The Benefits of Drone Footage in a Virtual Open House
48 percent of buyers
ages 39 to 63 found
virtual tours a “very useful” tool in their search.
Virtual open houses for real estate are on the rise as it provides more flexibility, privacy, and comfortability for both the agent and prospective buyer. Drone photography and video are an instrumental aspect to an impressive virtual open house. A 2019 study showed 48 percent of buyers ages 39 to 63 found virtual tours a “very useful” tool in their search. As technology evolves, buyers will continue to look for convenient ways to conduct their search.
This article explores the benefits of having a virtual open house and how long island drone video is an effective way to showcase a listing and the scenic location.
What is a virtual open house?
A virtual open house in real estate is a digital way to showcase a home through photography and videography. Whether this is hosted live or through static video, it’s an interactive way for the prospective buyer to connect with the listing from the comfort of their own home (whether they’re looking for a new one or not). If an agent chooses to host a live open house, they’ll want to be prepared with static video as well for the buyer to access afterward. A live one can be done so through social media or online meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts. An open house showcased through static video provides an agent the opportunity to prepare the entire experience ahead of time and utilize professional drone pilots. Either format allows the client to enjoy an authentic sense of the home.
Drone footage is a great asset to the prospective buyer’s virtual experience as it fills in the holes of what they experience in-person. It provides a way to expertly showcase location, a unique presentation, an efficient way to list, and its storytelling capabilities helps buyers make a more passionate connection with a home.
How can drone footage be utilized in a virtual open house?
Expertly Showcases Location
Location, location, location, right? In-person open houses don’t always give interested buyers a full exterior view.
Long island drone footage is the perfect way to showcase the Hampton beaches, vast vineyards, and on shoot days, bright blue skies. In all locations, a slow zoom shot down the street will give families a better idea of the neighborhood. Research shows listings that include aerial images sell 68 percent faster than homes with standard images.
Unique Presentation
A high-quality display will always showcase a listing in a more flattering way, whether it needs extra vitality or not. It’s no secret why platforms like YouTube, and recently Tik Tok, excel above the rest. They focus on video footage. Video engages a user much longer than any other form of marketing. Research also shows that 73 percent of homeowners are more likely to list with an agent that utilizes videos. Work smarter, not harder.
The combination of a virtual open house in real estate and drone footage is a powerful and effective way to present a home. You can find more on the advantages of aerial photography here.
Efficient Listing
Drone photography and videography also offer efficiency. A long slideshow of images is monotonous for a client, especially for a client who may be attending more than one virtual open house. We just said smarter, not harder, right? Agents, clients, and buyers are all looking for a seamless way to find, list, sell, or buy a home. Utilizing creative, new technology to make the process easier will set you apart. 83 percent of clients already prefer to work with agents using drones.
Storytelling Capabilities
Storytelling is the crux of successful marketing. Prospective buyers are subconsciously envisioning how they might spend their day in a new home. A virtual open house utilizing drone photography and videography can help tell that story and advantageously incorporate the unique value of the home into it. Realtors often understand prospective buyers are captured by a funnel following the neighborhood, then community, and then home. Aerial views can help tell this story. Creative movement in video can showcase specific parts of a home, namely beautiful entryways and hallways. Drone footage captures the unique details large and small.
After the virtual open house is complete, be sure to follow up with those who attended, asked questions, or shared the experience. Some in the industry have been afraid of the virtual home tour replacing agents altogether, but it won’t if agents use them to their advantage. Our everyday lives are becoming more remote as technology advances, the new age of virtual open houses and virtual staging is giving the industry an opportunity to evolve. We also wrote a stellar article on the art of virtual staging.
The next generation of home buyers has long been exposed to high-quality video and digital experiences. Low-quality video or presentation will turn away prospective buyers. The millennial generation seeks experiences rather than materials. This psychology applies to real estate as well. Millennials may be late to the home buying game, but they won’t be compromising on a home that fits the lifestyle their seeking. As more of this generation transitions to remote work, it’s speeding up their plan to purchase a home. 49 percent of Millennials have recently decided to purchase a home sooner than expected.
Pro tip: Work with a professional
Work with a professional to plan out the footage needed to best feature the listing throughout the virtual open house. Drones can be pricy and difficult to maneuver without experience. To use drones professionally for real estate, you’ll need to connect with a commercially licensed drone pilot. These pilots will have an idea of how to best showcase the home taking into consideration its location, dimension, and drone laws.
Afterward, the imagery is a great addition to your real estate portfolio, website, and social media presence.
In Long Island, drone photography and videography are at your fingertips. Contact us to Elevate your Listing and utilize the power of drone technology in your next sale.