This guide is designed for real estate agents and home owners looking to sell their properties and want to know more about drone photography and videography services. The guide is broken down into sections, so you don’t have to read the entire thing, although we highly recommend it. The reality is, the majority of people who use drones for real estate purposes are doing so illegally and those who are legal are probably not using this powerful tool to its full potential. This guide will help you stay within the law and get the most out of your time and money when it comes to drone photography.

Drone Photography Flight Rules and Regulations for Real Estate Marketing Activities

As of now, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the use of drones for commercial purposes unless the operator has a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. For example, if a real estate agent buys a drone, films, and photographs properties for sale, this is illegal. The same applies to third-party service providers unless they have an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Be cautious if your provider doesn’t mention this up front. Illegal drone use can result in legal action by the FAA and general liability insurance will not cover any damage caused by a drone if it is being used illegally.

Professional Versus Amateur Aerial Drone Photographers

Drones are affordable and easy to operate, but not everyone who claims to be an aerial drone photographer is a professional. Many so-called photographers are not legally authorized to provide commercial services and may not know the rules and restrictions related to drone flight. Safely capturing the right shots while flying a drone takes a lot of practice and expertise. A beginner or amateur photographer may not have the skills or experience to deliver quality results.

Avoid amateur photographers and look for those who have experience working with small and large companies, references, and a solid reputation. A good drone photographer should have mastered the art of aerial filming, be familiar with the MLS rules, and use high-quality equipment that can shoot in 4K resolution.

Real Estate-Specific Drone Photography

We specialize in real estate drone photography and have invested hundreds of hours into perfecting our skills. We know the best angles to capture and can deliver high-quality results at an affordable price. We also understand the MLS requirements and can create two videos, one for the MLS and one for our clients’ branding purposes.

Illegitimate drone operators often perform dangerous and risky flights, use low-quality equipment, or produce videos that are too fast and nauseating. A good drone photographer should have a pilot’s license, use a gimbal for smooth shots, and offer a no-nausea guarantee. Choose a specialized and experienced drone photographer for the best results.

The Effective Use of Drones for Real Estate Purposes

When creating a video for showcasing a home or property, it is essential to avoid making the viewer feel dizzy or nauseous. Many real estate drone videos on YouTube have fast camera movements or sudden changes in camera angles, which can be difficult to watch and trigger motion sickness in some viewers. Rapid movements can also cause details to be missed. To address these issues, we offer a no-nausea guarantee.

It is recommended to choose a provider who has the right equipment, such as a camera capable of shooting in 4K resolution and a gimbal for stability. This will ensure that the video has a professional look and feel. It is also important to hire someone who specializes in aerial drone photography. While a photographer may be able to add drone photography to their list of services, it is not always the case that they become proficient in using a drone. To ensure the best results, it is advisable to ask for samples of their aerial work.

Aerial real estate photography is a valuable tool for showcasing a property, as it can provide a wide-ranging perspective and highlight the grandness of the home. In particular, aerial videos offer the most value as they can provide a complete tour of the property.

For effective use of drones in real estate, it is important to consider the following tips:

1. Aerial Tours: Aerial tours are a great way to show the extent of a property, especially for larger properties that have multiple sections. Our aerial tours incorporate various angles and flight patterns to provide the viewer with a comprehensive view of the property.
2. Walk-Around Tours: Our walk-around tours are designed to give the viewer a virtual tour of the property. The drone flies at eye-level and moves at a slow enough pace to allow the viewer to appreciate the details. Our drone is equipped with a stabilizing gimbal to ensure that the camera remains level and videos come out smooth, without any dizzying or nauseating movements.
3. Highlighting Strengths and Selling Points: A professional drone photographer will know how to highlight the key aspects of the property and use the drone to emphasize them. For example, the size of the home can be contrasted against other structures in the frame, and the stunning view can be included in the video.
4. Video Length: The video should be between 3 to 5 minutes long. Shorter videos may not provide enough detail, while longer videos may lose the viewer’s interest. Social media videos can be shorter, around 45 seconds, as research shows that this is the maximum amount of time that most people will watch.
5. 4-Axis Movement: To make the video more engaging, an experienced pilot will pivot the camera and change the camera angle while simultaneously changing the direction and altitude of the drone. These shots are challenging but rewarding.
6. Avoiding Rooftops: Many real estate drone videos on YouTube focus too much on flying over the roof of the house. It is important to avoid this, as it does not provide much value to the viewer.
7. No Fish-Eye Lens Distortion: It is important to avoid using a camera that has lens distortion, such as a GoPro or an older Phantom-style camera, as it can cause the horizon line to be curved. Before purchasing a drone or camera, make sure it films and photographs without this distortion.
8. Appropriate Use: Not all homes or properties need aerial photos or videos. It is important to consider whether the property would benefit from an aerial perspective. For example, a small home with no backyard and no outstanding features may not require an aerial perspective.

Indoor Drone Flight Hazards

With few exceptions, attempting to fly a drone indoors is a sign of a lack of experience. Not only is this risky for the drone and the structure, but it is also challenging to capture smooth footage in indoor environments due to the turbulent air created by the drone. This turbulence can cause the drone’s camera to be too close to static objects, resulting in magnified shifts in the video.

Music and Sound Treatment in Real Estate Drone Videography

Music is not usually included in drone photography because tastes vary greatly. The presence of music that someone doesn’t like can negatively affect their perception of a property and could lead them to leave the video and view a different property.

Aerial Drone Photography Cost

Drones are a relatively new technology in real estate, so market prices have not been established. Some providers charge high fees in the thousands of dollars, which may be understandable for creating an aerial tour of a large estate, but this is not always the case. On the other hand, some inexperienced individuals may charge as little as $100 per property, which raises red flags. Obtaining a pilot’s license and purchasing a high-quality drone capable of capturing photos and videos can cost $3,000 or far more, respectively. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to hire a professional with experience in real estate drone photography.

Aerial Northwest offers straightforward pricing. For an average-sized home in Oregon, we charge $195 for 18 aerial photographs and $500 for up to 24 aerial photos and a 3-5 minute professionally produced video montage, which is very reasonable. We charge based on time rather than the number of photos, as time is the most valuable asset. Our price may vary depending on the amount of time required for a project, but we have a lot of experience and efficiency in creating effective aerial real estate videos. Additionally, we prioritize safety and legality in our operations.

For real estate agents, establishing a relationship with a drone photography provider can result in cost savings. Consistent final products and priority treatment are often benefits of such a relationship, and asking for bulk discounts can lead to mutual savings.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, drone photography and videography can be a game changer in the real estate industry, providing a unique and immersive perspective for potential buyers. With this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the legality and best practices of drone photography in real estate. Whether you’re a real estate agent or a home owner, investing in drone photography can lead to higher offers and faster sales. Don’t miss out on the benefits that this aerial drone technology has to offer.

Be smart, safe, and forever fly!

If you have any questions, let us know! If you’d like to hire us, you can get more information here.

Written by: Tony Marino, MBA – FAA Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Chief Business Strategist at Aerial Northwest

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

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