camcorder vs smartphone for move in/out videos?

Question

I am getting a smartphone (I know it is about time!) and I was wondering if using it to take move in/out videos would suffice or is there an advantage to using a camcorder?

Steve Rozenberg · Answer

we use the smartphone for move in / move out videos and we take 150-200 pictures of the property each time. That is how we determine the security deposit disposition. Along with an itemized list of what we will charge at move out that the tenant has to sign along with their lease (if you would like a copy just let me know).

You can upload the videos to YouTube and picts to Picassa for free if you don't want to worry about data storage issues.

We have over 400 homes and works great

Daniel Mohnkern · Answer

A smart phone is better than a camcorder because "smart" is in its name. A camcorder is just a camcorder. If someone invents a smart camcorder, use it, but not before, because that would just be stupid.

Robert Blanchard · Answer

The new smart phones have more than enough resolution to record a move in/out video.  You will be able to store the video in the cloud and retrieve it to your home computer or any other computer that has internet access.  You will have to monitor how much megabytes in data transfer that you use while uploading your videos to the cloud.

You can also just download them to your computer using the USB port on the phone or via your wireless network if you have one set up.

Ryan Mullin · Answer

Smart phone is perfectly fine.   I use my phone for marketing photos too.  iPhone specifically.

Rob Beland · Answer

I think you are overthinking this. Have a written statement of conditiins signed by the tenant. Use your phone or a camcorder or a polaroid. Just be sure you screen the tenant.