The Truth About Drones in Real Estate Photography
Drones have become the flashy new toy in real estate photography, offering sweeping aerial views and cinematic property tours. But are they truly beneficial for most listings? The reality might not be what you think.
Privacy & Insurance Risks
In California, insurance companies are scrutinizing policy holders more than ever, using platforms like Zillow and Redfin to inspect properties remotely. If a drone photo reveals an unpermitted deck, a backyard firepit, or anything that raises a red flag for insurance companies, you could be handing them an excuse to hike premiums or cancel coverage. That’s the last thing any agent or seller wants when trying to close a deal smoothly.
And let’s talk about neighbors—because nothing says "good morning" like an angry call from someone who found themselves in the background of a listing image in their pajamas, or worse. Accidentally capturing unintended footage like this can lead to privacy complaints, legal headaches, and worst of all—a frustrated neighbor who now sees you as 'that realtor.' Not exactly the reputation you want when trying to secure future listings in the area.
FAA Regulations: More Red Tape Than You’d Expect
Using drones commercially isn’t as easy as charging up the batteries and sending it skyward. The FAA’s Part 107 regulations require:
- A Remote Pilot Certificate – Required for legal drone operation, involving an FAA exam that covers airspace rules, weather conditions, and safety regulations.
- Compliance with Airspace Restrictions – Many areas require special FAA approval before flying, and restricted zones near airports can make operations even trickier.
- Proper Registration and Licensing – Every commercial drone must be registered, labeled, and operated within FAA guidelines.
In other words, hiring a licensed drone photographer and getting approval for a short drone flight can involve nearly as many hassles, restrictions, and requirements as hiring a full-sized aircraft. At this rate, you might think the easiest solution is to just buy a drone and do it yourself—but that comes with a whole new set of challenges.
The Risks of Unlicensed Drone Photography
Many realtors purchase their own drone thinking, "How hard can it be?" Well, if you operate a drone to capture listing photos without FAA certification, congratulations—you’ve just engaged in 'commercial' aircraft operation, illegally!
That means facing the same legal risks as any other unlicensed drone operator, with fines reaching over $32,000 per unauthorized flight. And because life is all about sharing, both the realtor and homeowner can also be held accountable for using illegally obtained footage. Nothing like an unexpected legal bill to brighten your day!
Beyond that, let’s be real—DIY or cheap drone photography often means cutting corners. If a photographer is throwing in a drone shoot for free, there’s probably a reason (and it’s not generosity).
The Unrealistic Perspective
The simple truth here is that people experience their homes from the ground, not from the perspective of a migrating bird. Unless your buyers are typically arriving by helicopter, these shots do little to showcase what truly matters.
For properties in dense neighborhoods, drone shots do the opposite of what real estate photos should do—they emphasize how similar the home is to its neighbors. So instead of a unique listing, you get a "Where’s Waldo?" game of identical rooftops.
Exposing Unflattering Details
Drones also have a nasty habit of revealing things sellers would rather keep hidden. Nothing says "dream home" like:
- A roof that’s seen better days, complete with curling shingles and the occasional missing patch.
- A neighbor’s jungle-like backyard, where overgrown weeds and forgotten lawn furniture create an unintentional wildlife sanctuary.
- A fence that’s leaning so dramatically it looks like it’s trying to escape the property.
Instead of selling a home’s best features, these details can actively work against its appeal.
When Drones Actually Make Sense
Despite their downsides though, drones definitely have their moments of glory, and are irreplaceable for certain needs. Cases where drone photography adds value:
- Luxury Estates – If a property is the kind that has its own zip code, by all means, show it off from the sky.
- Acreage & Farmland – If buyers need an overhead view to see where their land starts and ends, drones are essential.
- Homes with a View – When the surrounding landscape is part of the appeal, aerial shots provide a striking perspective that's unmatched.
For most listings, however, traditional ground-level photography remains the way to go.
The Right Approach
Great real estate photography is about showing a home the way buyers will actually experience it. Overuse of drone imagery doesn’t just provide an unrealistic perspective—it can also expose flaws, invite scrutiny, and ultimately hurt a listing’s appeal.
Realtors and sellers should ask themselves: Does this add value to the listing, or am I just following a trend?
Drones can be an effective tool, but only when used in the right context. For the vast majority of real estate listings, aerial perspectives add little to no value and can even introduce new risks. Instead, focusing on professional, high-quality photography remains the most effective way to market a property and attract serious buyers.
At the end of the day, real estate photography is about accuracy and appeal. If it doesn't add value, it simply doesn’t belong in the listing.