What Realtors and Buyers Want
Think Like a Realtor
To deliver work that gets you hired again, you need to understand what your client is trying to accomplish. A realtor’s goal isn’t “drone footage.” Their goal is to sell the property and market themselves as a top-tier agent.
Your footage serves two purposes:
- Help sell this specific property: show it in the best possible light
- Make the realtor look great: they’ll share your video on social media, and their name is on it
What Buyers Respond To
Context and Surroundings
Buyers want to see the property in context. How big is the lot really? What’s the neighborhood like? Is there a park nearby? A highway? Schools? Ground-level photos can’t answer these questions, but 30 seconds of aerial footage can.
The “Wow” Factor
Luxury properties especially benefit from dramatic aerial footage. An orbit shot at golden hour, a slow reveal over a treeline, a flyover showing the pool and outdoor living space. These create emotional responses that translate into showings and offers.
Honest Representation
Good realtors want honest footage, not deceptive footage. Don’t use creative angles to hide the power plant behind the house. The buyer will see it in person anyway, and the realtor’s reputation depends on trust.
Never use editing tricks or camera angles to make a property appear larger, closer to amenities, or different from reality. It’s unethical and could create liability for you and the realtor.
What Realtors Need From You
Speed
The real estate market moves fast. A listing can go live within days of signing. Your turnaround time matters. Ideally 24-48 hours from shoot to delivery.
Multiple Formats
Realtors need footage for different channels:
- MLS listing: high-res photos and a video tour
- Social media: short-form vertical video (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
- Website/email: embedded video or GIF highlights
- Print materials: high-resolution stills for flyers and brochures
Branded and Unbranded Versions
MLS rules in many markets require unbranded virtual tours (no realtor name or contact info). Provide both versions: branded for the realtor’s social media, unbranded for MLS.
Before your first real estate job, ask the realtor about their local MLS requirements for video and virtual tours. Rules vary by market, and getting this wrong creates rework.
Reliability
Show up on time, communicate clearly, deliver when promised. Most realtors have been burned by flaky photographers. Being reliable is more valuable than being the most creative pilot in town.
The Real Estate Agent’s Perspective
The realtor is your client, not the homeowner. The homeowner may have opinions, but the realtor makes the hiring decisions and controls the budget. Build your relationship with the agent.
When a realtor sees that you:
- Show up on time
- Produce beautiful footage
- Deliver quickly
- Make them look good on social media
They send you every listing. That’s the goal. Not one job, but an ongoing relationship where you’re their go-to aerial photographer.
Quick Check
Q: What are the two purposes your footage serves for a realtor? A: Help sell the specific property and market the realtor as a top-tier agent.
Q: Why do realtors need both branded and unbranded video versions? A: Many MLS systems require unbranded tours. Branded versions are for the realtor’s social media and marketing.
Q: What matters more to realtors: creativity or reliability? A: Reliability. Most have been burned by flaky photographers, so being dependable is the foundation of a lasting relationship.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand the client, let’s learn how to plan the perfect real estate shoot.
Master real estate drone work with Pilot Institute.