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YouTube Thursdays - Drone Videos for Listings - Yes or No?

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

YouTube Thursdays - Drone Photography for Photos and Videos

 

 

We think a bird's eye view can give prospective buyers a better feel for a property, especially if it sits on acreage, and/or has a view of a nearby body of water, mountain, or other pleasing scene. However, we think they are often over-used in the real estate industry.  It makes little sense to send a viewer on a soaring ride to see a rooftop, or the neighbors' houses next door. 


This aerial video is one of my favorites as it really is an awe-inspiring vista. We sold this million dollar home last year. The area adjacent to it is the site for this year's Parade of Homes.  Although, only a few of the homes will be able to enjoy this spectacular view. 

 

 

For this situation, we chose to include a drone video in our marketing to better showcase a pond located on this 2.32 acre property. There is also a creek, but in summer, it runs more slowly and it's not easy to spot. People who buy rural properties, often place high import on ponds and creeks. Therefore, it makes good sense to showcase that amenity.  

 ( Next time, we'll make sure the sellers haven't recently treated the roof for moss, and hope for a better weather day. It was a bit gloomy, but again, it shows the pond and the acreage.) 

 

This one nearly failed the Drone video marketing test, but we wanted to show Vancouver Lake's close proximity to the property. Plus, the backyard is amazingly private, low maintenance, and a perfect spot for entertaining. 

 

 

And while we think drone captured photos and videos are a good tool for our particular niche, we will leave the flying and the photography to the professionals. Although, we both admire agents who do this well, such as Sheri Sperry - MCNE® , her husband Rick does a great job with aerial videos. 

 

What about you, do you use drone photography for your listings? 

 

Much like Anita Clark 's Facebook Fridays, we encourage you to subscribe to each other's YouTube Channels - and take a minute to "like" or leave a comment. You can also add your own YouTube Channel in the comments below, and ask for subscribers. Be sure to subscribe back though - it's quid pro quo! 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(41)

Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I have not used Drone photography yet, but I can definitely can see the advantages for use with the right type of properties.  Enjoyed your videos.

Jul 12, 2019 04:40 PM
Michael Eisenberg
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Real Estate Guy

I think drone video or even stills are great to showcase some properties, acreage, waterfront, or other that it will enhande the listing.

Jul 12, 2019 04:44 PM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

Thanks for sharing your examples of drone video.    I use it when there is something fabulous to illustrate, that still camera shots simply can't capture.    I think some agents over-use the tool unnecessarily though.

Jul 12, 2019 04:48 PM
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

We use drone pictures for our listing that have any view like pool, water, community ammenities etc. I enjoyed your videos Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD They are very professional

Jul 12, 2019 05:36 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

I use drone photography for most of my listings showing the mountains and amazing vistas.

Jul 12, 2019 06:54 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Not all Drone videos are created equally. We get som really bad ones...

Yours are quite wonderful and do enhance your marketing.

 

 

Jul 13, 2019 12:02 AM
Debb Janes

Good to see you Debra Leisek - agree with you. Hope you're having a great summer - I know it's been quite sunny and hot this year.  D

Jul 13, 2019 08:18 AM
Robin Wells
WellSwept Chimneys - Victoria Harbour, ON
Giving Peace Of Mind One Chimney At A Time

They do work well for some properties.  Why is really only the awe factor as in reality few of us would ever actually see that view when enjoying the property.  However it can help in demonstrating spectacular views, expansive properties, etc.  They can work and are beneficial to some properties - I know some impress me.  However at least in our area licensing of drones (both pilot licensing and drone registration) has become more and more of a limiting factor.  

Jul 13, 2019 07:01 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Debb,  I think if it is on acres then I would say they work great but not sure about if in a tight neighborbood.  Great information be you.

 

Jul 13, 2019 08:28 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Good morning Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - For the right homes, such as the ones you illustrated with superb videos, drones are an absolute must! 

Jul 13, 2019 09:28 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Drone photography is getting more affordable these days.  I use them.

A bird's eye view can give prospective buyers a better feel for a property, especially if it sits on acreage, and/or has a view of a nearby body of water, mountain, or other pleasing scene. However, we think they are often over-used in the real estate industry.

Jul 13, 2019 11:44 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Debb! I am in total agreement with you about drone videos. In fact, some of the tight neighbor shots, to me, seem uninviting. Who wants to live that close to someone? Land, mountainous areas, beaches, lakes, equestrian property - lots of acreage - scream for drone videography though.

Loved the article that Marte Cliff shared - and the proof is in the pudding as Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS cited! 

Jul 13, 2019 03:48 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Yes aerial photos and video are very important with rural properties as you say.  Or ones that are hard to photograph from the ground for whatever reason.  It makes a big difference and sellers expect it these days.

Jul 13, 2019 04:10 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I think it depends on whether drone shots are beneficial.  Certainly with some rural properties that have significant landscape around them they can be helpful.  For example, I just viewed a listing on a large lot.  The drone shot above showed a wonderful lake behind, and a community tennis court on one side.

Jul 13, 2019 07:30 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and and advice on the use of drone photography.

Drones are restricted in the DC area.

Jul 14, 2019 05:36 AM
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

They are beneficial to showcase golf course views as well. This is provided the property is large enough that it doesn't make it look like the homes are sitting right on top of each other. Thanks for sharing the examples.

Jul 14, 2019 05:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD ,

So glad to see your post featured. I so agree with you about what properties do best and are a must with a drone video! Your examples tell the story because you can see why buyers want to see the drone video to view the full property and enhancements.

Jul 14, 2019 06:06 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Like you, I hire the pros as I don't want to take the time to learn or maintain a drone video camera or equipment. Yours are breathtaking and a perfect tool to showcase a home for it's location.  Well done!

Jul 14, 2019 11:35 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good evening Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - that is ready a perfect use of the drone and perfect cuts between scenes.

Jul 14, 2019 04:43 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Debb, definitely there are listings that require drone shots, homes on acreage or with views.    Haven't ever done any for a home in a tight neighborhood.  

Jul 17, 2019 07:20 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We almost used drone photography for a condo we recently listed, but decided to skip it. This particular unit did not have a good view as it backed a busy highway and it may have kept some from touring it. The condo was beautiful inside and that's what sold it!

Jul 18, 2019 08:06 AM
Debb Janes

Hi Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 Sounds like you made the right choice.  It is smart to consider the best aspects of any property we list and showcase those...not the negatives. 

Jul 18, 2019 08:09 AM