DRONESARE TAKINGOFF IN THE

REAL ESTATEINDUSTRY

BENNAT BERGER

LOOK OUT!

Whether they’re used toshow off the beautifullandscapes around aproperty or stunning homeexteriors, flying cameras canhelp to produce compellingand dramatic shots for realestate marketing purposes.

Today, the real estateindustry is starting tomake use of drones toshowcase homes withaerial views — the FederalAviation Administration(FAA) issued its first dronepermit for the real estatesector in 2015, accordingto TIME Magazine.

Here are some ways drones areimpacting the real estate industry:

Agents can provide aerial views ofthe property to potentialhomebuyers and also map out keydetails such as area schools,restaurants, shops and parks sothat the homebuyer gets a‘flyover’ view of what it would belike to live in their new residence.

SHOWCASING PROPERTIESWITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Drones can also be used to provideflyover views of an entireneighborhood and community —ideal for buyers that may be new tothe state or for those who areexploring options from overseas.

The purpose of a walk-through in person, with areal estate agent, is tosimulate the experience ofliving in the home.

CREATING SIMULATIONEXPERIENCES

Drone photography and videos canbe used to create simulations bytaking close up shots while ‘walking’around the property and even flyingclose to the driveway all the way upto the front door or garage, helping abuyer visualize exactly what it’s liketo live in the home or neighborhood.

Capturing birds eye viewsof a property is virtuallyimpossible for most realestate agencies, thoughaerial photographs could beobtained via helicopter oreven with a small airplane.

MAKING PHOTOGRAPHYAFFORDABLE

Instead of having to makearrangements for helicopteror airplane photographysessions for a set ofproperties at a time, thedrone can be used to capturephotos as needed, speedingup production time of anymarketing materials whilekeeping costs down.

Using unmanned aircraftfor real estate photographyrequires compliance withFAA rules and regulationsthat outline how dronescan be used forcommercial purposes.

RULES FOR USING DRONES

Drone operators do not need to have an FAA-issued pilot license but do need to obtainremote pilot certification with a sUAS rating.

The agent must obtainpermission from the sellerto capture drone footageof the property but mightalso takes steps to ensureneighbors and neighboringproperties aren’t capturedin the process.

Creating lifelike simulations usingdrone photography and videographycan be a valuable addition to the salesand marketing process. It’s nosurprise that it’s begun to take off.

Drones are making a big impactin the real estate industry.

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