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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

As with many tools available to us, there is a time and a place for drones.

Mar 02, 2016 09:09 PM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

As far as I know, drones are an affordable way of doing aerial video photography. The possibilities are pretty interesting.  I wish they had been available when I was working as an agent.  There are a lot of large, unique, riverfront, lakefront and rural properties in my area. Aerials are great for giving perspective to the property and it's surroundings. 

Mar 02, 2016 09:48 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I've seen some nice shots taken for larger properties . But let's hope Listing Agents do get caught up in the game of "One Upmanship" and start using them on their $69,900 row houses !

Mar 02, 2016 09:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,817
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I have had a couple business friends enter into that business. Since they were start-ups, I got FREE services and I have to tell you, for the right properties, it's very, very cool. I'll be using them in the future for creative ways...like flying from outside to inside the house for a virtual "air-show" tour of the home. The biggest misconception is you need a large parcel/house to warrant their use...so not true.

Kenneth J. Jones mentions the FAA license, which used to be true, however that has since been amended, so commercial use under a certain altitude (and weight of the craft) in CA at least, is not requiring a pilot's license. So, we're clear to use them out here for real estate, as long as they remain in the "allowed air space" (which is visible sight line of the operator), with altitude and location restrictions and the craft is required to be registered with the FAA if it weighs over .55lbs. I won't bore you with the rest of the rules, there are many.

Mar 02, 2016 09:49 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Unless the property itself has features that should be shown to prospective buyers, but can't without aerial photography, it's a less expensive option that small plane or helicopter.

And...should only be used in compliance with the FAA regulations.

Mar 02, 2016 09:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

great.  As long as it is legal what are the drawbacks?

Mar 02, 2016 09:24 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Until I sprout wings, drones are a good option.

Mar 02, 2016 09:17 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

I think they are great!

Mar 02, 2016 09:15 PM
Rainmaker
556,790
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

I wrote a post earlier reminding everyone that ANY drone must be registered with the government.   Being in a somewhat rural area with farms and pasture land, we use them around here but I confirm registration and permission to fly over before I include myself in the activity.

Mar 03, 2016 04:38 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we have been using them for over a year.... "the eye buys" and aerial photography is "eye catching"....we've sold homes because of that "attention getting" photography....

Mar 03, 2016 12:32 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Great for waterfront, golf course, acreage, historic neighborhoods, etc.  Maybe not so great for a cookie-cutter middle class subdivision.

As others said, make sure you are FAA compliant!

Mar 03, 2016 12:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kenneth J. Jones has given you great advice.  Drone photography is great when taking photos of large acreage, and shots that are worthwhile of the coast or estates.  Otherwise, they are a waste of time and money.  A

Mar 03, 2016 12:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Dusty Rhoton, SFR, SRS, CDPE, RSPS I think they have their place and can be beneficial.

Mar 02, 2016 11:12 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Depends on the property. Not useful for the average sale in our area but for large properties and waterfront it makes a difference

Mar 02, 2016 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Drones are over rated, but they are working on making them easier to use. I haven't met a buyer yet that is interested in looking at a property from a drone video. Some luxury home builders are using them to show their communities. There are enough aerial photos online these days that drone videos aren't really needed. I would still buy one as a photographer, but I think i would have more use for aerial still photos.

Mar 02, 2016 10:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

It would be a lot easier than renting a plane or helicopter.

Mar 02, 2016 09:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Areas of out city have years old Google Maps so drones are effective in new construction places.

Mar 02, 2016 09:13 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Our professional photography companies have been using them for a while now.

Mar 04, 2016 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Look to the success of Barbara Todaro's marketing and the question is answered!

Mar 03, 2016 08:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Now that the prices come down, I will be purchasing a drone.

Mar 03, 2016 05:18 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I almost bought one this year, but decided not to due to too much governement intrusion into this new opportunity.

Mar 03, 2016 05:16 PM
Rainmaker
713,382
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

Love them!

Mar 03, 2016 01:59 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

if the property is worthy I think it's a great idea.

Mar 03, 2016 01:31 PM
Rainmaker
72,125
Darin Henderson
Holland Realty Services - Kirksville, MO
Guiding You Home

I think you can get some great shots cheap and that is a great outcome. 

Mar 03, 2016 12:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I think it is great, but can't use them yet for commercial advertising.  We can only get a license to play with them.

Mar 03, 2016 11:51 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I think it's a great idea. 

Mar 03, 2016 11:02 AM
Rainmaker
628,814
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Our market place has many Ag & rual properties and we use drones on most of the photos for our listings

Mar 03, 2016 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

If you have wide open spaces and it is appropriate for you market or the property I would say yes do it. In congested neighborhoods it could tell too much and hurt the sale.

Mar 03, 2016 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have had a couple clients tell no drones

Mar 03, 2016 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I think the shots look great. There is an issue if it being legal though.

Mar 03, 2016 07:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,160,812
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Dusty Rhoton, SFR, SRS, CDPE, RSPS Good idea.

Mar 03, 2016 06:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I might consider it for only select properties and then, only if the photographer is using the correct camera resolution and lenses. Lighting still remains very important, as well.

Mar 03, 2016 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

If the property is large enough or unusual enough, it is worth it.  Short of that, I wouldn't bother.  Not useful for 99% of tract homes out here.

Mar 03, 2016 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Most local properties do not really require aerial photography, only posh estates and mentions. 

Mar 03, 2016 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

They can do a wonderful job.  Provided it's done legally.

Mar 03, 2016 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

We use them for certain properties where it will enhance the listing.  

To what Kenneth J. Jones said...  

Does drone photography sell listings?  NO.  It makes us listing agents look cool, and that creates more listings for us.  It certainly isn't a waste of money, even in subdivisions.  

Mar 03, 2016 03:50 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I think it's really, really, really overrated for most homes.  Unless it's a large parcel or has unique features, I find it distracting and completely unnecessary.  In the right situation though, it provides tremendous insight.

Mar 03, 2016 03:42 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Certain properties benefit from having aerial photography, and I think the listings that use them look great.

Mar 03, 2016 02:44 AM
Rainer
98,823
Becca Rasmussen
HomeSmart Cherry Creek - Highlands Ranch, CO

I think they're great for large or multi-building properties. It doesn't make too much sense to me with suburban sprawl properties. For those, the client could just look at a "satellite" view of it in an online mapping program if they wish. 

Mar 03, 2016 02:41 AM
Rainmaker
140,768
Joan Dickie
Keller Williams Premier Realty - La Crosse, WI
Keller Williams Premier Realty

For acreage property, it is a must.  For homes in the city, not sure about the value except for interior videos.

Mar 03, 2016 02:31 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Dusty,
Our mountain views, properties on large lots, etc. benefit from it so we offer it.

Mar 03, 2016 01:44 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Great idea and it's been implemented.

Mar 03, 2016 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have not used it.

Mar 03, 2016 12:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I think it depends on the property.

Mar 02, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Houses always sold well from the ground. Gimmicky this drone stuff methinks with exceptions

Mar 02, 2016 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I like it. Just never had a listing yet that it would make a difference with. Larger lot, views, etc.

I have 2 guys that want to do mine if & when I need them.

Corinne is in my market & she does horse properties. Where I'm at, only subdivisions.

Mar 02, 2016 10:19 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Great idea if you meet the FAA requirements.

Drones are prohibited in our area.

Mar 02, 2016 10:08 PM