How a Drone Could Be a Realtor’s Best Friend

By George Milner of BaseLETS

The highly competitive nature of the real estate market in almost every country across the globe means agents who wish to gain an edge need to innovate and try new techniques in order to sell the properties on their books. It is for this reason that aerial photography has really grabbed the attention of realtors in recent years. Drones are the hot technology as far as aerial photography is concerned but, until recently, their use in a commercial capacity has been prohibited.

Cleared for Take Off

While you may have noticed a fair few aerial shots of properties in the USA for sale online over the last few years, it is important to recognize they were almost certainly taken illegally. It was only last month that the Federal Aviation Administration officially authorized the use of drones by a real estate agent. The agent in question is based in Tucson, Arizona but agents across the country are hoping that this is a sign of things to come. At the moment, each firm or individual who wishes to use an unmanned aircraft to take aerial shots of properties must apply for a Section 333 exemption before they can do so.

The Potential

Two of the biggest factors people who are searching for their dream home take into account when evaluating properties are what type of neighbourhood the properties are located in and the size of the plot of land. Drones offer realtors a cost effective way to take aerial shots of the houses on their books that will make it easy for potential buyers to see what the surrounding area is like and how big a backyard the property has.

Use of drones by real estate agents may not be widespread at the time of writing but I think that it is about to take off, if you will excuse the pun!

George Milner is a Real Estate veteran having been in the industry for 26 years and is currently working with BaseLETS. He also enjoys weekends away with the family to the coast and reading and writing articles related to the property industry.