A new real estate marketing era takes off on Aug. 29, when the Federal Aviation Administration officially implements new, relaxed regulations on how Realtors and other marketers can use drones or remote-controlled, unmanned aircraft systems.
Drones offer real estate professionals myriad ways to showcase their listings from a new and inexpensive perspective. Drone videos bring an element of entertainment into the homebuying process and make it easier for buyers to fall in love with a property. Marketing real estate with aerial video and photographs conveys not just a listing, but also a lifestyle by capturing distinct nearby locations such as mountainsides, lake-, ocean- and river fronts, golf courses or parks, train depots or shopping areas.
Because the new FAA rules may prompt real estate professionals to consider buying a drone, here are 10 tips for agents before entering the drone zone.
1. Know Your Strategy
Understand the role drones will play in your marketing efforts, and how to use them effectively. Incorporating drones into your marketing, just because you can, may not be the best formula for success.
2. Know The Requirements
While today’s requirements include a lower point of entry (no need to get a $10,000 pilot’s license), an FAA certificate is required to verify your aeronautics knowledge, and that requires a $300 course fee.
3. Know The Rules
Learn the rules, such as:
If flying within five miles of an FAA control tower, operators must notify the tower about a drone in flight (download the FAA app, “Know Before You Fly,” for tower locations and notifications).
Know air space restrictions. For example, drones are not allowed near all major airports.
The drone must be within the operator’s line of sight.
4. Know The Local Regulations
Follow local regulations by learning which state and government entities are crafting drone rules, and get on their email lists.
5. Buy Insurance
The FAA does not require it, but brokerages need the added liability protection in case of accidents.
6. Prepare For A Learning Curve
Crashes are common, even for experienced drone pilots. Allow about a year behind the wheel before that drone floats like a butterfly above your listings. Until then, drone video may appear unsteady or feel like a jerky roller coaster ride.
7. Know Your Budget
Commercial drones, on average, cost about 10 times more ($3,000) than what hobbyists use ($300).
8. Learn Video Editing Software
Learn to use video editing software to produce a beautiful finished product.
9. Learn About Video Distribution
Be knowledgeable and prepared for video distribution. You’ll be uploading and managing your clients’ listing videos so they’re live on all streaming sites (such as YouTube and Vimeo), and removed once a home is sold.
10. Consider The Required Time And Costs
Hiring a professional pilot/photographer with the creative eye and years of experience may be a better option for capturing stunning aerial views of distinctive real estate listings.
