DIY Drawbacks
Do-it-Yourself always has perils, but particularly so when it comes to using a drone to take home photos.
Here’s just a partial list of the drawbacks and other considerations that come to mind for Realtors tempted to try it themselves:
1. The $5k required to buy a commercial-quality drone.
2. The $5k that’s flushed if (when?) said drone crashes.
3. Liability for property damage, personal injury, etc. caused by crash of said drone.
4. The FAA certification required to legally fly a drone.
5. Lack of familiarity regarding FAA rules regarding drone operation (line-of-sight requirement, minimum proximity to nearby airports, etc.).
6. The very steep learning curve associated with operating a drone well (see, “Reason #2”) .
7. The relatively nominal cost ($500 and falling) to hire a pro.
“Holy %#!#! Is That a Drone Outside My Kitchen Window?!?”
While the pro’s have the technical side down, they’re still working on what I’ll call the “customer service” angle.
Exhibit A: my client who was startled by the drone hovering outside her Kitchen window the other morning.
The explanation: the photographer informed my client (the homeowner) they’d be on the premises — there’s actually a two-person team involved — but my client assumed (like I did) that the drone would be operating hundreds of feet overhead, not close up as well.
P.S.: It ain’t such a great idea for Realtors to take their own (regular) photos, either.
The difference between amateur and professional shots?
Usually less than $150.
