As a real estate agent, you may be considering hiring a drone pilot to help showcase properties to potential buyers. However, if you have no experience in hiring a drone pilot, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process. Don't worry though! By taking into consideration a few key things such as their qualifications, experience, and safety record, you can rest assured that you'll find a drone pilot who's able to capture stunning aerial footage of your properties and help you stand out in the competitive real estate market! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin the process of hiring a drone pilot for your real estate business.
Discuss the Cost Beforehand
Make sure you have a clear budget in mind and ask the pilot for a quote up front. This will help you determine which pilots are within your price range.
This is important because you want to make sure that the pilot's fees fit within your budget and that you are not overpaying for the service. So make sure to do a little window shopping! Careful finding "cheap" drone pilots though, as this can be a sign of a new or inexperienced pilot, which can ultimately lead to costly mistakes in the future! It is also important to ask for a quote up front so that there are no unexpected costs or hidden fees. Additionally, discussing your budget with the pilot can also help them understand your needs and tailor their services accordingly.
Always Ask for a Portfolio
Ask the pilot to show you examples of their work, either through a portfolio or by providing links to videos or photos they have shot. Yes, it is important to ask the pilot to show you examples of their work before hiring them! This allows you to see their style and level of skill and ensures that they are capable of capturing the high-quality images or video that you need for your real estate listings. A portfolio or links to previous work can also give you an idea of the types of properties and locations the pilot has experience shooting, which can be helpful in determining if they are a good fit for your needs.
Ask About Their Specialty and Experiences
Some drone pilots may specialize in certain types of photography or video so it's important to hire a drone pilot who specializes in real estate photos and video as they'll
have a deep understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the real estate industry. This includes knowing how to capture footage that showcases the property's features and amenities in the most visually appealing way. They will also be able to provide you with high-quality images and video that are optimized for use on real estate websites, social media, and marketing materials. In addition, a drone pilot who specializes in real estate will have the necessary equipment, software, and skills to produce professional-grade images and video that meet industry standards and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Be Aware of the Laws
The most important law you need to follow is making sure your pilot has a valid drone pilot certification (as shown above), also known as Part 107 certificate, which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the United States, it is illegal to operate a drone for commercial purposes without a valid certification. Unfortunately, though, if a real estate agent hires a drone pilot who is not certified, they could be putting themselves and their business at risk. For this reason, it is a great idea to have a clear agreement in place outlining the terms of the project and the pilot's responsibilities. You can also easily avoid this by asking for their Part 107 license.The FAA also maintains a database of certified pilots, which can be searched online. If they don't have their license on them, you can verify the pilot's certification by searching for their name on the FAA's website. Are they still refusing to show you their license, or is their name not show up in the database? Find a new drone pilot ASAP!
Communication is Crucial
Good communication is obviously key to a successful project! It is important to have good communication with your drone pilot as a real estate agent because it will help ensure that you are both on the same page and that your expectations are aligned. It's also a good rule of thumb that if a pilot isn't listening to you, they may also be ignoring laws that could bite you in the butt later.
Good communication also allows you to convey your needs and preferences clearly, as well as any specific requirements or restrictions you may have. It also allows the pilot to ask questions and provide feedback, which can help them better understand your goals and deliver the results you are looking for.
Additionally, good communication can help prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications that could lead to delays or other issues. Overall, good communication with your drone pilot is crucial to the success of your project and can help ensure that you get the high-quality images and video you need to effectively market your properties. So, look for a pilot who is punctual, reliable, easy to work with, responsive, and they understand your vision for the project!
Find a Pilot That Focuses on Safety
Safety is an essential aspect of drone operations, as it ensures that people and property are protected from potential accidents or incidents. When looking for a drone pilot, it's important to prioritize safety and find someone who takes it seriously and has a good track record in this regard. This could include factors such as experience, training, and adherence to regulations and safety guidelines. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the pilot has adequate insurance to cover any potential liabilities. This can protect your business in the event of any accidents or damages! Overall, safety should be a top priority when it comes to drone operations. By looking for a pilot who takes safety seriously and has a good track record, you can ensure that the drone operation is conducted safely and efficiently. When in doubt, ask your pilot what safety precautions they take. If they're a great pilot or drone service company, they'll even have a print out for you!
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiring a drone pilot as a real estate agent can be a great way to showcase properties in a unique and visually appealing way. However, it's important to keep a few key things in mind when hiring a drone pilot, such as their qualifications, experience, and safety record. Before hiring a drone pilot, it's important to discuss the cost beforehand, ask for a portfolio of their work, and ask about their specialty and experiences. It's also important to be aware of laws and regulations, including the need for a valid drone pilot certification, and to have good communication with your drone pilot to ensure that your expectations are aligned. Finally, it's essential to find a pilot who prioritizes safety to ensure that people and property are protected during the drone operation. By considering these factors, you can rest assured that you will find a drone pilot who can capture stunning aerial footage of your properties and help you stand out in the competitive real estate market.
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