Why Aerial Footage Matters

Hi Michelle....I think there's nothing more powerful than aerial photography....we use a drone to capture aerial views on EVERY LISTING THAT WE HAVE...we have sold many homes because of those aerials....

I've been doing drone shots for s couple of years now, but only a handful, and it's something I need to push more as no one else here is doing it. I love your inside to out shots.

To the anonymous "Harold Satterfield": I don't believe that Michelle Real stated that the aerial photography was done by a drone-carried camera.  Perhaps it was, perhaps it wasn't.  I wonder why you won't use your actual name, when you're so quick to admonish.  My photographer also uses a drone-held camera, and the effects are marvelous.   I've no plans to relinquish aerial shots.

I don't believe any of those fines have been held up in court

I too use aerial photos as well as video and I have never heard of an agent or photographer being sued. This is a great way to showcase homes and land and is not going away in my business. Great video...

Well done aerial video and the views of the property and from the property are lovely!   Aerial views provide potential buyers with an enormous amount of information.

Using UAS (drones) FAA Section 333 addresses the inaccurate comment by anonymous, #4, so your aerial video was superb and using drones to market luxury homes is a tool that is essential IMO.

I had the opportunity to examine a commercial drone and the operator informed a group of Rainer's at a meet up recently in Costa Mesa that operating a drone below 400 feet was the main FAA regulation to maintain compliance.

Great job on that video. I had an aerial photgrapher contact me a few weeks ago in case I ever want to do something like this. Unfortunately, I don't have anything with those great views.

Congrats!

I saw my first aerial video about of a home sitting on the cliffs of Malibu.  The quadcopter went right through the front door and out the patio.  It was magnificent!  I do agree that you need a reason to use aerial videography.  Does your listing have views? Is the property expansive?  Sometimes the foilage overshadows the property and taking an aerial photo can get above the trees and bushes to show off the property.  As for the FAA, their concerns are tied to commercial use. Stay within the guidelines of the Federal Air Regs and stay away from the flight as commercial use.  Put the video together for the enjoyment of your viewers.  Isn't the aerial operator doing it for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of others?   He/She just enjoys showcasing property.  My husband, who has flight training takes video as a hobby and showcases this hobby on social media.  Potential owners, love to see video of the property, we provide the video as a service at no charge. 

I have only recently hired an aerial photographer and have been really happy with the results. 

People ( agents and general public) have gotten into trouble using drones for commercial photography. major brokerages have sent out notices to their agents to not use drones until FAA gives a clear go ahead. Recently near here, and med star helicopter had to delay landing because someone was operating a drone to close to hostpital landing pad. In another instance, a US Marshall showed up to tell a drone operator he was breaking the law and to land his drone. Have to be careful not to operate near airports, hospitals, etc.

Michelle - the home is perfect for aerial photography.  This puts the the view right in the picture and produces interest.  No surprise that the inquiries are coming in quickly.

Nice job, Michelle!

According to the NAR Field Guide on the use of drones by real estate agents (http://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-drones-and-real-estate), the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits the use of drones for any commercial purpose except on a case-by-case basis where the operator has requested and obtained permission in the form of an airworthiness certificate.  Thus, the Field Guide states that "given the current FAA prohibition, the NAR recommends that its members not utilize this technology for any purpose related to selling property."

The NAR Field Guide is dated July, 2014, and events are changing rapidly.  Last month, NAR made a formal request to the FAA for an exemption to its rule, stating such an exemption would be "a game changer for the real estate industry" and a "creative and dynamic way" to present a property.

But, until the FAA changes its policy, impatient agents proceed at their own risk.  In the March issue of Realtor Magazine, an article cites the case of a photographer in Charlottesville, VA who was fined $10,000 for flying his drone for commercial purposes without the aforementioned FAA certificate.  The fine was overturned in court; but who among us wants to bet $10,000 they’ll get a likeminded judge if they're fined?  Also, it’s possible if not likely such a fine wouldn’t be covered by your errors and omissions insurance policy, since the insurance carrier would claim the act was done intentionally and with knowing disregard of federal regulations.

Living in an area where there are 5 military bases I would be leery to use drones. Great that the fine was overturned but what did the Lawyer cost to make that happen. Think I will wait till it is resolved by FAA.

Did you run into any trouble with the FAA?  I understand they are fining agents for this.  Or did you hire someone?

 local real estate agent had a run in with a housing manager when the agent utilized a drone for aerial footage!!

Active Rain has done a great job in bringing out the best potential in all of their members blogs like this one.