Some real estate professionals have mused about how drones could be helpful in marketing properties, particularly sprawling properties for sale that cannot easily be examined by a potential buyer. New regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, may soon change all of that.

Change in FAA Regulations

The FAA has just announced new regulations addressing the use of drones. Specifically, the FAA has announced regulation changes that will permit real estate professionals the ability to use drones in real estate marketing and sales.

The new regulations will permit the operation of a drone without the need for a pilot’s license. Rather, the operator of a drone used for real estate marketing purposes will only need to obtain what is being called a remote pilot in command certificate.

In announcing the new regulation, the FAA underscored the fact that the focus of the changes has been on ensuring that other aircraft as well as property and people on the ground will be kept safe. Allowing more people to operate drones, provided they have this special certification, will not jeopardize safety, according to the FAA.

Drone Use for Commercial Purposes

Over the course of the past few years, drone use for commercial purpose has been a significant issue. The most significant movement occurred in 2014 when the commercial use of drones was deemed illegal. This incremental movement to permit real estate professionals the ability to use drones for marketing purposes is considered the first step in liberalizing the rules regarding commercial use of drones.

Drone Photography for Real Estate Sales and Marketing

The use of drones to take images of real estate for sale, as well as surrounding property, is expected to become far more prevalent as early as the first part of 2017. These aerial photographs are thought to be highly helpful when it comes to selling property.

These photos will allow people the chance to see sprawling properties more completely. It will also give consumers the chance to get a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood, and area, in which a piece of real estate sits.

Drone Use and Appraisers

Another area in which drones will be highly helpful to real estate professionals is in the realm of appraisals. Appraisers will be able to more quickly determine the state of property. For example, an appraiser will be able to evaluate the state of a the roof on a property in a matter of minutes, as opposed to the traditional amount of time this type to of inspection requires to complete.