Yes, you can use a drone for real estate, but because it's paid work, the FAA treats it as commercial: you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a registered drone, even if it weighs under 250 g. Then check airspace, plan the shots with the agent, shoot RAW exposure brackets and 4K video from low and high angles, and edit the brackets into HDR photos and a short listing video.
Step 1: Get legal
- Part 107 certificate: pass the FAA knowledge test at an approved test center. See Part 107.
- Register the drone under Part 107 ($5, valid 3 years) and mark the number on it. Every Part 107 drone must be registered, regardless of weight. See FAA registration.
- Remote ID: required for registered drones. DJI drones over 250 g have it built in. DJI's firmware notes say sub-250 g Minis switch on US Remote ID automatically only with the Plus battery, so confirm your drone is broadcasting before a Part 107 flight, or add a broadcast module. See Remote ID explained.
- Insurance: many agents and brokerages ask for liability coverage. See drone insurance.
Step 2: Check the site
- Airspace: many neighborhoods sit in controlled airspace near airports. Get authorization through LAANC before the shoot.
- TFRs and local rules: check B4UFLY or Aloft, plus HOA, park or city takeoff restrictions.
- People and cars: under Part 107, avoid flying over people and moving vehicles unless your drone and operation qualify. See flying over people.
- Neighbors: a quick knock or note avoids complaints. Frame shots to focus on the listing, not neighbors' yards.
Step 3: Plan the shoot
Ask the agent what matters: lot size, views, a pool, nearby water or downtown. Pick the time of day so the front of the house is lit. Twilight shots with interior lights on work well for premium listings. Use our real estate drone shot list as a starting point.
Step 4: Camera settings
Photos
- RAW (DNG) plus JPEG, ISO 100.
- AEB brackets: 5 or 7 frames on the Air 3S or Mini 4 Pro at 12 MP, so bright skies and shaded eaves both hold detail.
- Fixed white balance for the whole shoot.
Video
- 4K at 24 or 30 fps, shutter 1/50 or 1/60, with ND filters in sun.
- D-Log M if you'll grade with the official LUT; Normal for quick turnaround.
- Cine mode and slow stick inputs.
Step 5: Fly the shots
- Front three-quarter view at 10 to 20 m, slightly above the roofline.
- Straight-on front and rear at low height so the house doesn't look squat.
- High overview at 40 to 60 m showing the lot and street.
- Top-down of the lot for boundary overlays.
- Context shots of nearby water, parks or downtown.
- Video moves: slow push-in to the front door, rising reveal from behind trees, a slow orbit.
Keep verticals straight: tilt the camera only slightly down, or shoot higher and level.
Step 6: Edit and deliver
Merge brackets to HDR, correct verticals, keep colors natural, and export MLS-sized JPEGs. Cut a 60 to 90 second video with a vertical version for social. Full workflow: editing real estate drone photos.
Which drone to use
The Mini 4 Pro is a capable, light starting point with omnidirectional sensing near roofs and trees. The Air 3S adds a 1-inch sensor for better skies and shadows and a 70 mm lens for compressed views. Compare in best drone for real estate photography.
Related guides
- Best drone for real estate photography (2026)
- How to start a real estate drone photography business
- Real estate drone photography pricing: what to charge
- How to edit real estate drone photos and videos
- Real estate drone shot list: the shots every listing needs
- Do you need a license for real estate drone photography?
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
