High Value

Aerial drone flying over suburban neighborhood capturing a sunny afternoon view of homes and gardens

Some real estate professionals are using drone technology to gain a competitive edge.

Drones, which are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with high-resolution still and video cameras, can give potential buyers or investors a comprehensive view of a property and its surroundings. This constitutes “a unique perspective that traditional ground-based photography cannot [offer], providing comprehensive and engaging visuals that can significantly enhance real estate marketing efforts,” says Luxury Presence, a real estate marketing service provider in Austin, Texas.

Less costly than helicopter or airplane flybys, drone-based photography can highlight such features as nearby lots, amenities and shopping areas that aren’t easily encompassed from ground level. “Drone video can make buyers feel like they’re really at a property, even when they’re on the other side of the world,” according to drone tech provider DJI of Shenzhen, China.

Some studies indicate that listing agents who use drones increase their deal closings by 68%.

“Properties marketed with aerial images not only stand out in listings but also tend to sell much faster, providing a clear competitive advantage in the fast-paced real estate market,” asserts Fox Homes, a Fairfax, Va., residential real estate agency.

Drones can also illustrate the interiors of residences and commercial buildings, producing “one cohesive video that gives viewers a realistic sense of the house,” according to The Drone Life, a Medford Lakes, N.J., operator that supports construction, conservation and other projects.

They’re also useful for inspections and for revealing maintenance needs on roofs and other hard-to-reach areas of a property.

And “building managers will be able to meet project objectives more efficiently and quickly if sophisticated photography is used to scan construction sites and drones are used to follow activities throughout the construction lifecycle,” says SkyQuest Technology Group, a global technology services provider based in Westford, Mass.

More than 850,000 drones for various applications are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, with the total U.S. market expected to grow from $34.4 billion in 2023 to $87.5 billion within a decade.

Real estate pros seeking drone assistance should engage a licensed drone operator and be mindful of FAA altitude and no-fly restrictions, local privacy policies and other regulations.

It may well be worth the investment. “Unique photography and professional videography make a significant difference in capturing buyers’ attention and compelling them to action,” says Luxury Presence.

“As technology continues to evolve, drones will likely become an integral part of the real estate marketing toolkit,” adds Whitney Savoie of FlyGuys Nationwide Data Capture, a drone services provider in Lafayette, La.

SHARE POST

Facebook LinkedIN

AUTHOR

Joel Nelson, senior marketing writer, joined Yardi in 2007. His byline has appeared in New York Real Estate Journal, Canadian Property Management and Los Angeles Lawyer, among others. He has won multiple awards from major professional organizations including the International Association of Business Communicators and Public Communicators of Los Angeles. Joel earned a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College.

Recent articles

Connected real estate investment management platform

What to look for in a real estate investment management platform 

Your guide to the four criteria that matter when choosing a real estate investment management platform. See why a connected architecture changes what each capability is worth.

Stylized AI brains glowing in blue and purple light with the text "Beyond Automation: Agentic AI for Enterprise Efficiency"

From automation to agentic AI in multifamily

Agentic AI goes beyond task automation. Learn how multifamily operators are using intelligent workflows to improve resident experiences and reduce operational friction.

The heart of innovation: Senior living leaders on Yardi

How 5 leaders improved senior living operations

Senior living operations leaders share how connected systems give time back to care teams, strengthen family connection and support growth. Download the ebook.

07 / 31 / 26