In these tough times, Real Estate Agents must find a way to separate themselves from the pack. To market themselves and their properties differently, to get noticed by the future vendors that will fill their pipeline with a steady income.

Many of you have been adapting to the market by providing more video tours, 360 tours or even producing your own mini walk through's to get more qualified clients to call to schedule an appointment - and for this, I take my hat off to you.

At UFO DRONE we have been working tirelessly on developing custom drop pins to draw attention to nearby amenities that may appeal to your target demographic.  As you may be aware, location is the main reason why people move house, so proximity to local businesses, parks, cafe's etc could make or break the buyers decision to move forward.  So let's show them what's around!

We currently have many drop pins that are free to use (with any of our photos) and can custom design new pins - at no additional charge, for local businesses.  

​Call James on 0421 904 469 to talk further.

So, this covid19 virus has impacted everyone, especially agents as they scramble to find new ways of showing a property whilst trying to limit face to face contact.  Many agents have started using more Matterport tours, 360 degree walk-through tours and hand held phone walk through tours.

Video is a great way to engage clients, but personally as a recent buyer - I avoid walk through tours like the plague (excuse the pun) and find Matterport utterly frustrating and when viewing a home online, only have moments for it to catch my attention.

So what is the solution? As an agent for the last 12 years, I would encourage more contact, not less. This is a great time for innovative agencies to use this system to capture buyer details in exchange for a suite of information for them to make their decision.

Think about it - why not have 5-15 photos online, a quick teaser video whetting their appetite, then instructions to call you. Send them the entire suite of photos, floor plans, tours, aerial shots, certificate of title, offer documents and anything else the seller can provide to add value.

Not only will you have captured their email, mobile and full names, you can then follow up qualifying them further, if not for this property, for the next one.   Use this time to over service them, send them your weekly update, the occasional text and keep them informed on how much you are selling now - more than ever.

The best agents in Perth are still selling homes - but they are now offering virtual appraisals (novel, but i like it) combined with online documentation software to make it as "non contact"
as possible.

So, as for drones, nothing has changed.  Still shooting, don't need to meet sellers or agents face to face, I'm just getting the job done.  Agents are loving the "Magnifier" - only an extra $20 when you order our standard day shoot - if you need something done, send a text, call or email and I'm happy to help.

James Baylee
UFO DRONE
0421 904 469
​james@ufodrone.com.au

I often see agents using google maps overlays to help sell a property, and whilst there is a need for them in certain situations, I strongly believe they are a horrible way to whet the tastebuds of a perspective buyer or future seller.

The only situations I can see where Google overlays should be used instead of drone is where it is too costly or illegal to fly a drone - and it is 100% necessary to show proximity to certain points of interest. 

We recently did a shoot for a client, only to find out that he had also listed it with another agent (long complicated story), however want to keep both agents on their toes so has continued to use them both.  The address is the same, the price is similar - but one had chosen to use a professional marketing campaign and the other just grabbed shots off google maps.  Here are the results.

The example above is the most basic and direct comparison I could come up with.  The google maps picture is poorly edited and gives the impression the other agent is:

• Lazy
• Careless
• Cheap
• Unprofessional

Where investing in as little as $129.00 can show your sellers and buyers that you are:

• Professional
• Diligent
• Committed in getting the best result
• The area specialist

What the google maps picture doesn't show is:

• Proximity to schools
• Green Parklands surrounding the block
• Proximity to the rolling hills
• the agents branding
• A feeling of community 

The importance of a good first impression in real estate can never be understated - so why risk it with cheap cheesy google maps shots.  

Stay safe, with all this Covid19 mania & have a productive lockdown.

James Baylee 
UFO DRONE
​0421 904 469

With Winter fast approaching, drone photographers that haven't invested in reasonable editing software and the skills to use it, will stand out from the best in the business as their shots will show miserable skies, dreary weather and will generally make a poor impression on both buyer and seller alike.

Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can help you perform sky replacements, a fairly simple, yet time consuming task that can remove smoke, haze, and other unsightly skies and replace them with the clear blue skies of summer.  The bonus in Winter is that with the cloud cover, shadows are greatly reduced so photos can actually turn out better - with the right tweaks here and there.

The difference in drone photography in the Winter months is the weather can make things tough.  High winds can leave only small windows of opportunity for a safe flight making pre-booking essential.  Rain will cancel a flight and intense cloud cover often forces light aircraft to fly lower, increasing the risk of an incident - so flying within close line of sight becomes essential.

Although a professional aerial photographer will have the right insurance - safety is always key, a drone to the face will leave a scar and put your client at significant legal risk.  If your drone pilot doesn't perform a flight plan, along with a Job Safety Assessment for every flight this is a tell tail sign you are not dealing with a professional and you should question your future business with that person.

For all your real estate drone needs, contact James Baylee on 0421 904 469 - UFO DRONE.