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

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. 

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 !

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.

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.

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

Until I sprout wings, drones are a good option.

I think they are great!

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.

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....

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love them!

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

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

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

I think it's a great idea. 

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

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.

I have had a couple clients tell no drones

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.  

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.

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

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. 

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

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

Great idea and it's been implemented.

I have not used it.

I think it depends on the property.

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

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.

Great idea if you meet the FAA requirements.

Drones are prohibited in our area.