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
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Social Media & Digital Marketing: Online Masterclass for Agents
ICT Online CourseSocial Media & Digital Marketing
Learn how to build your brand, grow your audience, and generate leads through powerful social media and digital marketing strategies designed specifically for real estate agents.
Step-by-step training to master content creation for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more
Discover how to create posts, videos, and ads that attract engagement and generate leads
Learn branding and messaging strategies to stand out in a crowded online space
Gain insight into paid advertising, retargeting, and analytics to measure success
Develop a digital marketing plan that supports your long-term business goals
Includes downloadable content calendars, ad templates, and campaign checklists
Grow Your Online Brand
Build a recognizable presence that keeps you top of mind with buyers, sellers, and your sphere.
Create Content That Converts
Use proven posting strategies to turn engagement into real business opportunities.
Master Digital Marketing
Learn how to run ads, track results, and expand your reach with confidence.
Designed for all learning types
Video Training
In-depth video training walking you through each module of the course, explaining the strategies, tips, and best practices for using Canva for real estate agents.
Written Workbook
Detailed and downloadable written workbook that provides you with a bullet point outline, summarized text, action steps, key takeaways, as well as space for taking notes.
Instructor Materials
Teach this course at your organization with the help of our downloadable presentation notes, presentation files, and Instructor's Manual.
Course curriculum
Enrollment includes access to the following course materials for 6 months
Module 1: Facebook Personal Page - Generating Organic Business- Video: Facebook Personal Page – Generating Organic Business
- Workbook: Facebook Personal Page – Generating Organic Business
- How to Create a Friends List on Facebook
- Video: Facebook Business Page
- Workbook: Facebook Business Page
- BONUS HELP: Creating a Facebook Page for Your Business
- BONUS HELP: Adding Essential Information to Your Facebook Page
- BONUS HELP: Creating a Professional Cover Image for Your Facebook Page – PART 1
- BONUS HELP: Creating a Professional Cover Image for Your Facebook Page – PART 2
- BONUS HELP: Stock Photo Download
- BONUS HELP: How to Use Canva Tutorial
- BONUS HELP: How to Find Royalty Free Images
- Facebook Description Examples
- Facebook Cover Templates
- Keyword Research Toolkit
- Keyword Examples
- Successful Facebook Ad Examples
- Video: Instagram: Your Homepage & Content
- Workbook: Instagram: Your Homepage & Content
- STAY Social Media Strategy Calendar – Social Media Images
- STAY Social Media Strategy Calendar
- Video: Websites, Landing Pages & CRMs
- Workbook: Websites, Landing Pages, & CRMs
- Keyword Research Toolkit
- Keyword Examples
- Video: Real Estate Blogs
- Workbook: Real Estate Blogs
- Video: Video Marketing
- Workbook: Video Marketing
- Pre-Listing Video Examples
- Pre-Listing Video Scripts
- 12-Month SOI Video Touch System
- Video: YouTube for Real Estate Agents: Creating Your Channel & Videos
- Workbook: YouTube – Creating a Channel & Video
- Video: Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Twitter
- Workbook: Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Twitter
- Video: Your Google Presence & Advertising
- Workbook: Your Google Presence & Advertising
- Video: Online Reviews
- Workbook: Online Reviews
- Best Practices for Generating Google Reviews
- Asking for a Review
- Asking for a Google Review Template
- Leave Us a Review Social Media Template
- Google Review Request Email Template
- Example Video: Reviews Request
- Google Review Script & Instructions for Staff
- Quick Tip: Reviews for each location
- Online Review Job Post (Word doc with social post text)
- Online Review Job Post (PowerPoint design file template)
- Advanced Techniques for Getting Google Reviews
About this course
- $249.00
- 53 lessons
- 8 hours of video content
Immediate Takeaways
Here is what you can expect to gain from taking this online course.
- SCRIPTS to help you ask for Online Reviews, the new online currency for real estate agents.
- SOCIAL MEDIA TEMPLATES that provide you with a great jumping-off point to get your social media channels rolling with clean, professional content.
- VIDEO MARKETING EXAMPLES from top-producing agents that will provide you with inspiration and help you get started with video marketing.
- SOCIAL MEDIA CALENDAR to help you build your own daily prompts and inspire creative and effective posting across all social media channels.
- VIDEO TUTORIALS that walk you through step-by-step and teach you how to set up your social media home pages for maximum impact.
- OPTIONS for how you learn best. Each module provides a downloadable PDF workbook as well as a featured video of Brian Icenhower, teaching the topic at hand. So however you learn best -- we have an option for you!
Certification & Designation Upon Completion
In this ICT online course, you will receive an official designation of "Certified Social & Digital Marketing Expert" or CSDME upon completion, as well as a downloadable (and printable) Certificate of Completion. Add your designation seal, as well as your designation letters, to your email signature to bolster your reputation and show off your expertise to clients and colleagues alike.
Reviews
"I use ICT systems, the Icenhower Institute, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICT dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations."
Jake Rockwell
Over 500 Units Sold Annually
"I have coached with ICT for over five years. ICT has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income."
Dennis Adelpour
Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles
"When we started coaching with ICT we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends."
Tammi Humphrey
#1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume
InstructorBrian Icenhower.
Brian Icenhower is the CEO and Founder of Icenhower Coaching & Consulting (ICC), which provides customized coaching and training programs to many of the highest producing real estate agents, teams, and brokerage owners in North America. This progressive company also produces online courses, podcasts, training materials, speaking events, video modules, and real estate training books.
Brian has been in the real estate industry for decades, and he has witnessed and studied the advent of social media and what it means for Realtors. Part of a Realtor's job is to adapt and change as new technology presents itself, and with social media and digital marketing, it is no different.
Brian has distilled the information you need as a Realtor to not only survive but thrive in this age of social media and digital marketing, and it's all inside this online course. Brian leads this course where you will learn the cutting edge strategies and systems that provide positive results, engage your audience, increase your sales, and grow your business.
Transform your social media into a lead-generation machine.
Enroll in Social Media & Digital Marketing: Online Masterclass for Agents (ICT) to master the content, strategies, and systems that help real estate agents attract clients online. Build your personal brand, boost engagement, and turn followers into closings.
Start elevating your online presence today. Add to CartTalk to a coach
If you've been considering hiring a coach, now's the time. Book a FREE coaching consultation session with your purchase of this course! Book Your Call
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1×1 Solo Agent Weekly Coaching Program
This 1×1 Solo Agent Weekly Real Estate Coaching Program designed to help you increase your production and your commission income with strategies and systems for sustainable business growth.
Jake Rockwell
Over 500 Units Sold Annually
"I have coached with ICT for over five years. ICT has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income."
Dennis Adelpour
Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles
"When we started coaching with ICT we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends."
Tammi Humphrey
#1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume
Instructor
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.
