The Impact of Drone Technology on the Real Estate Industry
The use of drone technology has changed the real estate industry by providing new opportunities for marketing techniques, photography services, and more. Is this why real estate agents are gravitating toward drone technology more every day? Read on to learn how this technology is leaving its mark.
Drones: They’re those futuristic little flying machines that sound like a swarm of bees, and they’ve revolutionized the real estate industry. And let’s be honest, it’s about time. The real estate game has been overdue for some technological disruption.
Benefits of Using Drones for Real Estate Photography:
Real estate agents have embraced drone technology as it’s become more accessible. According to one report by the National Association of Realtors, 44% of realtors either use drones to market properties or plan to in the future. In 2016, it was just 7% — that’s a significant increase!
According to a survey by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (“unmanned vehicle systems” is another term for drones), the top three industries that use drones are construction, agriculture, and real estate.
And the growing use of drones is working! Studies have found that homes marketed with aerial images sell faster than homes marketed with only ground-level images. When you browse real estate listings today, you’re much more likely to see aerial photos taken by drones than you would have been just a few years ago.
So how is drone technology improving real estate? Let’s take a look at some areas where it’s having an effect.
Aerial Photography and Videography
This is the most immediately obvious answer. One of the most significant impacts of drone technology on the real estate industry is the ability to capture stunning aerial photography and videography. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can capture aerial footage of properties. In years past, this kind of footage was impossible to obtain without a helicopter.
Aerial photography and videography can highlight the unique features of a property, such as its location, surrounding landscape, and neighborhood. This technology also provides an opportunity for real estate agents to stand out from their competition by providing clients with striking, high-quality visuals that capture the essence of a property.
Virtual Tours
Drones can also be used to create virtual tours of properties, providing potential buyers with an immersive experience. Real estate agents can use drones to capture aerial footage of a property, then use 3D modeling software to create a virtual tour that allows potential buyers to navigate through the property as if they were physically there.
Virtual tours provide potential buyers with a realistic view of a property’s layout and features, allowing them to get a better sense of the property before scheduling an in-person tour. This technology also provides an opportunity for real estate agents to showcase multiple properties to clients in a short amount of time, increasing efficiency and productivity.
>> Related Reading: Virtual Tours Not Only Sticking Around, They Are Getting Better
Marketing:
Drones have become a valuable marketing tool for real estate agents. Aerial photography and videography can be used to create eye-catching marketing materials that attract potential buyers and investors.
The technology allows real estate agents to showcase properties in a way that was previously impossible, providing a competitive advantage in a crowded market.
Using drones for marketing can also increase the reach of a real estate agent’s marketing efforts. Aerial footage of a property can be used in social media campaigns, online listings, and other marketing materials, reaching a wider audience and increasing the likelihood of a sale. Just imagine the impact of a beautiful panorama of entire neighborhoods for a sales brochure, or stunning video footage for website and social media posts.
For a specific example, we’ll turn to Instagram. There are well over one billion (billion with a “b!”) active users on Instagram, and thousands of real estate firms have created accounts on the platform. The reach of Instagram combined with the power of high-quality drone photos has created amazing opportunities for real estate agents to market their properties.
>> Related Reading: Instagram for Real Estate Agents
Appraisals:
Drones have also revolutionized the way properties are appraised and valued. With drones, real estate professionals can capture aerial footage and images of properties, providing a more comprehensive view of the property’s features and surroundings. The same 3D models that allow for virtual tours of a property can also be used to estimate its value more accurately.
Additionally, drones can capture detailed information about the property’s topography, which can be used to calculate its elevation, slope, and other important features that can affect its value. This information is particularly useful when appraising properties in challenging environments, such as properties with steep slopes or uneven terrain.
Environmental Assessments:
Drones can also be used for environmental assessments of a property. This technology can be used to monitor vegetation growth, identify water features, and detect changes in the landscape over time. The data collected can be used to assess the environmental impact of a property and make informed decisions about land use and development.
In Summary:
Drones have had a significant impact on the real estate industry, revolutionizing the way properties are marketed, sold — and even the way they’re perceived by potential buyers. The emerging technology has made these processes more efficient, faster, and safer. With the use of drones, real estate professionals can provide a more comprehensive view of properties, showcasing their unique features and surroundings, and attracting potential buyers from all over the world.
As drone technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the real estate industry. At Falco Media Services, we’d love to help you stay competitive by providing you with our unparalleled drone photography services. Get in touch with us today and let the magic begin!
