How to prepare your property for a drone video or photo.
It’s a given that when you’re selling a property or your home there are two factors that come into the equation;
1) Achieve the highest price possible. 2) Sell in a timely manner.
The development of Drones has added to the mix of media offerings available to real estate agents and sellers. The kinds of photographic and video content that can be created with a drone has captured the attention of the property market and more importantly the attention of potential buyers.
For a little background on the marketing process of a property, in the modern age, all are marketed online and more often than not via a property listing portal such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Why is this so important? Rightmove alone attracts 127.5 million visits per month whilst Zoopla over 50 million. Between them, there are over 2 million properties listed in total. Leads are generated and forwarded to the property agent or seller who can then organise viewings or send further information.
How can a drone help? Once a prospective buyer has landed on, for example, Rightmove they are met with a list of properties ranging in price, size and location. To stand out from the crowd of on the ground standard front elevation picture a drone can offer a unique perspective of the property and how it is situated in the immediate surrounds. More importantly, attracting more people to click and view your property.
Take advantage of drone images and video
With the number of property agents taking advantage of aerial photography and videography it’s important to prepare your property or home to capitalise on the shoot. Here are a few suggestions of things that would put the best foot forward before your drone pilot arrives.
- Ensure that the garden, any driveways and patio’s are cleaned and presentable. Hedges, trees and flowerbeds are well kept and grass freshly mowed.
- All doors should be shut, and that includes the garage door in particular!
- Any exposed mud or dirt tends to offer a strong brown colour, covering it with mulch will compliment neighbouring features.
- Outdoor furniture can be staged to make outdoor space more appealing.
- Make sure that any roof related issues have been remedied prior to the shoot.
- Remove any bins from sight.
- If the property has a pool remove all cleaning equipment and outdoor hoses.
- Window coverings should be consistent throughout the property, always keep blinds and curtains open as this lets more light into the property.
- Remove any cars from the driveway.
- Ensure all hoses are wound up and tidied away.
If you’re selling a commercial property the same principles apply, commercial locations tend to be busy and classed as a congested area by the CAA. What does this mean for you? It means that a pilot will have to fly at times when the surrounding area is not deemed as a congested area, this could be early in the morning before staff arrive or after work hours. In rural locations, this is not a problem.
Permission is key!
When the drone pilot intends to fly the property should be cleared of all other people, it is sometimes best for the homeowner or property owner not to be on site at the time of flying (or at least inside!). If the shoot is at twilight or sunset it is sometimes best to put both interior and exterior lights on however this tends to be heavily dependant on the property and its surroundings.
