The Hidden Cost of Neglect: Why Aviation Real Estate Listings Deserve Better Marketing
- Erik McCormick
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
In the unique world of aviation real estate, where runways meet rooftops and communities are built around the freedom of flight, there’s an industry-wide issue that’s quietly holding back sellers, agents, and the airparks themselves: a reluctance to invest in aviation-specific advertising and professional marketing.
The Vicious Cycle: Under-Marketed Listings and Price Reductions
Too often, real estate professionals secure a coveted airpark listing—only to cut corners when it comes to marketing. Instead of showcasing these properties to the thousands of pilot-buyers actively searching for their dream fly-in home, many agents rely on generic, local channels or worse, do little more than post the listing on the MLS. The result? Properties languish on the market, unseen by the very audience they’re meant for.
What happens next is all too familiar: agents begin to pressure sellers for price reductions, citing “lack of interest.” But in reality, it’s not that buyers aren’t interested—it’s that they haven’t even seen the property! In many cases, there hasn’t been a single willing, able, and ready pilot-buyer through the door. The problem isn’t price—it’s exposure.
Sellers: Demand Better, Put It in Writing
Sellers are just as guilty in this cycle. By not demanding that their broker invest in aviation-specific advertising, they’re leaving money on the table. If you’re selling a home in one of America’s 700+ residential airparks, you should insist—right in your listing agreement—that your broker will pay for targeted aviation marketing. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
What Should Sellers Ask For?
Aviation-specific advertising: Require your agent to market your property where pilot-buyers actually look.
Professional photography: Insist on high-quality photos and drone footage. As Erik McCormick, owner of AviationRealEstate.com and an active Arizona agent, notes: “On my personal listings, I routinely invest $800–$1,300 for a full professional photo shoot with drones on million-dollar homes. It’s the standard buyers expect.”
Proof of marketing spend: Get it in writing. Make sure your contract spells out exactly what marketing will be done and who is paying for it.
HOAs: Stop Waiting for Paradise to Sell Itself
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) at airparks are often complicit in this problem. Many expect buyers to “just fly in and discover paradise,” but without proactive promotion, even the most idyllic airpark remains a hidden gem. HOAs should be actively marketing their communities, highlighting amenities, events, and the unique lifestyle only an airpark can offer.
The Opportunity: Thousands of Buyers, Hundreds of Airparks
With over 700 residential airparks in the U.S. and thousands of buyers searching at any given time, the market is there. The missing link is exposure—getting your property in front of the right eyes.
Aviation Real Estate Magazine: Premium Marketing That Pays Off
At Aviation Real Estate Magazine, we offer a premium marketing package designed specifically for aviation properties—all for under $700. Our package includes:
Featured listings on AviationRealEstate.com and sister sites
Placement in our print and digital magazine, reaching thousands of pilot-buyers
Social media promotion to a targeted aviation audience
Options for professional photography and drone video
This is a fraction of what even a single price reduction could cost you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re selling in an airpark, don’t settle for generic marketing. Insist your agent invests in aviation-specific advertising and professional photography—and get it in writing. HOAs, take an active role in promoting your community. The buyers are out there, but they can’t buy what they can’t see.
Erik McCormick Owner, AviationRealEstate.com Arizona Real Estate Agent and Aviation Community Advocate
Don’t let your listing be the industry’s best-kept secret. Invest in marketing that flies.
