How Drones are Shaping the Future of Real Estate Marketing

Are you ready to list properties that fly off the market faster than your competitors? Agents all across the country are finally starting to figure out a secret that’s literally lifting their real estate marketing to new heights. Properties with drone footage in their listings sell 68% faster than properties with traditional photos alone. The problem is, your competition is STILL taking ground-level photos… But the smart agents are turning to drone technology solutions to help them create amazing aerial visuals that buyers just can’t resist. It’s the future, and the smart agents are getting ahead of the curve.

What you’ll discover:

• Why Drone Technology Is Transforming Real Estate Marketing
• The Psychology Behind Aerial Photography’s Selling Power
• How Smart Agents Are Leveraging Advanced Drone Features Today
• Essential Equipment Considerations for Real Estate Drone Usage
• Anticipated Future Trends in Drone Applications for Real Estate

Why Drone Technology Is Transforming Real Estate Marketing

Marketing a property used to be a pretty predictable process. Agents would take some basic photos, maybe film a simple walkthrough video, then post it to their listings. The problem was, every single agent was doing the exact same thing. That all changed when drones started getting involved. These drone technology solutions offer a perspective that traditional marketing tools can’t compete with. That bird’s-eye view gives agents a chance to showcase the property itself, and more importantly, the lifestyle that goes with it. Take a look at some drone footage of a home, and what do you see? Not just walls, a roof, and a backyard. No, from this perspective you can see manicured lawns, sparkling pools, proximity to parks and schools, and the very layout of a neighborhood that makes that property so desirable. Agents looking for the most advanced equipment out there turn to american-made drones for the reliability and cutting edge features they need to provide that edge in aerial marketing. The result is immediate, and data driven. Properties listed with drone footage don’t just sell faster, they often sell for a premium. Buyers want drone footage so much that they can’t help but see those listings, and that can’t help but influence them.

The Psychology Behind Aerial Photography’s Selling Power

Ok, so we know drone marketing works. But what’s the deal? Why are these aerial photos so effective at moving properties? Turns out, there’s real psychology to it. You see, when people see a property from above, their brains process those images differently than regular, ground level photography. Experts refer to it as “visualization of ownership.” The aerial perspective lets buyers visualize living in the space. They can see the property in its entirety, how it fits with the surrounding community, and imagine all the memories that will be made in that home. They can see themselves throwing a party on that patio or a poolside barbeque. They can picture their children playing in the backyard, or teenagers hanging out in the living room with friends. Aerial shots trigger those emotions and help people understand a property in a way that standard photos simply can’t. In fact, research into consumer decision making has shown that changing a homebuyer’s point of view actually changes their perspective on a property! In fact, different types of aerial shots trigger different types of buyer behavior. Photography and filming services have 52% of the global market share in the real estate drone application space, and the data is not a coincidence.

How Smart Agents Are Leveraging Advanced Drone Features Today

Agents who are serious about using drones are moving beyond the basics. They’re getting creative with the tech and using advanced features to take their marketing to the next level. Here are some of the most effective methods being used today. Smart agents are using drones to generate detailed 3D maps, letting buyers explore properties before they visit them. These virtual tours can be embedded in websites and shared on social media. Buyers can take those virtual tours on their computers, tablets or smartphones any time of day or night. It’s like an open house on steroids, and it’s completely hassle free. Agents are using thermal imaging drones. Others are providing live drone flythroughs where remote buyers can view aerial footage while the agent describes the property in real time. But here’s where things get really interesting… Agents who are killing it in this space have one thing in common. They all understand that drone marketing is first and foremost about telling the story of the property.

Equipment Considerations that Actually Matter

So you’re ready to incorporate drones into your marketing mix. The equipment scene has changed SO much in the last couple of years. It used to be that you needed a Hollywood-level budget for drone technology. Now we’ve reached a point where high quality drones are accessible for any serious real estate professional. Don’t just buy the cheapest drone you see. Agents who are just breaking into the drone game have a few consumer grade options that cost between $400-$1,200, with features like 4K video recording, automated flight modes, obstacle avoidance sensors and smartphone app control. On the professional side of things, you’re looking at a price range of $2,000-$15,000+ depending on the equipment. Those pros offer interchangeable camera systems, longer flight times and advanced stabilization. Did you know that if you use drone footage in a commercial capacity you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA? The good news is that the test is nowhere near as difficult as you might think, and once you have it, you’re all set on that front legally. Pro tip: A lot of agents are choosing to partner with licensed drone operators instead of getting their own license. Can make more sense financially when you’re first getting started.

Future Trends that Will Change Everything

The drone revolution is just getting started. It’s only going to get bigger from here, and the agents who know these trends first will reap the benefits. AI is coming, and it’s going to make drones smarter every month. AI is going to help drones automatically identify features of a property and create optimized flight paths and even edit footage in real-time. Imagine uploading a batch of drone video footage and having AI algorithms create a market-ready video for you. The technology for that already exists, and it’s improving by the day. Drones are going to start being used to carry a ton of sensors. Air quality sensors, noise pollution sensors, virtual reality is going mainstream, and drones are going to be capturing content to fuel that tech.

Challenges to Overcome

Look, drone marketing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Agents face real challenges using this tech, and the smart ones anticipate them before they even become an issue.

• Weather can shut down your marketing efforts on a dime. Build in that flexibility to your schedule.
• Battery life is limited. Professional shoots will require you to carry multiple batteries.
• Neighbors may have privacy concerns. Best practice is to let nearby residents know you’ll be filming a shoot.
• Local regulations can get in the way. Not all drone use is legal in all municipalities. Check local laws ahead of time.

Final Thoughts: Ready for Takeoff?

You ready to start marketing properties using drone technology? The opportunity is bigger than it’s ever been, but it’s going to take some work to get it right. Start by doing your homework on the equipment options that are out there. Remember:

• The market is growing at 18% a year. Early adopters have a massive edge.
• Properties with drone footage sell 68% faster. You’ll see immediate impact with your clients
• 35% of agents already use drones. This isn’t being innovative, this is being on par with your competitors

The future of real estate marketing is happening right now. The question isn’t whether you should start using drones to market your properties. The question is, how long can you afford to wait to get into the game? While you’re waiting for that decision to come, your competition is probably starting to take flight and gain altitude while you’re still stuck on the ground.