Forget Curb Appeal... Now You Need A Good-Looking Roof!

If you’re in the market for a multi-million dollar home, prepare to strap yourself into a helicopter, not a limo.

That’s right, and if you’re the seller, you can stop worrying so much about curb appeal, since your buyers may be forming their first impression of your home from the air. But you’d better be certain your roof is in great shape, because it’s possible they may see it first!

A Wall Street Journal video calls them “flying Realtors,” and gives the impression it’s the latest thing. No, the Realtors aren’t expected to be helicopter pilots, too. At least not yet. Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago is reported to have budgeted $100K for helicopter services in 2016, specifically for clients shopping for $1.5 million-dollar properties and above.

However, one enterprising Los Angeles Realtor calls his company, Helirealtors.com, so he’s not hiring a fight service for a few, select clients. It’s just what he does.

Now, if you’re a Realtor and you’re thinking this is a great idea, because your clients will get such a wide, panoramic view, you might want to take note of the costs reported by WSJ.com, “That view comes at a cost: Prices start at $650 to $800 an hour for a three-passenger Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter and pilot. Sightseeing and catered lunches are often included. The broker usually foots the bill, including the cost of the helicopter and pilot.”

And there’s at least one other potential draw-back – surprised sellers and their neighbors may not be too thrilled when a helicopter swoops down low as they are relaxing by the pool. I’m thinking it’s more like pricey window-peeking than a luxury showing, especially without an appointment.

I guess drones shooting videos can be just as surprising and invasive to homeowners, too. And although they are considerably cheaper than helicopter showings, you actually have to petition the FAA to fly a drone to shoot a video to sell a house. It’s true!

In September, 2015, Craig Donofrio reported on Realtor.com, “Now, any time you want to use a drone for any commercial purpose (including selling a private residence), you’ll need to acquire a permit or petition the FAA for an exemption. It could take months, and there’s no guarantee the FAA will approve your request.

“For individuals selling their own house, that’s a lot of hassle… If you really want that vertiginous aerial panorama of your home, your best option is to get an FAA-approved company to do the work for you.”

Helicopter or drone, you still need to make sure your roof is looking good, in any price range.