Drones in Real Estate Marketing: 5 Ways They Improve Listings in 2025

Here’s something to think about! What if you could make a property stand out with just one tool?

Drones are doing exactly that. Real estate marketing is all about showing properties in the best light, and drones make it easier than ever. 

From stunning aerial shots to immersive virtual tours, they’re changing how we approach real estate. 

Let’s explore five ways drones in real estate marketing are transforming the industry and helping agents sell homes more efficiently.

1. Aerial Photography Elevates Property Listings

Did you know properties with aerial photos sell up to 68% faster than those with standard images? 

Buyers spend more time engaging with listings that provide a full view of the property, including its layout and surrounding features. Aerial shots capture what traditional photos can’t! They include expansive backyards, proximity to parks, or even the charm of a quiet street.

For real estate agents, the days of juggling cameras, figuring out angles, and hoping for decent results are over. Instead of spending hours shooting photos yourself, you can hire a certified drone pilot to do the heavy lifting. 

Not only does this free up your time, but it ensures compliance with FAA regulations—only licensed pilots are allowed to operate drones for commercial use. Think of it this way, while you’re closing deals or meeting clients, a professional pilot can deliver stunning visuals that elevate your listings without breaking a sweat.

And here’s why this matters! Listings with professional-quality visuals sell for an average of $11,000 more, according to Zillow. Buyers are drawn to images that show not just the home but the lifestyle it offers—nearby amenities, scenic surroundings, and the overall layout. These are the things that make a property stand out, and drone photography captures it all.

For a detailed breakdown of the top drones for real estate photography, check out this guide to the 7 best options for capturing stunning property visuals. It’s packed with options for pilots looking to offer top-notch services to real estate agents. If you are also a real estate agent yourself, these options will fill every one of your needs. 

2. Virtual Tours Create Immersive Experiences

Time is everything in real estate. Buyers can’t always visit every property in person, especially if they’re relocating from another city or state. That’s where drone-powered virtual tours come in. These tours use smooth, 360-degree footage to give buyers the full picture of a property—from sweeping outdoor views to up-close shots of specific details like kitchens or custom landscaping.

For buyers, it’s all about convenience and confidence. A virtual tour can show how rooms flow together, the size of outdoor spaces, and even how the home is positioned on the lot. For instance, a buyer can see how sunlight fills the living room at different times of day or how close the backyard is to a nearby park. These details help buyers make more informed decisions, even if they’re thousands of miles away.

Drones make this process seamless by capturing dynamic angles that regular cameras can’t. Wide shots from above can highlight a home’s unique selling points, like a pool, a large patio, or a scenic view. At the same time, drones can zoom in to showcase finer details, such as intricate stonework or a recently remodeled kitchen. The combination of wide, aerial views and close-up shots creates a fully immersive experience that static photos just can’t replicate.

For the industry, virtual tours are becoming the standard. According to a recent report, 77% of buyers say they want virtual tours when browsing listings. For agents, this means fewer wasted showings. A detailed virtual tour helps filter out buyers who realize the home isn’t for them, saving time for everyone involved.

And certified drone pilots play a crucial role in making these tours professional and polished. Pilots know the best angles, lighting, and flight paths to create smooth, engaging footage that truly sells a property.

If you’re an agent tired of juggling your own camera or dealing with outdated marketing methods, hiring a certified drone pilot can be a game-changer. They’ll handle the footage while you focus on closing deals. Virtual tours powered by drones aren’t just a modern trend—they’re a powerful tool that keeps buyers engaged and listings competitive.

3. Drones Make Regular Homes Stand Out

Let’s face it—most homes don’t have infinity pools, grand staircases, or sprawling gardens. But that doesn’t mean they can’t look amazing in a listing. The right drone features can make all the difference in capturing high-quality, professional-looking shots. If you’re wondering what specs actually matter, here are five key drone features to look for when choosing one for real estate photography.

Drones have the power to make everyday homes more attractive by focusing on features that buyers care about. It’s about highlighting what makes the home special and creating a professional, polished presentation that grabs attention.

For a modest suburban home, a simple overhead shot can work wonders. Imagine showcasing the size of the yard, the privacy of the lot, or the way the home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. These details might not stand out in traditional photos, but drones bring them to life. Even smaller features—like a deck, a fire pit, or a tidy garden—can feel more inviting when captured from above.

Drones also add depth to listings by combining wide shots with closer views. For example, a smooth flyover of the front yard can lead to a focused shot of the home’s entryway. Buyers get a full sense of the property, from the roofline to the surrounding neighborhood. It’s a level of presentation that helps make even simple homes feel more appealing.

This approach is especially useful for homes in competitive price ranges, where standing out is crucial. If you’re marketing a three-bedroom house in a neighborhood with similar options, drone footage can highlight what sets your listing apart—like proximity to parks, good schools, or even just a well-maintained exterior. It gives buyers a reason to stop scrolling and start imagining themselves in that home.

Hiring a certified drone pilot ensures that these shots are smooth, well-framed, and focused on what matters most. Pilots know how to make small spaces feel bigger and bring attention to a property’s best features. For agents, it’s an easy way to level up your marketing without breaking the bank. Drones aren’t just for high-end listings—they’re a tool for making any home shine.

4. Showcasing Neighborhood Features

When buyers purchase a home, they’re also investing in the neighborhood. A well-framed drone shot can show much more than the property itself—it highlights what’s nearby, giving buyers a clearer picture of their future lifestyle. Whether it’s a park just down the street, a top-rated school a few blocks away, or a cozy café around the corner, these amenities are often the deciding factors for many buyers.

For example, a drone can capture a smooth overhead view of a home’s location relative to community features, like a walking trail or playground. It can zoom out to reveal the proximity of shopping centers, highways, or even quiet cul-de-sacs. These visuals go beyond what a description or standard photo can provide, helping buyers envision how they’ll live in the space and its surroundings.

For agents, this is a key selling point. Instead of simply telling clients about nearby attractions, you can show them. Aerial footage connects the home to the community, making it easier for buyers to see the full value. This extra layer of context builds confidence and can make your listing stand out in a crowded market.

5. Cost-Effective Marketing for Real Estate Agents

Real estate marketing can quickly add up, especially when using traditional methods like helicopters or hiring expensive videographers. Drones, on the other hand, offer a far more affordable option without sacrificing quality. For a fraction of the cost, agents can showcase homes with professional-level visuals that rival high-budget productions.

Drones are a game-changer for small agencies and individual agents. Instead of relying on third-party vendors, you can hire a certified drone pilot to shoot your footage. This not only saves money but also gives you control over how the property is presented. Want to highlight a unique feature? Need quick edits to your footage? A local pilot can work with your specific needs and timeline, cutting out the delays that come with outsourcing.

For agencies willing to invest, owning a drone is another option. While this requires an upfront cost, it can quickly pay for itself with just a few listings. Plus, agents can tailor their footage to meet the unique needs of their market. Whether it’s a sprawling rural property or a compact urban home, drones offer flexibility and precision that traditional methods simply can’t match.

In today’s market, quality visuals are a necessity, not a luxury. Drones make it possible for agents to compete at a higher level without overspending, leveling the playing field for agencies of all sizes.

Conclusion

Drones are now a vital part of real estate marketing, offering unmatched value for agents and drone pilots. Agents should hire a certified drone pilot with a Part 107 certification to ensure professional, legal work that highlights key property features. From aerial shots to virtual tours, these visuals help listings stand out and attract serious buyers.

For drone pilots, delivering polished, professional footage is essential. Capturing a property’s unique details, shooting at optimal times, and providing editing services can set your work apart. Whether you’re an agent or a pilot, using drones is an effective way to market properties and stay competitive in today’s real estate market.