You might have seen drones flying in the sky sporadically and have never given them much thought. They have become quite popular and are easily accessible so that nearly anyone can have a drone. However, with their popularity comes a few legal considerations that federal and state legislators have faced. When using a New Jersey drone for real estate, things can get a little tricky.
Benefits of New Jersey Drone for Real Estate
Drones have become so popular that they are often used for commercial purposes instead of recreational as they were originally used. When it comes to selling a home, you want to have the most attractive home on the market. This can be accomplished with the use of a New Jersey drone for real estate. Some benefits can include:
- Using a drone for indoor photography, so there are no awkward pictures of your agent in the background
- The space can look brighter as more light can be let in
- You will get a full view of the property and property lines
- Dramatic features can be easily highlighted
You will also be able to have a complete video walkthrough, which is one of the main things that home buyers look for when researching a home.
FAA and the UAS Rule
Since commercial use has become so popular, the FAA passed regulations for any New Jersey drone for real estate purposes. Some of these regulations include:
- Not flying over people
- Flying under 400 feet above ground level
- The drone must stay in visible sight of the pilot
- Fly under 100 mph
- Yield right of way for manned aircraft
- Stay out of restricted airspace
When it comes to recreational use, the regulations differ slightly and are not as stringent as others. Several local ordinances within New Jersey should be considered. For example, Ramapo Indian Hills prohibits drones over schools, while Bernards Township prohibits drones from flying over a recreation facility or park. It is essential to be aware of local ordinances, so you do not accidentally break the law when selling a home.
Federal and State Laws
All drones must be registered with the FAA, and a New Jersey drone for real estate must also be registered under Part 107. Failing to register a drone can lead to penalties such as up to $27,500 in fines and even imprisonment of up to three years.
It is also important to note that it can be a criminal offense to operate a drone in a way that interferes with a first responder. Of course, if you are using a New Jersey drone for real estate, the chances of the laws being broken are slim. It is best to stick within the property and never stray.
Real Estate Lawyer in New Jersey
There are several areas that a real estate attorney in New Jersey can help guide you through. The main goal is to sell your home and ensure you are protected while doing so. Call the Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A., at (973) 358-6134 for all of your real estate questions or to seek legal representation when selling your New Jersey home.