When looking at the eye-catching aerial photos and videos used by many realtors today, it is clear why real estate is the second-largest industry for drone use, behind aerial photography. Drones are technically referred to as UAVs “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” or when referring to the drone and ground controller unit, an “Unmanned Aircraft System” (Today’s UAVs are incredibly maneuverable, inexpensive, and simple to use. Despite once requiring a pilot’s license, the FAA now permits operation with a remote pilot certificate (FAA Section 107 regulations).
How and Why Drones Benefit the Real Estate Industry
Real estate agents are currently all over the idea of differentiating their property listings by including top-notch aerial photography and video. According to statistics, homes that are marketed using aerial photography sell 68 percent more quickly than homes that are marketed using standard photography. Here are 9 ways in which real estate agents and brokers are benefiting from drones:
1. Drone photography produces dramatic, captivating images.
Real estate agents can easily produce outstanding shots by using contemporary drone technology. Professional and eye-catching views are produced by combining GPS-programmed flight paths with automatic point-of-interest camera targeting.
2. Engaging virtual tours can be produced by drones.
A camera drone can fly through every room of a house or office building and produce a thorough virtual tour that is impossible for stationary photography to duplicate. Agents can easily create a professional voice-over soundtrack with today’s video editing software, giving the potential buyer a rich and compelling visual story.
3. Drone photography can highlight the property’s improved features.
Aerial photography can capture images of the landscaping, outdoor living spaces, swimming pools, hot tubs, walking paths, nearby parks, neighborhood schools, and other intriguing features that potential buyers will want to see.
4. Drone photography appeals to sellers and will bring in new clients for the real estate agent.
For potential sellers who want their property to be presented in the best light, using drone photography and videos to market properties is a huge selling point.
5. A competitive advantage is given by drones to realtors.
Real estate listings with drone-produced photos and videos perform better than listings with only traditional photos, increasing the agent’s sales.
6. Drones are a more affordable option.
The cost to buy and operate a drone is low. Alternatively, real estate agents can hire qualified drone pilots to take aerial photos at a reasonable price.
7. Drones have a significant impact on luxurious homes.
Drone photography can be used to highlight a harbor view, a lovely garden, a large area, a special swimming pool, or other water features. In a way that no other photography technique can, aerial drone photography can capture the elegance of a high-end property.
8. For the development of real estate and commercial properties, drones have benefits.
High-rise apartment buildings and other projects involving multiple homes are planned using drones. They’re used to look over, survey, and market the property to buyers. They’re also used to get aerial views of the area that will be developed and the neighborhoods around it.
9. Inspection of roofs and homes is aided by drones.
Inspectors can identify roof and other problems with a drone that they would never be able to with a ladder. They can easily spot lifting shingles, bent flashing, or chimney-related issues in addition to providing a safer inspection solution.
Current FAA Regulations
Each and every drone that weighs more than 0.55 pounds) are required to be registered with the According to the FAA, registering a drone only costs $5, but operating an unregistered drone can result in a $25,000 per UAV fine. Current FAA guidelines include:
• Drones are not allowed to be flown within 5 miles of an airport or terminal.
• Each person must give written consent before a drone may fly over or photograph them.
• 400 feet is the maximum height permitted for commercial drones.
• The line of sight of the drone that the pilot is controlling must always be maintained.
• The FAA requires all operators to obtain a drone/UAV operator license.
Risk Protection for Realtors
There are some risks associated with drone photography, despite the fact that the likelihood of damage and injury is very low. Every drone operator should be covered by commercial drone insurance. Most drone pilots should think about purchasing liability and accidental insurance. For third-party operators, many real estate firms mandate a minimum liability cap of $1 million. There are several types of coverages applicable to drones, including:
• Drone Liability Insurance
• Hull Insurance (damage to the actual drone)
• Drone Payload Insurance
• Ground Equipment Insurance
Protection from third-party lawsuits or property damage is provided by drone liability insurance for the operator and business. Some insurance policies may also provide protection against financial loss brought on by negligence and privacy invasion. Every realtor who uses drones should review their insurance policies to make sure they are covered while utilizing this developing technology.
