Using aerial photography/video as a marketing and selling tool?

Question

Hello everyone. First off I will start by saying this is my first post on BP, although I have been a frequent visitor on the site. My brother and I are both into flying drones and using them for aerial photography and video. With our HD cameras and editing software we are able create very clear images and videos. My question for you guys is has anyone thought about taking pictures or videos of their properties for marketing or selling purposes? I have seen large retail stores and office buildings use this but wondered if it was something that interested other owners? Any input is welcome, thanks.

Also, I wasn't sure what forum topic to put this under.

Bob Cowen · Answer

Blake: There is a market for aerial photos & videos. At least 215 homes around Detroit used aerial photos posted in their listings in 2014. These were taken with drones (not from Google Earth). The lowest priced home with aerials was $174,000 and went up so it's not just million dollar homes. There were 98 homes under a million dollars. Now, compare the number of aerials used in a warm weather market (southern Florida, California, Arizona, etc.) and you will see just how huge the market really is. That said, the 215 (at least) homes around Detroit used at least 6 different companies (or individuals) for their shoots so there is already lots of competition in the Detroit market and I presume elsewhere.Tom: commercial use is not illegal; stay up to date via DroneLawJournal.com

Account Closed · Answer

I appreciate the comments guys! Just thought it was an Interesting topic and wanted hear others' thoughts.

Daniel I. · Answer

I think the only way to do this as per the FAA regulations would require the homeowner to take the video and show it to a roofing company or inspector. If anyone else did it, it would be considered commercial as far as my understanding of it goes.

Val Csontos · Answer

What about using Areal Photography for roof inspections? Like a subcontractor to a home-inspector or a roofer co? Or checking roofing work completed on behalf of the homeowner and than send video to a second roofer/home inspector via net for verification?

Tetiana Vernik · Answer

It is great to use drones for smooth video flying around home on height 6-8 fits, or even inside big buildings. We are going to start doing this.

Bob Cowen · Answer

Paul: The FAA has issued guidance but congress makes laws. That said, always practice safe flying and don't do stupid stuff (err on the side of caution). The NAR has been intimidated by the FAA and is being widely ignored by their members. The FAA guidance requires a private pilot's license, a class two medical certificate, a spotter, flying no closer than 500' from a building or people, getting prior approval of all flights from 3 to 1 days prior to flight, etc. Those who have received an exemption report that it has taken 4-6 months and $5K - $10K in fees. No wonder it's being ignored. The big problem is that someone will do something crazy and cause injury or worse. There are already laws against entering controlled airspace.

Paul Santos · Answer

Having seen several real estate listings where drones were used, it definitely adds a whole new dimension to the property. I like the fact that aerial photography/video gives the buyer a nice perspective of the overall property and where it sits amongst other surrounding homes both on the sides and in the back. It gives you much better sense and feel for the property. The last I read, FAA had issued guidance that required drone operators for real estate photography to have the equivalent of a pilot's license. From NAR: "U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the use of UAVs for any commercial purpose, except on a case-by-case basis where the FAA has granted the user a certificate of airworthiness. Given the current FAA prohibition, the National Association of REALTORS® recommends that its members not utilize this technology for any purpose related to selling property."

DJ Hite · Answer

Here in Colorado it is used for horse ranches out east of Denver and big mountain properties. It's a very cool marketing concept and looks really cool.

Tom Spaeth · Answer

besides. Illegal per Faa regulations No commercial use of drones allowed.

Dev Horn · Answer

With Google Maps & Earth, I don't see much need for this in residential real estate. It is used in the very high end to show panoramic photos of stunningly cool million dollar houses. Also used by brokers that sell ranches and other large properties.Of course these days, if you get you a drone & a GoPro (and I know that's the purchase you need to justify with the wife, right? Honey, it's for my REAL ESTATE! ha ha KIDDING!) -- why not use it and add those cool pics in with your regular property photos? It will be different and might attract more attention. Certainly can't hurt.