Drone Photography Benefits for Real Estate Listings

When an aerial earns its cost

Aerials are close to mandatory on acreage, view lots, waterfront, homes backing open space, and any property where the neighborhood itself is a selling point. Along the Wasatch Front that covers most of Draper, Herriman, Traverse Mountain, and anything on the east bench.

They matter less for interior condos and tightly packed townhomes — though even there, a low 40-foot elevation can show proximity to a park, trail, or lake that a ground shot can't.

What licensing actually means

Commercial drone work in the United States requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate. Hiring an unlicensed operator exposes the listing agent and brokerage to real liability, and much of the Salt Lake Valley sits in controlled airspace where flights need LAANC authorization filed in advance.

Ask any photographer for their certificate number and proof of insurance before a flight. It takes ten seconds and it's the difference between a professional service and a hobbyist with a drone.

Stills versus video

For most listings, 8–12 aerial stills outperform a video: they load instantly in the MLS, work in print, and don't require the buyer to press play. Cinematic aerial video is worth adding on luxury and estate properties where a social-first campaign is planned.