New Trend Is Shopping By Air In LA

While the debate over helicopter noise rages around the country, including in southern California, some Realtors there have turned to helicopters as a way to show properties to potential buyers willing to shell out the money for the flights.

The Wall Street Journal reports that real estate brokers have begun making contracts with helicopter companies to take high-end buyers on house hunting trips by air ... for prices ranging up to $800 per hour.

Sotheby's International Realty agent Lindsay Galbraith told the paper that the air tours allow potential clients to avoid the infamous traffic congestion and high walls and gates to get a good look at potential properties to buy. Galbraith said that the helos allow customers to "go really close ... you can literally see people laying out on their decks."

Some companies, such as LA-based Heli-Realtors, have built business models around using aircraft to show properties.

Listing agents also use the aircraft to entice potential sellers to give them an opportunity to sell their homes.

But it's not for everyone. L.A. "luxury" broker Gwen Banta said that potential buyers "have to be very well qualified" before a flight will be arranged.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.helirealtors.com