RISMedia

Drone Photography Is Rapidly Changing Real Estate…Are You Keeping Up?

By Chris Stoddart

Real estate companies are quickly adopting drone technology as it offers them a new way to catch the eyes of potential buyers.

According to Joe Carriere, owner of Dallas Air Photos, “Most real estate professionals utilize MLS to promote their listings online. Up to 30 images of a property can be uploaded to the MLS system. However, only one single photograph can be chosen as the property's first impression, or Featured Image. A Feature Image taken from the drone’s perspective is the perfect opportunity to grab the attention of a potential buyer with an incredible first impression that sets the property apart from all others.”


 
An aerial shot of a home, in comparison with a street level shot, provides not only depth and dimension, but also a view of what is behind the home. A pool, beautiful backyard, lake, ocean or mountain view can all be captured and showcased perfectly by aerial drone photography.
 

 
Aerial photography is currently the best way to showcase the selling points of a home or building, and drones offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative to helicopters and planes. Drones are the next step in high-end real estate sales and agencies who are quick to adopt them will receive a cutting edge advantage over their competition.

What does it cost to hire a drone?

These days, the cost of hiring a drone for real estate starts at around $200. This would be for a single family home or small building and will typically include all of the exterior shots you need and basic editing. At about the same cost of regular photography, drone photography is becoming an increasingly popular digital marketing strategy.
 
Use the reference below to get an idea of what you can expect based on your budget.
 

 
According to Carriere, drone operators who are experienced with real estate will provide the REALTOR® with two versions of the photographs; one image will be at full size for the creation of fliers or other marketing material. The second, identical shots are replicated in the smaller MLS size and proportion.

How to Get Started

Drone operators are ready to fly all around the United States. Websites like HiFlyPhotography.com help you find aerial photography no matter where you are or what your project is.

Photos by Dallas Air Photos

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends.


Today's Top Stories
Existing-Home Sales Move Higher
State of the Market: A Mid-year Snapshot
Spotlight: The World's First Complete Real Estate System: Sellstate Realty
Justin Timberlake's NSYNC Era Estate Switches Hands
Where's Housing Headed? A Google City, Maybe
This New Twitter Change Will Boost Your Media-Savvy Efforts
RELO Direct Welcomes New SVP of Sales and Marketing
Engel & V lkers Officially Launches Richmond Brokerage with Grand Opening Event
Alameda County's Better Homes Realty Premier Affiliates with Century 21 Real Estate LLC
5 Secret Strategies to WOW the Seller and Win the Listing Every Time
Brought to you by Real Estate News © Copyright 2026, All Rights Reserved.