If using drones to capture footage to help advertise a listing technically runs afoul of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations for the many without a permit, that’s not stopping legions of brokers and agents from employing them to give their listing videos an aerial punch — including many who’ve submitted to Inman’s #toplistingvids contest.

If using drones to capture footage to help advertise a listing technically runs afoul of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations for the many without a permit, that’s not stopping legions of brokers and agents from employing them to give their listing videos an aerial punch — including many who’ve submitted to Inman’s #toplistingvids contest.

In this week’s #toplistingvids competition, two drone footage-filled listing videos go head to head. Watch the videos and vote for your favorite below. The winner earns a feature story on Inman.

Featuring time-lapse video techniques, a pulsing soundtrack and a color palette full of rich greens and blues, the first video showcases a two-bed, two-bath Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home going for $649,900. The home is listed by Kimberly Boyer, an agent with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.

The competition features sweeping aerial views of a $999,000 three-bedroom, two-bathroom listing that sits on the banks of the Hudson River just north of New York City. The home is listed by Nicole DuBow, an agent with Wright Bros. Real Estate.

Voting will close on Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Using drones for commercial purposes

Until the FAA finalizes rules for commercial drone operators, it maintains that real estate agents and other for-profit drone operators must petition for exemptions under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

As of March 9, the FAA had issued only four real estate-related exemptions to operate drones for commercial purposes, and those mandate that operators be licensed to fly actual airplanes.

Email Paul Hagey.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×