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We Looked In Our Crystal Ball And Here Is What We See For 2017

By
Real Estate Agent with Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area BR534744000 & BR540649000

This is our entry for the January 2017 Active Rain Contest "Get Out Your Crystal Balls: What is your prediction for 2017 Contest" sponsored by Praful Thakkar and also one of our posts for the "Official 2017 Blog JUMPSTART Challenge - Enhance YOUR Personal Best" sponsored by Lynn B. Friedman

 

As some of you have already seen from some of our previous posts in December and earlier this month, we "see" aerial photography using drones becoming exponentially more important in marketing listings (attracting the attention of potential buyers) and in securing listings (many sellers are "demanding" this marketing enhancement).

 

This applies at ALL price points.

 

One challenge is paying for the marketing enhancement.

 

We have seen pricing ranging from approximately $200 all the way up to $600 for aerial photography of residential real estate listings - and if moving into "mini documentary" territory, can cost thou$ands.

 

So - how to include this marketing enhancement in your listings?

 

Currently there are 3 legal ways to do this.

 

1. If an individual or entity has received an FAA 333 Exemption, then they can provide aerial drone photography PROVIDING THAT AN FAA LICENSED PILOT IS PRESENT AT THE OPERATION AND IS DESIGNATED AS THE REMOTE "PIC" (PILOT IN COMMAND).  Yes, I am well aware that many ignore the requirement in capital letters in the previous sentence.  Those folks should be very cautious about the consequences of continuing the illegal practice.  The simplest way to "get legal" is to become a licensed drone pilot under FAA Part 107 "Remote Pilot Unmanned Aircraft System".

 

2. Hire a licensed drone pilot licensed under FAA Part 107 "Remote Pilot Unmanned Aircraft System".

 

3. Purchase your own drone and become a licensed drone pilot licensed under FAA Part 107 "Remote Pilot Unmanned Aircraft System".

 

We opted for Door #3.

 

Why?

 

The cost of the equipment, such as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro or DJI Mavic Pro, is less than $1,500.

 

The cost of the study materials to prepare for the FAA Part 107 "Remote Pilot Unmanned Aircraft System" test is less than $100.

 

The cost of the FAA Part 107 "Remote Pilot Unmanned Aircraft System" test is $150.

 

So for $2,000 you can get licensed to shoot your own commercial aerial photography using a drone!

 

Do the math.

 

How many drone photo/video shoots that you would otherwise pay for would it take to break even?

 

And one important thing to add to the mix, in addition to the license:

 

GET INSURANCE!

 

We see this becoming a burgeoning opportunity for the next few years, and
have created a separate LLC - Sunlit Drones - for the purpose of providing aerial drone photography and videography for our Sellers, and for other agents and businesses who can use our services!

 

 

 

 

 

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All images purchased and  licensed from Shutterstock , shared from YouTube, sourced from Vectortoons, or were taken by the author unless otherwise noted. Restaurant logo used from their website with permission of the staff following our meal yesterday!

Posted by

About the Authors - Updated 2018

If you are considering a Traditional or Short Sale of your home in Phoenix, Scottsdale or any location in Maricopa County Arizona, you owe it to yourself to talk with Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty to determine whether Tony and Suzanne Marriott are the best real estate Brokers in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metropolitan area to help you with the Successful Sale of your home.

Tony and Suzanne have personally Listed, Sold and Closed more than a hundred Short Sales with the highest list to close rate in the Phoenix Metro Area!

Tony Marriott - Chief Executive Officer - Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Suzanne Marriott - Chief Learning Officer - Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Associate Brokers, REALTORS
Haven Express
Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Comments (20)

Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I love your post. Good luck in achieving your goals in 2017.

Jan 08, 2017 06:30 AM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers - What a thought provoking post. Do you think if a seller demands drone service we should charge extra?  I appreciate your sharing the costs of this endeavor. 

Jan 08, 2017 06:45 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Very interesting post about what is sure to become a service that will be in high demand. 

Jan 08, 2017 07:16 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Drone photography is not likely to happen in my market as we are withing 5 miles of an airport and the fines are very hefty to enter that airspace.  The photos would never be worth the fines.

Jan 08, 2017 02:21 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Tony, Your crystal ball sees that more clients are demanding Drone Ariel marketing photos.  The ball said “do the math – get your own drone – get your license – do your own drone photography – do it legally – and don’t forget the insurance!  Well done. 

Jan 08, 2017 04:23 PM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Thanks Gita Bantwal and - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 09, 2017 04:35 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Hi Suzanne Strickler - thanks for stopping by.  Several different ways to approach this - if you DIY - you can offer it as a value add differentiator.  If paying someone else - you could roll it into expenses of the transaction - or perhaps ask the Seller to cover the expense.  Jury is still out!

Jan 09, 2017 05:07 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

I agree Susan Haughton - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 09, 2017 05:08 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Here is the good news Chris Ann Cleland - a properly licensed drone pilot can request authorization from Air Traffic Control in advance, and once granted, they are permitted to fly in that area, subject to the provisions of the authorization. Click the link to read more from the FAA.

Jan 09, 2017 05:11 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Thank you Kathleen Daniels and - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 09, 2017 05:11 AM
John Slocum
Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington - Vancouver, WA
Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate

Hi Tony and Suzanne, that sounds like a Capital Idea!  I look forward to seeing some of your aerial videos in this new year.  John & Kat

Jan 11, 2017 09:27 PM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We will be test flying both drones on Tuesday Alexander- Slocum - then hoping to shoot our first listing the next day - weather permitting - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 12, 2017 04:34 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers - I am sure your prediction is on target. Drone photography is getting less expensive - and relatively easy, too.

Thanks for the information on how to get the license - I may go for that, too.

Jan 12, 2017 03:38 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

And yes, thanks for your contribution to this contest Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers - really appreciate it.

Jan 12, 2017 03:39 PM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I agree, 2017 is going to be RE strong and well see more listings and more buyers. And some sellers will prefer to choose an agent who offer an additional service( drone photography, for example) 

Jan 14, 2017 07:04 PM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

It's a must if you want to use it for your listings Praful Thakkar - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 15, 2017 07:19 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Thanks for sponsoring the contest Praful Thakkar!

Jan 15, 2017 07:19 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We are on the same page Inna Ivchenko - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Jan 15, 2017 07:20 AM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

Great points - just like a Realtor talking about rent verses buy options.  I spent about $6,000 on new technology in November (Phantom 4 and a Matterport Camera) because I needed a tax break.  I rented both services until I could justify doing it on my own.

Mar 13, 2017 12:00 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Makes sense to me Jim Paulson - thanks for stopping by with a comment!

 

Mar 13, 2017 04:03 AM