Creating Media Files

To create a Podcast listing, you must first create an audio or video file which can be attached. At this point, the audio must be in the MP3 format created by most audio tools. Video files can be in either MP4 or M4V format. Click here for a list of some tools that will help you create your own files. In addition, you’ll need a simple microphone attached to your PC. Once you have these items, just follow these simple steps:

1. Write a script. Don’t try to “wing it” while you’re recording. Spend a few minutes and build a story that truly describes your listing in the terms you'd like home buyers to hear. Now, read through your script several times to get familiar with it. You don't want to sound like you’re reading when you create the file.
   
   Also, remember to keep it short. Your customers are looking at a large number of properties and their time is valuable. As a rule of thumb, let the price of the home be your guide. On a mid-range or starter home, a 30 second piece is probably ideal. If your listing is a luxury property, you can be a bit more verbose. In any case, try to keep the length under 2 minutes.
2. Now, launch your audio or video creation software and open a new file. If you don't have a software application that can create the appropriate file, you can use a combination of tools - such as the Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder and Apple's iTunes - to create one. Whatever you use, make sure you have a nice quiet place to work and keep a glass of water handy.
3. When you're all ready, launch into the description of the property. Remember to infuse your voice with the same enthusiasm, energy and charm you would if you were talking to a person face-to-face.
4. Finally, save your media file on your computer.

	Using Sound Recorder & iTunes

While Microsoft Windows does ship with a Sound Recorder utility, it will not save files in the MP3 format. You can use this tool to record your audio, but you’ll have to then convert the file into an MP3. Apple's iTunes program can help you do this.

Here are the steps for using this combination to create your MP3 files.

1. The first step is to record your audio using Sound Recorder. Click the Start menu and run the Sound Recorder applet. It's normally found in the Entertainment program group.
2. Record your audio tour using some of the hints given above. When you're done, click File, Properties and then click Convert Now. From the Name drop-down menu, choose CD Quality and click OK twice.  
3. Now, click File and then Save. Give you audio file a name and store it on your hard drive.

Next, you need to import your audio clip into Apple's iTunes application, and then convert it to MP3 format.

1. Launch your iTunes application and then choose Edit, Preferences from the menus. Click the Advanced tab and, from the Import Using drop-down menu, choose. MP3 Encoder. Click OK.
   
   
   
2. Now, import your audio file by either dragging and dropping it into your iTunes library, or clicking File, Add file to library and then selecting the file from your hard drive.
3. Right-click the audio file in the iTunes Library list and choose Convert Selection to MP3. Right-click it again and choose Copy.
4. Finally, paste the file in an easy to find directory on your hard drive.

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