Hi Russ. You have quite a few votes on this topic for iMovie. And that would be my vote too... IF you are on a Mac. (And as was noted, when you master iMovie and want the next step up, Final Cut will be the hands down favorite).

However, you didn't say if you are on a Mac. For those Windows users out there (like myself), for starters, I always recommend the free app Microsoft gives us called Movie Maker. (you can download it here)
Windows Movie Maker is a great starting point for those looking to edit videos. You can cut your longer clips down to the size that you want them. You can arrange your clips in whatever order you wish. Further you can add captions and text to make your video more polished.

When the time comes that a person has mastered Windows Movie Maker, then I recommend the software that I use which is Sony Movie Studio (which is the prosumer version of their Vegas Pro app which is the version of this softare full time professionals are more apt to use, info page here. Besides Sony, there are popular apps from Adobe, Pinnacle, Corel, and Cyberlink in the $50-$100 range. I picked Sony and it has worked well for me) 

This step up app gives you much better control over multiple video tracks (e.g. for cutaway shots) and better control over text. It also handles panning and zooming controls much better. However, until you get past the basics, you won't know you are missing these features and the free Windows Movie Maker will get you started!
Hope those notes help.

Maybe, my assistants!

Well - it seems iMover for Mac/Apple and MovieMaker for Windows platform is the answer from most Russ Ravary .

I also use some different free software from Aiseesoft and Ashampoo - call me crazy! (Some DVD makers etc etc.)

For Windows, Cyberlink Power Director is an awesome program.  Though, it takes some time to learn to use it.

I use Adobe Premiere for any editing.  The Adobe Suite is a good collection of programs. 

I use Adobe Elements 13 right now. Its about $100 and its worth to have the good quality rendering versus other free version. But the best free version, that works with any camera, is GoPro Studio.

I use Magix Movie Edit Pro. There is a learning curve, but once you've mastered it, it does a good job and there are some good, helpful videos on YouTube for that. I would really like to give my opinion on Movie Maker, but have never gotten it to work on my HP Computer, (currently running Windows 8, but it didn't work with 7 either). 

I've recently gotten myself and iPad Air and am looking at iMovie. I've heard good things, but have a feeling that after using Magix, that is a step up, I might find it doesn't offer enough options for me. 

I use the one that comes with windows.

No.

Cyberlink or Sony Vegas both work nicely on real estate videos. The transitions, rendering to max the quality but not bump up against and go over the size limit. REALTOR dot com's 1 meg is a kink in the hose of video production for sure. But will they open up the faucet and bump the 2 meg threshold... heck no.

I use Corel VideoStudio. The price is right and I've done some pretty neat things with it. Not only real estate wise but also doing 1-year videos of my daughters.

I use Final Cut Express. It is easy to use and offers many features.

I personally use Final Cut Pro since I'm on a Mac - but it may not be practical for you to spend $300+ on video editing software unless you are going to be doing a lot of post-production editing though (more than cutting clips and adding transitions).  FCP offers more professional editing and templates - color correction, effects, etc. It's also easy to export your video right from your Editor to YouTube or other online sources - and choose your production quality (DVD, online, etc.)

If you are on a PC, the most user-friendly and least expensive video editor to use is Sony Vegas. I used that for three years before I upgraded my computer to a Macbook Pro. I still miss a lot of elements from that editor, to be honest. It has a very similar UI (user interface) as Windows Movie Maker, (not to be confused with Windows Live Movie Maker, which I believe to be inferior to WMM) but with more options.  I believe I spent $100 on my version for HD videos. You have a great array of transitions and effects to use as well.

I've also played around with WAX (powerful and free to download) but I found it to be a little too clunky to use for simple videos. You can create some great visual effects using it though. I would say to use this if you are really into graphics and want to customize your own.

Hope that this helps! 

The answer to your question can only be provided when one has understanding of what you are callling a video (slide show with effects and animation) and the quality you will need.

The purpose should also be understood. Is the video to be used in a home walk-through or are you to be infront of the camera creating the personality that will propel you company into a prosperous future or do you have the vision to use video to complete the most common request of home buyers?

What other technolgies will you be including in your video? Whiteboard? Screen grab? Captasia? 

Will your product ever show up on a big screen? 

Craig's 3rd paragraph is one to read carefully.

I see Apple products mentioned here but if Windows based, the free Windows Live Movie Maker is easy to use.

IMovie!! It's great for someone who does not have much experience. As Debbie Reynolds stated you must have apple products. The IPHONE version is great to use while on site  too!!

iMovie is the one I use the most. It is user friendly but you do have to have an Apple product.

I will look for the answers to your question as I do not use any.

When I need it, my video editing software is my good friend, neighbor and former client who comes out of the film industry. And the price is right too! Wish I could be of more help!