What real estate drone photos include and how to prepare a property
A typical real estate drone shoot gives you a set of aerial photos of the home from several angles and heights, overhead shots that show the lot and its boundaries, wider views that place the property in its neighborhood and near features like water or parks, and often a short video flyover. To get good results, the outside of the property needs to look as ready as the inside: cars moved, yard tidied, and the shoot timed for good light and calm weather.
Here's what each part involves and how to prepare.
Why aerial photos help a listing
Ground-level photos show a house. Aerial photos show the property: the size and shape of the lot, the roof, the pool and outdoor space, how close it is to the beach, a river, or a golf course, and what surrounds it. For waterfront homes, large lots, and properties with acreage, that context is often what buyers most want to see. In coastal areas like New Smyrna Beach, a shot showing the distance to the water can answer a buyer's first question before they ask it.
Shots a real estate drone package usually includes
Packages vary by pilot, but most include some mix of:
- front, back, and corner views of the home from about rooftop height
- higher views that show the whole lot and the homes around it
- a straight-down overhead shot of the lot
- context shots toward nearby water, parks, schools, or main roads
- a short video flyover or orbit around the property
- twilight shots, if the pilot offers them
Ask the pilot for sample photos from past listings and a clear list of what you'll get: how many edited photos, video length and format, and how fast they deliver.
How to prepare the outside of a property
Drones see everything from above, including things that are invisible from the street. Run through this checklist the day before:
- Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house if you can.
- Mow the lawn, edge, and blow off driveways, walks, and pool decks.
- Put away trash cans, hoses, toys, tools, and pool equipment covers.
- Clean the pool and remove the cover, and run the pool light for twilight shots.
- Clear leaves and debris off the roof, gutters, and lanai screen.
- Arrange patio furniture neatly and open umbrellas.
- Turn on all exterior lights and open blinds for twilight shots.
- Tell neighbors there'll be a drone overhead for a short time.
Look at your roof from a neighbor's second story or a satellite map if you can. Stains, debris, and tarps all show clearly from the air.
When to schedule the shoot
Morning and late afternoon usually give the best light, with softer shadows and warmer color. Midday sun can flatten a photo. In Central Florida, mornings are also less likely to run into afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Drones need reasonably calm weather. High wind, rain, and fog will delay a flight, so leave some flexibility in your listing schedule. Most pilots will reschedule for weather.
Airspace and permissions
Some properties need FAA airspace authorization before a drone can fly, especially near airports. In Volusia County, that includes areas around Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach airports. Many authorizations can be requested quickly through the FAA's automated system, but some take longer, and temporary flight restrictions can pop up for events and space launches along this coast.
Your pilot should check this as soon as you book. If you're in a community with an HOA or gated access, let the pilot know about gate codes and any community rules ahead of time. Our guide on how to hire a drone pilot explains the FAA requirements in more detail.
Photo rights and how you can use them
Ask who owns the photos and how you're allowed to use them. Many photographers license images for a specific listing rather than transferring ownership. If you're an agent who wants to reuse photos in your own marketing, or a seller who wants copies, agree on that in writing before the shoot.
Pricing
Prices vary by pilot, location, package, and whether video or editing is included. We don't publish prices because pilots set their own. Request quotes for the same package description so you can compare them fairly.
Request a real estate drone shoot
If you have a listing in New Smyrna Beach or elsewhere in Central Florida, tell us about the property and timing and we'll connect you with a local drone pilot. Pilots are independent businesses who set their own prices and terms.