Drones take flight at Real Estate Connect

Once considered something out of science fiction, the drone is going mainstream and many experts are calling it the next great real estate marketing tool.

Matt Murphy, founder and president of Boston Virtual Imaging, demonstrated the use of drones to attendees of the Real Estate Connect conference in New York City earlier this month. Murphy’s company specializes in a variety of media such as video, photography and property tours.

The latest drones can be small enough to fit in a pocket or larger than a person. They can cost as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as a few hundred thousand, says Murphy.

Drones are a bit of a legal gray zone, however, a growing number of real estate professionals are experimenting with drones to capture aerial photography and video of homes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates the nation’s air space, has not yet sanctioned the commercial use of drones, however, permits hobbyists to fly drones at altitudes below 400 feet and away from airports.

The FAA is still drafting regulations that would govern commercial operation of drones that weigh less than 55 pounds. After a final draft, the rules could allow drones to fly free and clear into real estate.