According to recent studies, homes listed with bird's eye shots are more likely to sell than those without. So if you want to be a successful real estate agent and maximize your chances of selling a property, having drone aerial photography is crucial.
Drones provide a new innovative solution to capturing previously unthinkable aerial shots that give a comprehensive understanding of the entire property within its surrounding context. They are much more flexible and cost-effective than traditional methods like hiring a helicopter, allowing you to capture fantastic photos that would otherwise be impossible to get.
What is Real Estate Drone Photography?
Real Estate Drone photography is a new way of taking aerial photos and fly-through videos of real estates. It uses small unmanned aircraft, or drones, equipped with cameras. This technology allows you to capture both still photos and video footage of properties to be used in various stages of the marketing process.
Benefits of Using Drones for Real Estate Photography
With real estate drone photography still being a relatively new marketing tactic, it can make your property listings stand out and give you a competitive edge. Many real estate agents aren't using this technology yet, so it's an opportunity to differentiate yourself.
Here are some benefits of using drones for real estate photography:
1. Show The Whole Property
Unlike traditional ground photos, using a drone allows you to show the entire property grounds. This is especially beneficial when selling larger estates as it provides potential customers or tenants with an idea of the surrounding area. Overhead photos give a feel for the property's outer perimeters, as well as a glimpse into the garden and backyard areas. Drones can also capture videos inside properties, offering moving tours that are becoming a growing trend in the industry.
2. Show The Bigger Context
While maps offer a broad overview of an area, they lack detailed information. Drones can capture the context of the site by showing interlinking roads and foliage, helping buyers understand the property within the surrounding neighborhood. This extra perspective can be crucial in making informed decisions.
3. More Affordable and Flexible Than a Helicopter
Hiring a helicopter for aerial photography can be costly, ranging from $300-500 per hour, plus additional fees for camera operators. In comparison, a decent drone can be purchased for a fraction of the cost, making it a more affordable option. Drones also provide more flexibility as they can get closer to the house and capture close-up shots and fly-through interiors, which is a growing trend in real estate marketing.
Tips for Taking Real Estate Drone Photos
To capture stunning real estate drone photos, consider the following tips:
Pick A Nice Day
Choose a sunny day with optimal lighting for your shoot. Avoid cloudy days as they can make the images look unappealing and make it harder to get good shots. The best lighting is either in the morning or afternoon, so try to avoid midday shots.
Make the Property Presentable
Ensure the property is well-maintained and presentable before the shoot. Cut the lawn, clean the grounds, and remove any clutter. If something still looks messy, consider hiring a professional graphic designer or 3D studio to fix it in post-production.
Photograph the Area
Highlight not only the property but also the surrounding areas and facilities. Showcase parks, cafes, and other attractive features nearby. Location and neighborhood are significant deciding factors for many buyers, so emphasize the surrounding amenities.
Focus on Standout Features
While capturing the entire house is important, make sure to focus on any standout features that might attract buyers. Highlight unique selling points such as a large backyard or a Jacuzzi on the patio area.
Keep With the Basics
Remember the basics of photography, even when using a drone. Ensure your photos are well-composed, focused, and properly exposed. Don't let flying the drone distract you from capturing high-quality images.
Be Trigger Happy
Take multiple shots from different angles and perspectives. It's better to have more photos and spend time selecting the best ones rather than regretting not capturing a particular shot.
Don't Let Traffic Spoil the Shoot
If shooting commercial properties with busy traffic, try to wait for a lull or consider shooting at night or dawn to avoid heavy traffic. Plan your shoot according to local rush hour times.
Pack the Right Kit
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for the shoot, including extra batteries, memory cards, and your drone. Being prepared will save you from any unexpected hiccups.
Mix it Up
Experiment with different settings and flight modes on your drone. Try different flight paths and angles to capture unique shots. For example, use "follow me" mode to film yourself walking through the property.
Edit Post Shot
Take advantage of post-production editing to enhance your photos. This allows you to showcase your unique style and creativity. Invest time in learning post-production software like Photoshop to elevate your photos to the next level.
Benefits of Using Drones Footage With 3D Renderings For Future Developments
If you're a real estate developer, drones can also be used to your advantage. By blending drone footage with architectural visualization, you can create accurate representations of future developments. This is useful for marketing purposes, presenting projects to investors, and obtaining planning permissions. High-quality drone photos can elevate 3D renderings, creating a wow-factor that can impress key stakeholders.
Additionally, using drones to capture the development process in real-time can give potential customers or tenants an accurate representation of what to expect. It serves as a great marketing tool to showcase development progression on your website and social media channels, generating excitement.
Options You Have When It Comes to Getting Real Estate Drone Photos
When it comes to obtaining real estate drone photos, you have a few options:
1. Get a License and Do It Yourself
If you have the time and desire, you can obtain a drone license and learn to take real estate drone photos yourself. This requires passing a written test administered by the FAA (Part 107 test). Although it may seem daunting, several schools can help you prepare for the test.
2. Hire a Professional or Company
If you don't have the time or desire to become proficient in drone photography, you can hire a licensed professional or company. This is an excellent option if you need high-quality photos quickly without the hassle of learning drone operation. Hiring a professional also ensures that you'll have access to their expertise, equipment, and the assurance of high-quality photos. Be sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable professional or company.
3. Recommended Companies by City
If you decide to work with a company, there are several recommended options:
- Vancouver: Fyfe Photography - This aerial photographer based in Vancouver, BC, comes highly recommended for drone aerial photos in the Greater Vancouver area. They provide top-quality images and make the process smooth and enjoyable.
What Is The Best Drone For Real Estate Photography? Factors to Consider
Choosing the right drone for real estate photography depends on several factors. Consider the following:
Camera Quality
The camera quality is essential for capturing high-quality shots. Look for drones with at least a 12-megapixel camera and excellent image resolution, lens quality, and video capabilities. Research each drone's camera specifications to ensure it meets your needs.
Battery Life
Real estate photography shoots can last for several hours, so it's crucial to choose a drone with sufficient battery life. Consider having extra batteries on hand to ensure you can complete the shoot without interruptions.
Flight Modes
Flight modes allow you to automate certain aspects of drone photography. Look for drones with flight modes like "Follow Me," "Point of Interest," and "Waypoints." These modes can help set up shots in advance and capture unique footage.
Payload Options
If you plan to attach different cameras to your drone in the future, choose a drone with payload options. Not all drones support this feature, so ensure compatibility before making a purchase.
Range
Consider the range of the drone, especially if you're shooting large properties or extensive areas. A longer range allows you to capture shots from a distance while maintaining a stable connection.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider. Drones range in price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget and choose a drone that offers the features you need within that range.
Best Drone for Real Estate Photography in 2022
Here are some of the best drones on the market for real estate photography in 2022:
Best Budget Drones
- DJI Mini SE: Affordable with a 2.7k camera.
- DJI Mini 2: Low-cost option with 4K video capabilities.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro: More expensive but offers 4K/60fps video and additional features.
Best Mid-Range Drones
- Autel Robotics Evo: 6K video capabilities and automated flight paths.
- DJI Air 2S: 5.4K video and automated camera shots.
- DJI Phantom 4 V2.0: Reasonably priced with excellent obstacle sensing.
Best Professional Drones
- DJI Mavric Air 2: 48MP camera, long-range video transmission, and obstacle avoidance.
- DJI Inspire 2: Capable of flying at high speeds with 6K video.
- YUNEEC Typhoon Hexacopter: 360-degree camera, shoots in RAW and JPEG.
Conclusion - Do I Need Drone Real Estate Photography?
Drone real estate photography can significantly enhance your marketing efforts as a real estate agent or developer. Properties are more likely to sell with visually appealing aerial shots. Consider your goals and budget, and decide whether to pursue drone photography yourself or hire a professional. Regardless of your choice, incorporating drone photography into your marketing strategy can help you stand out and attract more potential buyers.