. Speak to your audience’s curiosity. And always, always start with a killer hook.
Your next client isn’t just looking for a realtor.
They’re looking for someone who understands them.
So be that voice—and hook them in the first few seconds.
