Best Drones for Real Estate Photography: How to Get Started?

Drones are used in all types of real estate listing, including residential homes and commercial properties. Beyond the usual industry considerations, visual appeal has always been a crucial aspect of any real estate transaction.

Now, drone technology has reshaped the industry beyond providing aerial images and videos – as essential data such as the property’s proximities, topography, and monitoring are readily available through drone usage. 

Simply put, drones provide a competitive edge for real estate agents and a more informed decision-making experience for potential buyers. Gone are the days when  No wonder people are searching for the best drones for real estate photography.

This article dives deep into such a question – starting with the commendable qualities to look out for and some guidance on getting started. Everything is wrapped neatly in the end with our parting tips for taking the best drone shots. 

What Are the Qualities of the Top Drones for Real Estate Marketing?

Indeed, the industry has already seen its fair share of innovations, but drone technology remains unparalleled in providing a reinvigorated approach to real estate marketing.  While all drones are here to provide automated solutions, some might just propel drones into becoming an industry standard due to their outstanding features.

You definitely want several compelling qualities in your drone, as seen in the best drones for real estate.

#1. Holistic and Dynamic View

Drones produce images and videos from angles and heights beyond what standard ground-based photography can offer. Existing aerial real estate imaging drones can already capture still images, videos, 3D mapping, and 360-degree panoramic views.

But top-of-the-line drones may feature 3D maps with accurate aerial data through multispectral sensors and machine learning software. These features will ensure that any potential buyer fully understands the property’s layout, features, and overall surroundings.

#2. Marketing Edge

In an ever-competitive market such as the real estate industry, it never hurts to upgrade your marketing. It would also not hurt to go with the best. Listings with drone imagery, video, mapping, or 3D models stand out.

The best drones for real estate photography necessarily include high-resolution aerial shots suitable for geotagging and marking. Realtors can use this to benefit as potential buyers are more receptive to real estate listing with high-quality aerial footage.

#3. Cost and Time Efficient

This is one of the primary reasons for integrating drones into real estate photography and marketing. Drones transcend the limitations of traditional photography by capturing expansive properties and landscapes with less time, effort, and cost.

Prudence may lead you to the conclusion that you should opt for the pricier drone for assurance of quality and endurance, but this is not always the case. Ultimately, these are determined by the drone model of your choice.

#4. Remote Inspection and Viewing

Drones ensure both safety and accessibility. Drones can access areas inconvenient or dangerous for photographers or inspectors to reach, such as rooftops, high-rise buildings, or remote rural properties.

Moreover, virtual tours may be conducted to engage potential buyers further. Any top drones for real estate marketing should employ 3D maps with accurate aerial data to provide clients with detailed surveying before any in-person tour.

How to Get Started on Real Estate Drone Photography

There are professional drone photographers who specialize in real estate photography. But, acquiring a new skill set that translates into business profits always helps. Operating drones is no rocket science, but here are some steps to ensure you start on the right path when using the top drones for real estate marketing.

Step 1: Gain the Know-How

If you are unacquainted with the whole matter, consider educating yourself in drone technology and drones for aerial real estate imaging. Consider researching or attending local workshops on drone operation and aerial photography.

Step 2: Understand the Law and Regulations

Ensure compliance with all the local laws and regulations in your country or region. Depending on your location, you may be required to secure a certification or license to fly drones commercially. Further, you may need to ensure the approval of the other property owners to fly your drone over their lands. 

Step 3: Know Your Drones

This is the stage where you scour the market for recommended drones for real estate agents, home appraisers, or commercial brokers. Albeit considered a novelty in the real estate industry, many drones in the market cater to aerial photography needs. You may view our earlier discussions as a guiding beacon in choosing the drone model you’ll go after.

Step 4: Apply Your Knowledge

Get yourself comfortable with controlling drones from different angles and heights. You may experiment with varying maneuvers of flight and paths to strengthen your piloting and photography skills.

Tips on How to Get the Perfect Shots

Even if you get the best drone, you still need more to ensure top-notch output quality. Here are some basic principles to remember in taking your shots:

• Plan your flight path. This ensures the safe flight of your drone and the accuracy of what features of your property you want to highlight. Know your critical angles to maximize your imagery and video storytelling. 
• Use One with a Gimbal. Having a gimbal in your drone will stabilize your drone camera. You can choose between a 2-axis or 3-axis gimbal for your drone. Either one will work well with aerial images, but it is the 3-axis gimbal that effectively combats video instability. 
• Consider Weather Conditions. Ensure that weather conditions are optimal for drone photography. Wind, cloud density, and lighting affect both your drone and its output. 
• Work with Perspective. This might be an acquired skill, but mastering perspective in your aerial photography fosters spatial clarity and coherence. However, some recommended drones for real estate agents are programmed to fly straight from waypoint to waypoint for automated image capture. 
• Collaborate with Industry Professionals. Professionals are just of a different caliber regarding real estate photography. You may consider booking a service or consultation with an aerial photography service provider to ease the burden of making all these decisions. 

Bottom Line

It is not far-fetched to claim that drones are the driving force of real estate marketing. Whether convinced of their importance or otherwise, using drones for aerial real estate imaging is here to stay. If you are a real estate professional on the cusp of using drones, consider booking your first service at zenadrone.com today.