With an increasing number of buyers and renters searching for property online, realtors are faced with the challenge of making their listings stand out from the pack. One particularly effective way of differentiating property listings is to capture striking and unique images and videos through a real estate drone shoot.
A hot new trend in real estate marketing, drone real estate photography involves using flying cameras to produce dramatic, comprehensive shots of properties and home exteriors. Before consumer camera drones became widely available, this kind of aerial photography was prohibitively expensive, requiring a helicopter and costly equipment.
But thanks to the introduction of consumer camera drones, real estate companies can easily and affordably hire a professional to capture striking, bird’s-eye view images and videos of properties. To make sure you get the most out of your drone shoot, though, there are several things you can do ahead of time.
5 Steps to Prepare for Your Real Estate Drone Shoot
Once you’ve found a professional drone operator to photograph or film your listing, it’s time to prepare for the session. Here are five steps to take to make sure you get the most out of your real estate drone shoot:
Tidy the yard
A clean, de-cluttered property will look bigger and more appealing when shot from above. Before the shoot, do a thorough sweep of the property’s front lawn, backyard, garden, and porch. Be sure to get rid of clutter and store any equipment, toys, and trash bins out of sight. If it’s winter, consider having the walkways and driveway shoveled before the shoot.
Clean decking and pavement in advance
If needed, arrange for an advanced cleaning of any hard surfaces, such as decking, pavement, or tile. This step should be done at least a day in advance to allow these surfaces time to dry.
Consider having your roof professionally cleaned
An image or video of your house from above will provide a clear view of the property’s roof and gutters. That means you want these areas to be free of damage and clear of leaves, debris, and snow. Consider having the property’s roof and gutters cleaned professionally before the drone shoot.
Check the weather
In Alaska, it’s best to hold shoots during the spring and summer months, when the weather tends to be clearer. No matter the season you’re scheduled for, be sure to check the weather forecast for the day of your shoot. Cloudy days are usually fine for a drone shoot, since darker skies typically allow the drone to capture images without excessive contrast. However, rainy or snowy weather will likely mean the shoot needs to be rescheduled.
Alert the neighbors
It’s a good idea to have your client alert the neighbors well in advance of the date and time of the drone shoot. This lets neighbors know what’s going on and keeps them from being surprised or alarmed by an unexpected drone.
Are you looking for a professional drone photographer for your Alaska property? Get in touch with DMD Real Estate Photography to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced real estate drone operator today.