The Complete Guide to Real Estate Drone Photography in Oregon & Washington

If you're a real estate agent in the Pacific Northwest, you already know that listings with drone photography sell faster and for more money. Aerial shots capture what ground-level photos simply can't — sprawling lots, neighborhood context, proximity to parks and schools, and that stunning mountain backdrop buyers are searching for.

But drone photography for real estate isn't as simple as flying a camera into the sky. Between FAA regulations, state-specific laws in Oregon and Washington, and the technical skill required to get magazine-quality results, there's a lot to know before you invest.

This guide covers everything: what drone photography actually includes, why it matters for your listings, the legal requirements in both states, and how to make sure the aerial media you're getting is worth every dollar.

What Is Real Estate Drone Photography?

Real estate drone photography uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture aerial images and video of properties. For listings in Oregon and Washington, this typically includes:

Aerial still photography — high-resolution overhead and angled shots that show the full property, lot boundaries, landscaping, and surrounding area. These are the images that stop buyers mid-scroll on Zillow or Redfin.

Drone video — smooth, cinematic flyovers that give buyers a true sense of the property's scale, layout, and setting. These are especially valuable for acreage, waterfront properties, and homes with views.

Land and lot documentation — for vacant land, new construction, or rural properties, drone photography is often the only way to give buyers a meaningful sense of what they're looking at.

The goal is always the same: show buyers something they can't see from the curb.

Why Drone Photography Matters for Pacific Northwest Listings

The Portland and Vancouver metro areas have a unique combination of features that make aerial photography especially valuable.

Terrain tells a story. The Pacific Northwest is defined by its geography — river views, mountain backdrops, forested lots, and rolling terrain. A ground-level photo of a home in Camas or Lake Oswego can't capture the fact that it sits on a hillside overlooking the Columbia River. A drone shot can.

Lot size matters here. Properties in Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and rural Clark County often sit on multiple acres. Buyers want to see the full picture — where the property lines fall, what the outbuildings look like from above, and how the land is laid out. Drone photography makes that possible in a way that MLS descriptions never will.

Neighborhood context sells. A home in Beaverton that's a five-minute walk from a light rail station? A listing in the Pearl District with a rooftop view of the Willamette? Drone footage puts those selling points front and center.

It's becoming the expectation. Buyers in the Portland-Vancouver market are savvy. They're comparing your listing against dozens of others online, and listings with aerial photography consistently outperform those without. According to MLS statistics, listings with drone photography receive up to 68% more views and sell up to 32% faster than those with ground-level photos alone.

FAA Regulations: The Federal Baseline

Every commercial drone operation in the United States — including real estate photography — falls under the FAA's Part 107 Small UAS Rule. This applies equally whether you're shooting a $200,000 condo in Gresham or a $2 million estate in Lake Oswego.

Here's what Part 107 requires:

Remote Pilot Certificate. The drone operator must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test and hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate. This isn't optional — it's federal law. Any photographer flying a drone for your listing without this certification is operating illegally, and you could face fines as well.

Remote ID compliance. As of 2024, all drones operated under Part 107 must broadcast Remote ID, which allows the FAA and law enforcement to identify drones in flight. This is the "digital license plate" for drones.

Altitude limit of 400 feet. Drones must stay below 400 feet above ground level unless flying within 400 feet of a structure.

Visual line of sight. The pilot must be able to see the drone at all times during flight — no flying around corners or behind buildings.

Daylight operations. Flights must occur during civil twilight or later, with anti-collision lighting if operating during twilight hours.

No flights over people or moving vehicles without specific waivers or compliance with updated subcategories based on drone weight and risk.

The penalty for non-compliance is significant. Fines can reach up to $32,666 per occurrence for the drone pilot, and approximately $11,000 per occurrence for the real estate agent or brokerage that hired them. This is why working with a certified, insured professional isn't just a quality decision — it's a liability decision.

Oregon Drone Laws for Real Estate Photography

Oregon adds its own layer of regulations on top of the federal rules. If you're listing properties anywhere in the Portland metro, the Willamette Valley, or along the Oregon Coast, here's what applies:

Private property protections. Under ORS 837.370, it's illegal to operate a drone over private property in a way that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the property owner or occupant. For real estate photographers, this means being mindful of neighboring properties during shoots.

State park and public land restrictions. Flying drones in Oregon State Parks requires a permit from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. If a property borders parkland or you want to capture surrounding public land in your aerial footage, the photographer needs to have permits in place.

Oregon Department of Aviation coordination. Commercial drone operations that involve filming on or launching from protected lands often require coordination with the Oregon Department of Aviation, including proof of insurance and a safety plan.

Local jurisdiction rules. Cities like Portland, Bend, and Eugene may have additional municipal restrictions, particularly near public buildings, in busy urban areas, or in designated no-fly zones near airports.

Washington State Drone Laws for Real Estate Photography

Washington has some of the more specific state-level drone regulations in the country. If you're listing in Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, or anywhere in Clark County, these rules apply:

State registration required. Commercial drones operating in Washington must be registered with the WSDOT Aviation Division. The fee is $15 per year per aircraft. This is separate from FAA registration.

Physical labeling. Every drone operated in Washington must display the operator's name and telephone number as a physical label on the aircraft.

Liability insurance mandate. Washington requires a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance for commercial drone operations. Your drone photographer should carry this — and you should ask for proof.

Privacy protections. Washington law explicitly prohibits recording or capturing images of private areas — home interiors visible through windows, backyards, patios, pool areas — without the property owner's consent.

Critical infrastructure restrictions. Flying over critical infrastructure (power plants, water treatment facilities, etc.) is prohibited.

What to Look for When Hiring a Drone Photographer

Not all drone photography is created equal. Here's what separates professional-grade aerial media from the amateur footage that hurts more than it helps:

FAA Part 107 certification. This is non-negotiable. Ask to see their Remote Pilot Certificate. If they hesitate, walk away.

Insurance. Your photographer should carry liability insurance that meets or exceeds Washington's $100,000 minimum — ideally more. This protects you, your client, and their property.

Professional-grade equipment. Consumer drones produce consumer-quality results. Look for photographers using commercial platforms with large sensors, RAW image capability, and cinematic video features.

Post-production expertise. The raw footage off a drone is just the starting point. Professional color grading, exposure correction, and editing are what turn aerial images into listing assets that actually sell homes.

Turnaround time. In a fast-moving market, waiting a week for drone photos means missed buyer interest. Look for providers who can deliver within 24–48 hours.

Local knowledge. A drone photographer who knows the Portland-Vancouver area understands the airspace restrictions, the best angles for mountain views, the golden hour timing across seasons, and which properties benefit most from aerial coverage.

When Is Drone Photography Worth the Investment?

Drone photography adds value to almost any listing, but it's especially impactful for:

Properties on large lots — anything over a quarter acre benefits dramatically from aerial context. Acreage properties in Ridgefield, Battle Ground, or rural Clark County practically require it.

Homes with views — if the property has mountain, river, valley, or city views, drone photography is the only way to convey that to online buyers.

Waterfront properties — whether it's the Columbia River, the Willamette, or a lakefront lot, aerial footage captures the relationship between the home and the water in a way ground photos can't.

New construction and land — for lots, new builds, and development projects, drone photography shows progress, context, and potential.

Luxury listings — high-end buyers expect premium marketing materials. Aerial photography signals that the listing (and the agent) are operating at that level.

Properties near desirable amenities — parks, trails, schools, shopping districts, and transit — drone footage can showcase proximity in a single frame.

How Sage Aesthetic Handles Drone Photography

At Sage Aesthetic, drone photography and videography have been part of our core real estate media services since the beginning. With over 2,000 properties photographed across the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR metro areas, we've built our aerial workflow around three things that matter most to agents:

Compliance is handled. Our pilots are FAA Part 107 certified, carry full liability insurance exceeding state minimums, and maintain current Washington WSDOT registration. We handle the regulatory side so you don't have to think about it.

Quality is consistent. We shoot with professional-grade equipment and apply the same color grading and post-production standards to aerial media that we do to our interior and exterior photography. Every image is delivered ready to use — no additional editing needed on your end.

Turnaround is fast. We deliver drone photography and video within our standard 24-hour turnaround window, because we know that in this market, speed matters as much as quality.

Whether you need aerial stills for an MLS listing, cinematic drone video for a luxury property, or land documentation for a development site, we've got you covered across Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and everywhere in between.

Ready to Elevate Your Listings?

If you're listing properties in Oregon or Washington and you're not using professional drone photography, you're leaving money on the table — both for your clients and for your business.

Book your next shoot at properties.sageaesthetic.com or reach out to our team at team@sageaesthetic.com or (360) 977-2049. We'd love to show you what your listings look like from above.

Sage Aesthetic is a professional real estate photography, videography, and drone media company serving Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, and the surrounding Pacific Northwest metro areas. With 7+ years of experience and 2,000+ properties photographed, we specialize in fast-turnaround, magazine-quality visual media that helps agents win listings and close deals.

Why Professional Listing Photos Are the #1 Factor in Selling Homes Faster | Sage Aesthetic

If you're a real estate agent in the Portland or Vancouver, WA area, you already know that first impressions matter. But here's something that might surprise you: the single biggest factor in how quickly a home sells — and how much it sells for — isn't the price, the neighborhood, or even the square footage. It's the listing photos.

In an era where over 95% of homebuyers start their search online, your listing photos are the digital front door. They're the reason a buyer clicks on your listing or scrolls right past it. And the difference between professional real estate photography and phone snapshots isn't just noticeable — it's measurable.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Studies from the National Association of Realtors consistently show that homes with professional photography sell 32% faster than those without. Listings with high-quality photos receive 118% more online views, and properties photographed professionally can sell for $3,000 to $11,000 more than comparable homes with amateur images.

Think about that from a practical standpoint. If you're listing a home in the Portland metro area at $500,000 and professional photos help it sell for even 2% more, that's an extra $10,000 for your seller — and a meaningful boost to your commission.

What Makes Professional Real Estate Photography Different

You might be wondering what separates a professional listing photo from a decent phone photo. The differences are significant, and buyers notice them even if they can't articulate why.

Professional real estate photographers understand how to work with natural and artificial lighting to make rooms feel warm, open, and inviting. Wide-angle lenses capture the full scope of a room without the distortion you get from a phone camera. Color correction and post-processing ensure that the white walls actually look white, the hardwood floors look rich, and the views through the windows are visible rather than blown out.

Beyond the technical side, a professional understands composition. They know which angles make a kitchen look spacious, how to frame a living room to draw the eye to the fireplace, and when to shoot from a slightly lower angle to make ceilings feel taller. These aren't tricks — they're skills developed through hundreds of shoots.

What Happens When You Skip Professional Photos

We've all seen the listings. The dark bathroom shot where you can barely make out the tile. The bedroom photo taken from the doorway that makes a generous master suite look like a closet. The exterior shot taken at noon with harsh shadows cutting across the front of the house.

These photos don't just fail to attract buyers — they actively push buyers away. In a competitive market like Portland and Vancouver, WA, where multiple agents are vying for buyer attention, subpar listing photos signal to buyers that either the home isn't worth showcasing or the agent doesn't take their business seriously. Neither message helps you close the deal.

The Portland and Vancouver Market Demands Better

The real estate market in the Portland metro area and Clark County is competitive. Buyers are savvy, and they're comparing your listing side-by-side with dozens of others on Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. The listings that stop the scroll are the ones with bright, clean, professionally composed images.

Local agents who have made the switch to professional media consistently report shorter days on market and stronger offers. It's not a coincidence. When a buyer sees a beautifully photographed home, they perceive it as well-maintained, move-in ready, and worth the asking price — before they've even scheduled a showing.

Professional Photos Are an Investment, Not an Expense

One of the most common hesitations we hear from agents is cost. But when you compare the price of a professional photo package to the cost of a price reduction after 30+ days on market, the math is clear. Professional real estate media is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make on every listing.

At Sage Aesthetic, we work with agents across Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR to deliver listing media that makes an immediate impact. From HDR photography to drone aerials, video walkthroughs, and 3D tours, we provide everything you need to present your listing at its absolute best.

Ready to Elevate Your Listings?

Your sellers deserve the best possible presentation, and your business deserves the competitive edge that professional media provides. If you're ready to see the difference that professional real estate photography makes, we'd love to work with you.

Book your next listing shoot through our portal at properties.sageaesthetic.com/portal, or reach out to us directly at [team@sageaesthetic.com](mailto:team@sageaesthetic.com). Let's make your listings stand out.

Drone Photography: The Next Big Thing For Businesses?

As a small business, you're always looking for ways to set yourself apart from the competition. One of these ways is staying ahead of the curve when it comes to making the most of technology.

Businesses can now take advantage of the latest in technological advances by not only using drone photography but filming video as well. After all, it's not just the products that you are selling, it's also the experience. If you want to make your customer feel as if they are actually there then you may need to shoot drone footage to do so.

Building Hype With Drone Footage

So, how can you build the hype for your products or services using drone photography and videos? It really simple. With drones, you can give existing or new customers a unique perspective of your business. For example:

1. Get an aerial view of your location - When filming with a drone, you'll be able to get an aerial view of your business site. This can be massively beneficial as a video that contains footage of your property will look more professional and appealing.

2. Showcase your products - Using drone photography to showcase your products or services is also a great idea for businesses that want to gain exposure.

3. Capture footage of your business in action - It's a common practice for businesses to fly drones over their locations on days when business is bustling to get footage of all the activity at your place of business.

4. Involve your customers in videos to get them excited about a promotion (i.e., new product, promotion, etc.) - This is a cool way to get customers excited about what you're doing.

5. Showcase your work - Businesses that offer construction services can use drone footage to showcase their prowess at building things for clients.

6. Create dramatic footage of a stunt or other event - Get an up-close and personal view of your next event or stunt to help customers feel as if they were there.

7. Document landscape changes - Drone footage of landscaping efforts like new construction or renovations can be a great way to showcase the progress you've made or how your business is growing.

8. Speaking in your brand's voice - If your brand's voice is very light-hearted, create videos that are playful & funny. These often go viral on social media. If your brand is more corporate, create videos that are very polished and professional.

9. Re-brand - Drone footage is a great way to help re-brand your brand, especially if you're trying to emphasize the type of work that you do or appeal to a new group of customers.  If you've decided to change your business' name, use drone footage and video marketing as a way to broadcast this.

10. Showcase your team - This type of video is an effective way to appeal to customers because they'll be able to see what type of people you employ and how hard they work for your company.

Conclusion

In summation, don't underestimate the power of using drone videos for your business if you want to make a lasting impression. As you can see, there are several ways to use drone footage & video marketing for business. This innovative new technology is changing how businesses advertise their goods and services to the world. Contact us to learn more!

Getting the Best Drone Video for Your Home Listing

Hiring a professional to take a drone video for your home listing is an excellent way to advertise. Drone videos are great because they make the property look memorable and unique, not to mention impressive. It also provides you with the security of knowing that the drone can capture footage from all angles and distances which means no bird's-eye view shots are missed. This will give your clients in-depth views of everything that they could ever want in addition to providing you with valuable insight into how your property should be marketed.

Finding the Right Drone Photographer

If you are looking for an excellent photographer to capture stunning drone videos of your home listing, here are three things that you should keep in mind.

A Great Drone Video Should Make a Property Look Irresistible

When you're on the hunt for a high-quality drone video pro to hire, you need to remember one thing: It is all about the way your property is marketed. In fact, once potential buyers see how unique and attractive the property is going to be, they will be hooked from the beginning. That's why it's so important that you do some research into any drone video pro before making a hiring decision. Doing this ensures that you select somebody who has a proven track record of making properties look as desirable as possible.

There Are Two Types of Drone Videos

It's important to understand that there are two main types of videos: real estate videos and construction drone videos. The difference between these two types is simple: One involves capturing footage of an existing building while the other deals with creating drone footage for a new building. You need to select a photographer who is well versed in both areas and has the ability to produce high-quality results once again and again even when he's dealing with the many challenges of capturing footage for an established building rather than one that is brand-new.

Hold Out For the Best Talent

The final thing that you need to remember when hiring a drone video pro is to hold out for the best talent. Yes, it might be tempting to settle for a cheaper photographer from the start, but in the long run, this will prove to be a huge mistake. By holding out and waiting until you find somebody who does excellent work, you'll be able to give your clients an even better product and secure their business. So, whenever you are looking for a great drone video pro to hire for your home listing, keep these three things in mind. By doing so, you will end up with the highest quality of photography possible and will be able to attract more customers as a result.

Tips for Preparing Your Property for a Drone Video

When you're trying to sell your property, the last thing you want is for prospective buyers to see the outside of the property in a disheveled state. Overgrown vegetation, debris in the yard, or shabby-looking curbside aesthetics are an almost instant deal-breaker for buyers.

We've discussed the importance of curb appeal before, but it's no accident that property buyers make snap judgments about a home's physical appearance and the level of upkeep its owner takes during their first visit. Here are some quick tips to ensure your property is looking its best for prospective buyers:

• Remove any clutter or strewn items

• Inspect the lawn and mow accordingly

• Be sure that all areas of your property are clean, including sidewalks, driveways, curbside areas, and around the perimeter of the home

• Make sure you keep shrubs from blocking windows or entryways

• Trim trees to ensure better visibility from outside the property lines

• Inspect lighting around the home and ensure it is in proper working order

• If you have any exterior decor that you would like to show off (such as in your yard or on surrounding walls), now is a great time to clean and spruce up these features of your property as well.

When your home is in the best shape possible, prospective buyers are more likely to want to step inside and take a closer look. Make sure that they won't be disappointed with what they discover!

Conclusion

In summary, when you need to find a great drone photographer, it's important to work with somebody who has an outstanding track record of producing high-quality results and who is qualified to work on both new and established properties. You should also take the time to prepare your property for photography by removing clutter, trimming trees, and cleaning up any exterior features you want people to see. With these three steps in mind, you'll have a much better chance at attaining your goals and attracting potential buyers to your property!

At Sage Aesthetic, our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible drone photography. That is why we use the latest in filming equipment and work with a team of dedicated specialists, including a drone video pro for hire. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

10 Tips to Sell Your Product Using Instagram

1. Creating a Shoppable Instagram Feed

Making it easy for users to find the right products quickly is perhaps the most critical way to sell your products effectively. After all, if they can't easily find something they like, they're not going to think about buying anything, let alone coming back to your page. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that you properly categorize and optimize your product posts. Many people fail to do this. They end up posting images across multiple platforms that do not effectively provide a concise explanation of their product. 

2. Content Quality Matters... A LOT

If your photos and videos are low-quality, people are going to think your products are low-quality, as well. You must upload high-quality photos and videos that are both informative and engaging to your users. Photos that are poorly shot or improperly placed will only confuse and deter users. 

Another practical tip is to use content that your followers would likely enjoy. If you are selling a protein drink, for example, then you should focus on showing real people drinking it. Make sure that your images are visually attractive and add an element of fun to your content. 

3. Images Are Awesome; Videos Are Better

One of the tips to successfully sell your product using Instagram is to start posting brand and product videos. Professionally created videos allow you to reach a larger audience in a very short time while increasing user engagement. This is an easy way to get immediate exposure, which can prove to be quite beneficial for promoting your business.

4. Take Advantage of Instagram Business Services

Effectively marketing your business on Instagram will be much more difficult if you don't take advantage of the various tools provided by the social media site. You can easily monitor engagement, create ads that intrigue, and find inspiration in your marketing efforts. 

5. Showcase Your Brand Story Through Instagram Stories

People love stories, and creating an exciting business story is one of the best ways to capture the eyes and hearts of your followers. You can create cinematic brand videos that evoke an emotion surrounding your product. People visit Instagram to learn about new trends and news. Therefore, if you can create a story about something your target audience would like to know about, it will be more likely to become viral. 

6. Craft an Intriguing Brand Identity

Build a solid professional brand image. This means that your product is being promoted using the same professional image you want your brand to be known for. You have to make sure that your business brand has a distinct look and feel, as well. This will help build an identity for your product so that potential buyers will know what to expect from it. Remember that the goal of promoting your product through Instagram is to make it visible to the right target audience.

7. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, But Descriptions Matter

One of the most critical factors of promoting your product through this social media platform is having a good description of the products you have for sale. Ensure that the description is informative and gives a clear picture of what the product can do for the user. 

The second tip is to optimize your product photos using keywords. When you upload pictures on Instagram, it will automatically suggest keywords that can help users find you. These keywords can be integrated into the description of your photos. Remember, when you use images as part of your social media marketing strategy, keeping the images optimized with relevant keywords is crucial. 

8. Convey Your Message With Powerful Captions

Yes, the caption is king when it comes to selling products on Instagram. Just like with your product description, be sure to enrich the caption with a few targeted keywords. The more searchable your images are, the better they will be.

9. Post Regularly

Lastly, you should remember that it is important to post photos regularly to promote your products. You should take this process one step further by ensuring that you have at least one image or video per day. If you fail to do this, you could be sending your customers mixed messages. Ultimately, it will leave them unsure of how to respond to your offers.

10. Selling on Instagram is Simple, Not Easy

It's a simple process, but it takes real effort to sell your product using Instagram successfully. There are no shortcuts, and even if you think you can work something out in a hurry, you should rethink your strategy. It would be best to focus on creating content that your customers will value and want to see. Once you have done that, you can start advertising your product in various ways. 

Keep in mind, product videos and images that are professionally made but poorly executed will result in wasted resources. Therefore, you must have a strong Instagram product marketing plan and stick to it!

If you're ready to take your brand promotion to a whole new level, give us a call! We've worked with numerous Vancouver-based brands to create stunning marketing materials that show the best features of your products. 

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Videographer

Are you thinking about hiring a professional real estate videographer to make your real estate listing videos? If you are, then you must know how to choose the right one. Before deciding which videographer to hire, you must ask yourself if the video you're envisioning fits your target market and if it will be effective. Below are some of the things you need to consider before hiring someone to make your real estate marketing or advertising videos.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Videographer?

Choosing the right videographer can make a big difference in the quality of images and produced videos. A professional videographer understands all aspects of real estate. They know how to frame your property so that the viewer would notice the details. Additionally, they know how to move the camera around to get a better shot of the area. Hitting the angles in a way that would make the best home features appear as the focal points. Most importantly, they understand how to present the shots so that they will come out looking beautiful. 

Ideally, they should ask the right questions and follow their instincts when trying to capture the essence of the property to your expectations. To do this, you need a person with excellent communication skills and artistic vision. They should convey their message effectively and professionally and have a good insight into the various aspects of real estate. Importantly, they should also be able to explain the entire process from start to finish. So, how do you determine if a candidate matches all these qualities?

How Can I Tell if a Real Estate Photographer is Legit?

The process of choosing the right real estate videographer begins with determining what your needs are. Then, you'll need to decide which videographers appear to meet those needs. Finally, you need to research the background and experience of different real estate photographers to ensure that you're getting the most professional service. 

Check Their Experience

When you're trying to choose a real estate videographer, one thing to consider is whether or not they are experienced. It would be far better if the videographer knows what they are doing. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and you get the results you expect. Questions to ask a videographer about their experience include:

• How long have you been producing real estate videos?

• How many properties have you made listing videos for?

• Are there any professionals in the area you work with regularly?

• What type of video equipment do you use?

They Understand Your Vision

In addition to selecting a real estate photographer with experience, you'll want to choose one with a clear vision for what you want to see. Don't choose a real estate videographer simply because they can put out a good video. A great videographer will be able to take your vision and turn it into a reality. Questions to ask a videographer about creative vision include:

• What is your videography style?

• Is it compatible with my ideas?

• Are you receptive to creative input? Or, do you prefer to have the final say on most things?

They Should Be Competitively Priced

One last consideration: fees. You will need to shop around to find a real estate videographer who will work within your budget. You do not have to pay top dollar for services to get the best value. However, videographer fees that seem too good to be true probably are. Questions to ask a photographer about their prices include:

• What packages do you provide, and how much are they?

• Do you offer extra services, and what is the fee structure?

• Do you charge extra for travel?

• Is there a fee for rescheduling my video shoot appointment?

Ask Your Listing Agent

If you're working with an agent, ask them for a referral to an excellent real estate videographer. After all, they are in the business and deal with videographers regularly. Your agent will surely provide some "insider" information on which service in town can deliver the highest-quality videos that attract buyers.

Recommendations From Neighbors on Social Media

Cruise around social media real estate or neighborhood groups and ask for recommendations. When asking for reviews, make sure to ask people who have already been exposed to this person or company. Ask if any complaints have been lodged against them. Were they satisfied with the result? Would they hire this person again? If so, this information can help you narrow down your choices.

Testimonials

Check for testimonials from your contacts. They might not necessarily be objective about the firm. Still, they can at least give you an idea of the quality of the work that you would expect from the person. Also, it would be prudent to look at testimonials from a real estate agent who is an investor. You can ask him about his recommendations, too. He can offer insights into which photographers would best suit your needs.

How Much Does a Real Estate Video Cost?

It will depend on how large the project is, your vision of the final product, and any additional services you decide to add. Do your research on the different types of available photographers. After all, you probably don't want someone who only does events, as they may not have the expertise you need. 

It would be wise to get information on what kinds of packages the videographer offers. The amount of money they ask for may help you determine the type of equipment they use. It would be best if you also found out what kind of editing services are included. If they don't offer editing services, you'll need to hire an editor, which can drastically affect the video production's overall cost.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Video?

The real estate video that you produce should be eye-catching and attentive to detail. It should capture and hold the attention of viewers. It is also crucial that the real estate footage is not very long; it should be enough to give people the idea of the features you want to highlight without being too dull. After all, very few people will continue watching a video if a narrator rambles on monotonously, pointing out basic home features. Be sure to add a touch of style and flair to the video to keep it engaging. Above all, the videographer should describe in great detail the features that make a great real estate video before beginning the project. If they bore you with their vision, the odds are good your viewers would be bored, too. 

What are the Consequences of a Poorly Produced Listing Video?

When you're wondering how to choose the right real estate videographer, remember that you will be in charge of the cost and the quality of the final product. A bad videographer can waste time and money or create other problems. It doesn't matter what the style is - corporate, home, or business - it should be high-quality. The finished product should be flawless.

To avoid running potential buyers away, look for these common mistakes made by amateur real estate videographers:

• Capturing videos from the incorrect angles

• Poor color and brightness balancing

• Being unaware of lens distortion

• Not shooting all of the listed areas of the property

• Not advising you to make sure your house is prepped for the shoot

How Can I Promote My Home Listing Video?

Once you have the video, how do you get it in front of as many potential buyers as possible? Many real estate agents provide limited marketing services, but they may also work with a professional marketing firm. When choosing a real estate firm to handle your marketing, a few questions to ask include:

• How long has each team member been in real estate?

• How well are they at reaching potential buyers?

• What are their work ethic and their success rates?

You may have questions about fees before hiring a real estate company to handle your marketing. However, some firms may offer a free consultation where you can discuss the pros and cons of their services. In addition, when asking about fees, be sure to find out about hidden costs or possible discounts. 

Ready to Hire a Professional Real Estate Videographer? 

At Sage Aesthetic, we know how overwhelming it can be to prepare your real estate listing in the best ways to ensure success. We aim to help relieve some of the pressure by offering high-quality video services to fit just about any budget. Unsure on how to proceed? Contact us today to discuss your options!

The Importance of Using Virtual Tours in Your Listing

As the real estate market continues to grow, more and more people are turning to technology for help in their search. One of the most popular uses of tech in the real estate sector is virtual tours. Virtual tours allow buyers or renters to "see" potential homes without ever having stepped foot on the property. 

The first thing that you should do when listing a house is to take professional real estate photos and videos. You don't want the prospective buyer's decision of whether or not they like your property to be based on a poorly lit picture taken with a phone camera. Virtual tours allow you to show off your home in HD quality without having anyone physically at the location, so it's important for buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords.

How Do Virtual Tours Work? 

Virtual tours provide prospective buyers with an immersive experience that allows them to see what it feels like to live or work in your space. Here is how they work: 

A virtual tour is created by photographing each room with a 360-degree camera and "stitching" the photos together. When you click on one of the rooms in your virtual tour it will take you into the 3D space where you can explore and interact with elements within that room from every angle. 

A virtual tour can be set up on any device that has internet access, and the person can “walk” through all of the rooms of your property with no restrictions. Some companies may require you to download an app onto your phone. However, once downloaded, simply open up the app and start exploring. With this type of photo technology there's nothing left to wonder about when viewing properties online - just point at any feature and see it up close! 

What are the Benefits of Virtual Tours?

It also allows buyers or renters an opportunity to get a feel for what they would like before they make any decisions on which home is best suited for them! But, that’s not all. Virtual tours can have many more benefits, including:

• Very helpful for some people who may not have the time or mobility necessary to see properties in person.

• No need to coordinate schedules for open houses or private viewings.

• The virtual tour is also a great way to market your listing. You can use the virtual tour to show off all of the features of your property and show people what they are missing out on if they do not act quickly.

• No surprise cleaning frenzies to prepare for a viewing. The best part about using a virtual tour is that you don't have to worry about doing any type of maintenance or cleaning before showing the property in person.

• Not only do they offer a 360-degree view of the property, but virtual tours also provide information about amenities in your area which might include schools, shopping centers, or parks that are perfect for families with children!

• A virtual tour allows you to tailor it to meet your specific needs perfectly. Such flexibility can provide a lot of benefits for everyone.

• In essence, by allowing people to view the property whenever they want (including from the comfort of their own home), you are opening yourself up to a much larger base of potential buyers.

Should I Opt for VR Tours Instead of 360-Degree Photos or Video?

The answer to this depends on many factors. While all of these options are relatively close in cost for getting the images, there may be extenuating factors you need to consider. Factors you will want to consider include:

• How much time and effort are you willing to invest? There are some services out there that allow you to create a 3D virtual tour for little or no cost. However, the software can be difficult to navigate for people without strong 3D design skills. Paying someone to do it can easily make the initial investment requirements rise quickly.

• Can your real estate agent effectively distribute the 3D virtual tour? Some real estate agents are still running their business using outdated tech. There is no point in developing a VR tour if the agent isn’t able to maximize the benefits of it for you.

• What type of reaction are you trying to get from potential buyers? For some properties, a 3D VR tour just doesn’t make a lot of sense. If your home doesn’t have a lot of features or space, then the standard photos and videos should be enough to give them a great idea of what your home has to offer.

When in doubt, just remember that it is always best to keep things as simple as possible. If your current real estate photos and videos are just not attracting buyers, you can always re-assess your strategy and improve it.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each Type of Real Estate Photography Option?

Each type of real estate photography option has some pros and cons. Let’s take a look at a few for each:

Virtual 3D Tours

Pros: 

• Opens property up to more viewers

• Easily accessible

• Saves time & money vs. in-person tours

• Captures spatial depth 

• Lots of interactive features to keep eyes on your property longer

Cons:

• Can be difficult or costly to implement

• Accessible only to those familiar with how to use the tech

• Subject to technical difficulties, which harms the users’ experience

• May not be suitable for small properties

360-Degree Real Estate Photos/Video

Pros:

• Show the entire property from every angle

• Provides some of the highest-quality images available

• Saves time & money vs. in-person tours

Cons:

• Limited interactivity

• Accessible only to those familiar with how to use the tech

• Subject to technical difficulties, which harms the users’ experience

• May not be suitable for small properties

Still Real Estate Photos

Pros:

• Capture the best features of a property from precise angles

• More control over how the image is presented to the viewer

• Opens property up to more viewers

• Easily accessible to the maximum number of people

Cons:

• Doesn’t capture as much spatial depth

• Buyers will be more apt to want an in-person tour

• May create false expectations as photos may look better than the real property

Real Estate Videos

Pros:

• Capture the best features of a property from precise angles

• More control over how the video is presented to the viewer

• Opens property up to more viewers

• Easily accessible to the maximum number of people

Cons:

• Only captures the view of the person holding the camera

• Doesn’t capture as much spatial depth

• Buyers will be more apt to want an in-person tour

Aerial Drone Photos and Videos

Pros:

• Give potential buyers a bird’s-eye view from every angle

• Gives some outdoor spatial depth

• More control over how the video is presented to the viewer

• Opens property up to more viewers

• Easily accessible to the maximum number of people

Cons:

• Only captures the view of the camera angle

• Limited interactivity

• May create false expectations

• Drones are subject to some restrictions on usage, especially in inclement weather

If you need help deciding which type of real estate photography is best for your needs, feel free to reach out! At Sage Aesthetic, our goal is to deliver you the best possible photography and videography options for your real estate listing needs. We can work closely with you and your agent to determine the best real estate marketing tools that will help you sell or rent your property fast!

Using Cryptocurrency in the Process of Selling Your Home

Selling a house is typically one of those arduous tasks that most people don't really look forward to. The typical costs associated with the selling process quickly add up and eat into any profit you were hoping to get out of your home. Luckily, though, you can take advantage of modern technological resources to make it much less stressful and more profitable.

One resource available nowadays which has been very popular among homeowners lately? Cryptocurrency! Many sellers have opted into using digital assets to obtain various property listing services and even accepting them as payment.

While cryptocurrency may be a new concept to many, the idea of using it in selling your house is one that makes perfect sense. Not only does this low-cost option provide you with more potential buyers for your property, but if you can find sales-related services and conduct real estate transactions through crypto then there are even more benefits!

What are the Benefits of Purchasing a Home with a Crypto Loan?

There is something amazing happening in the world of real estate finance. As this legacy industry collides with the technology of the 21st-century, new opportunities arise. In fact, one of the biggest opportunities to accumulate wealth is to incorporate a crypto-backed loan into your real estate investment strategy.

Fledgling FinTech companies are eager to disrupt the traditional home-buying process by offering crypto loans for as low as 1% interest. Indeed, it seems as though this hunger for disruption is a contributing factor to the raging real estate market around the country. And, it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

What Crypto Should I Use to Conduct Real Estate Transactions?

While Bitcoin is perhaps the most widely known cryptocurrency making headlines, it’s not exactly ideal for those who want to conduct real estate transactions. This is due to its high volatility in price. For real estate transactions and related services, it’s best to find professionals who accept more stable coins. Price stability is an important factor in maximizing the benefits you enjoy by using crypto. After all, it would be quite a shock to have the currency lose half its value shortly after you complete the transaction, right?

At Sage Aesthetic, we understand not only how frustrating the selling process can be, but also how cryptocurrency can be a home seller’s best friend. That is why we gladly accept stable coins such as USDC and Tether through Coinbase. These cryptocurrencies offer price stability as they are tied to the US Dollar. In this way, they are always worth $1. No need to worry about an extreme price fluctuation causing you to lose out.

How to Prep Your Home for a Listing Photo Shoot

If you are like most people who plan to list their home for sale, you may wonder how to prepare your home for a listing photo shoot. High-quality, professional real estate photos go a long way for making a great first impression and help potential buyers get an idea of what the house looks like inside and out. Therefore, it is crucial to showcase your property in the most attractive ways possible. To do this, you need to do a little preparation ahead of time to make sure the real estate photographer can capture the beauty of your home.

Real Estate Photoshoot Checklist

When you’re ready to list your home, it can be a bit of a challenge to get the house looking its best. If you want to avoid some common pitfalls, there are some important steps that you should take before the listing photoshoot! This real estate photo checklist will discuss how to prep your home for a listing photoshoot and what not to do when trying to make your house look good in pictures.

De-Personalize the Entire Property

It's a common misconception that buyers want to walk into their new house and feel like it's theirs. Unfortunately, this is not the case as most people are looking for an empty slate on which they can start fresh without any trace of previous owners. Go throughout the entire property and remove personal items. 

For example, you should remove any pictures of family members or other sentimental items from the walls and replace them with art prints or posters. Also, change out all of your towels with new ones so it doesn't look as though you live there anymore. Similarly, remove hygiene items from the bathrooms, toys from rooms, wind chimes from the patio, and anything else that is considered a personal item.

Remove All Evidence of Your Furry Friends

Pets are man's best friend, but they can also be a home seller’s worst enemy. When you list your home for sale with pictures of the beloved family pet running around in the yard and lounging on the furniture, prospective buyers may find this disheartening for various reasons. 

For example, photos like these make people think you will leave behind dirt, smells, and dander that need to be cleaned up. After all, some people have severe allergies, and seeing a photo of a pet may turn them off right away. So please be sure to put them in the garage, a vehicle (as long as it’s not too hot that day), or drop them off at a friend's house. Additionally, you'll want to remove any evidence of them, such as dog houses, bags of food, bedding, feeding dishes, etc.

Give the Photographer an Unoccupied Space

If possible, prepare to leave home for a little while. Because of the sensitive equipment and time it takes to capture exquisite real estate photos and videos, it can be beneficial to leave the house for a while. To avoid distracting the photographer and allow them the freedom of movement to capture the best images, consider giving them an unoccupied space. The last thing you want is to step into the shot and ruin it accidentally! The more comfortable and unencumbered the photographer feels during the shoot, the better quality pictures will be taken for you!

Remove Floor Coverings

Even if you plan on staging your home with a professional stager, it's best to let buyers see as much of the original floor as possible. In order to get an accurate representation of what the flooring really looks like, remove any floor coverings such as mats, area rugs, and runners. This will allow for better light reflection and show more detail in the photos. Plus, when someone moves into your home after buying it from you they'll probably have their own floor coverings anyway! And, you won’t give the impression that you may be trying to hide imperfections such as gouges, stains, or other damage.

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Do a thorough inspection of the home and property and pay attention to details! Make sure the windows and mirrors are spotless, the walls and other surfaces are free from scuffs and smudges, and countertops are clutter-free. If you have tile on the floors or countertops, be sure to clean the grout. Wash all your dishes and put them away in the cabinet. 

Look for grime that has built up in the corners of the floor. Remove water spots from faucets and grime rings from around the tub. Close toilet seats and shower doors. While you don’t necessarily need to pass a white-glove inspection, the most important thing to keep in mind is that visible dirt and grime is going to really stand out in photos. 

Let There Be Light!

The way light can affect a space is one of the most important factors in real estate photography. Good lighting can highlight the best features and make any home seem instantly more welcoming, while bad lighting will do just the opposite. The lighting in your photos should be natural whenever possible, and make sure there are no shadows on the walls or floor that will distract from the space you're trying to show off.

To achieve the perfect lighting conditions, open up all the blinds and curtains to let as much natural light in as possible. Check all lights and lamps to make sure there are no burnt-out bulbs. The photographer will probably want all of the lights turned on to enhance the photos, so opt for bulbs that give off a warm, natural glow. If you have a fireplace, ask the photographer if they want you to light a fire. 

Declutter Spaces

Clutter can make even large rooms appear smaller than they are. Be sure to remove all clutter and personal items. There should be no visible laundry baskets, magnets on the fridge, stacks of papers/books/magazines, piles of shoes, unnecessary furniture, etc. Aim to open up spaces to maximize the appearance of lots of room. 

Additionally, large items such as floor fans, portable air conditioners, vacuums, and other large objects need to be put away in a closet or garage. However, decluttering doesn’t have to mean completely stripping down the space. Some items, like candles, attractive plants, and generic knick-knacks can help maintain a warm and inviting ambiance. 

Trash is Just Plain Unsightly

All trash cans in the kitchen, bathrooms, office, etc., should be in the garage or closet. Additionally, all outdoor trash/recycling bins should be stored away in the garage or moved to an area out of sight. If you have rented a large dumpster for home remodeling projects, be sure to schedule your photoshoot after it has been removed. Similarly, if you have rented large storage/moving pods, you don’t want them around when the photographer gets there.

Turn off Electric Items That Move

Electrical appliances will inevitably show up in your pictures and it's important to make sure they don't distract from the rest of the photo. To get the best HDR real estate listing photos, you want to make sure all electrical appliances that could create motion in the photo are turned off or unplugged. This includes ceiling fans, TVs/computer monitors, clocks, decorative lights, or anything else that has motion.

Make Your Beds!

Give your bed a quick makeover to take it from messy to perfect for real estate photos.  Your sheets should be neatly tucked under, with no wrinkles or bunches. This part is sometimes overlooked, especially in kid's rooms. Ensure that all bedding is in excellent condition, sheets/blankets match, and consider adding some decorative pillows to make rooms look even cozier!

Keep in mind the goal is to do your best to tie the room together, but there’s no need to break the bank! If you don’t want to invest in completely new bedding, there are a few inexpensive items you can pick up to cover your old bedding. For example, consider using a duvet cover that matches with some of the other items in the room. 

Boost the Appeal of the Front & Back Yards

Be sure to mow the lawn, prune shrubs/trees, pull weeds, rake leaves, and remove animal waste right before the photographer arrives. Clutter in the yard can turn off prospective buyers, so hide items like bags of soil, garden hoses, lawn decorations, toys, random chairs, yard care equipment, etc. If possible, repair small imperfections, wash the mud off the plaster/siding, replace broken gutters or screens, and wiping down windowsills. Additionally, you can spread fresh mulch around trees and use eco-friendly green paint to touch up brown spots in the yard.

Showcase Nice Items in Your Yard

You don't need to remove everything from your yard. For example, if you have a nice grill in the backyard, remove the cover and open it up. If you have an umbrella or retractable awning, open it up! Toss a few pillows onto patio loungers and chairs. Set a pitcher of lemonade and a few glasses on the patio table.

Perhaps you have a pool or spa. In this case, be sure to remove any coverings, clean it, and remove security gates, if possible. Or, maybe there's a nice playset for the kids. Feel free to add a few fairy lights to add ambiance and capture the feeling of a comfortable family home. Use your imagination to add a touch of home without making it too personal.

Hide Your Rides & Toys

Move all vehicles out of the garage and driveway and park them down the street a little. The same goes for RVs, boats, ATVs, bicycles, etc. The photographer must be able to capture the condition of the garage and driveway. Doing this also gives prospective buyers the ability to imagine their own cars and toys in the yard, not yours. 

Be Prepared to Reschedule

There are some factors you should be aware of that may necessitate rescheduling. For example, if the weather or lighting is not optimal, you're not going to get the best photos. Similarly, if the photographer is using a drone, it's impossible to fly in rainy conditions. Therefore, you should be open to the idea if the photographer suggests rescheduling and leave a block of time available for another visit.

Need Help Preparing for a Real Estate Photoshoot?

As you can see, there is a lot to think about before the day of your listing photo shoot. Call us if you need help with any aspect of this process-we're happy to provide both general advice and specific guidance for each step in preparing your home for the perfect pictures!

FAQ: How Many Real Estate Photos Do I Really Need?

Finding the optimal number of real estate photos you have for your real estate listing is important if you want to sell your home faster. But how many photos are enough? What angles should I try to present? Should I put more than one video on the listing? Can drone videos give more details than photos?

These questions are an important part of the home selling process, and the answer can vary depending on the property. However, there are some basic rules of thumb when it comes to determining how many photos and videos are just right for a property listing. Here, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

Does the Quantity of Photos Affect a Potential Buyer's Decision-Making Process?

According to Zillow’s research, listings with less than 9 photos were 20% less likely to be purchased within 60 days. Sometimes, home sellers believe that the more photos they include, the smoother the process will go. However, there is such a thing as “information overload.” Listings with more than 28 photos also took longer to sell. It is believed that this phenomenon occurs because buyers perceive a property with a large number of photos to be more expensive.

Zillow has studied this question quite a bit, and most real estate experts agree that 20-30 photos are enough to give potential buyers a good view of the property. However, if your property has a lot of unique features or is much larger than the average property, you may opt to show more or include a video. Just be sure not to overdo it, or you risk losing the attention of prospective buyers.

When Should I Opt for Drone Real Estate Photography?

Aerial drone photography has become an invaluable tool for many real estate agents to showcase spectacular views or property features. However, unless your property has these features, drone photography may not be something you need. It’s tempting to go out and buy an inexpensive drone with a camera, but it may not have the high-quality features that will elicit the best responses from buyers. Additionally, there may be restrictions on flying drones in your area. If you do decide to add some done photos or videos, be sure you have a professional do it. 

How Many Different Angles Should I Use, Including Aerial Drone Pics?

For those who are not professional real estate photographers, it may seem simple to snap several photos from various angles and capture the best features of your home. However, while you think you may be presenting everything in the best way possible, angles can really affect the perception of buyers. For example, taking a photo from the doorway is going to give the room a different feel than taking it from one corner of the room. 

So, it is best to consult with a professional real estate photographer. They have the experience to understand how angles can affect the photos and find the best ways to showcase your home’s most beautiful features.

Do I Need More Than One Video for the Listing?

Similar to how too many photos can affect a buyer’s perception of the price of the home, too many videos can, as well. It is unlikely to work to your advantage to show more than one video. However, if you’re including a video in the listing, you may opt to show fewer photos.

Should I Include Photos That Show Different Times of the Day?

The answer to this depends on the property, but it is usually good to show photos during different times of the day and evening. The reason is that natural lighting can have a profound effect on different parts of a property. You want to capture these areas in the best natural light possible. For example, if your property has beautiful outdoor lighting features, you will want to show that to prospective buyers.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to the number of photos required for your real estate listing. We recommend that you consult with an experienced professional who knows what buyers want and are looking for in a home before deciding on how many pictures will be necessary. At Sage Aesthetic, we pride ourselves on being able to provide all of your real estate photography needs so feel free to contact us today!