Can Realtors Buy a Drone and Take Their Own Aerial Photos?
- Beth Gress
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Can Realtors Buy a Drone and Take Their Own Aerial Photos?
If you’ve ever wondered, can I buy a drone and take my own aerial photos for my listings?—the answer is yes, but there are some important things you need to know first.
In this week’s Media Minute, we’re answering a question Realtors often ask when they start thinking about adding aerial photography to their marketing toolkit.
The Short Answer
Yes, Realtors can absolutely purchase a drone and take aerial photos yourself.
However, once you use those photos to market a property for sale, the FAA considers that commercial drone use, which comes with specific legal requirements.
FAA Licensing Requirements
If you are a Realtor and want to fly a drone for real estate marketing, the FAA requires you to hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
This certification ensures that drone pilots understand:
Airspace regulations
Weather conditions
Flight safety procedures
Operational rules for drones
Obtaining a Part 107 license involves studying FAA material and passing an exam. It’s not impossible—but it does require preparation.
Don’t Forget Liability Insurance
Licensing is only one part of the equation.
Anyone flying a drone for commercial work should also carry liability insurance.
This protects you, your brokerage, and your client in case:
Someone is injured
Property is damaged
An accident occurs during the flight
Without proper insurance, the financial risk can be significant.
Editing and Post-Production Matter Too
Capturing aerial photos is only part of the process.
Professional aerial photography also requires:
Image editing
Color correction
Proper perspective and composition
If you don’t have the editing skills yourself, you’ll need a reliable editor to finish the images professionally.
Why Many Realtors Hire a Drone Photographer
While it’s possible to do it yourself, many Realtors find it easier to hire an experienced drone pilot.
Working with a professional drone photographer means:
FAA compliance is already handled
Proper insurance coverage is in place
You receive professionally edited aerial images
Most importantly, it allows you to focus on your role as the professional Realtor rather than managing drone equipment and regulations.
Serving Central Pennsylvania Realtors
Gress Photography works with agents across:
Lancaster County
Berks County
Lebanon County
Schuylkill County
all surrounding areas
Our entire team is FAA Part 107 licensed and insured drone pilots, so you can confidently include aerial photography in your listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone for real estate photography?
Yes. If you’re using the photos to market a property, the FAA requires a Part 107 license.
Do drone photographers need insurance?
While not federally required, liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect against accidents or property damage.
Can Realtors legally fly drones themselves?
Yes, as long as they meet FAA licensing requirements and follow all drone regulations.
Have a Question for a Future Media Minute?
Send Beth your questions by comment, message, or email—and it might be featured in a future episode.
Media Minute with Beth
This article is part of the Media Minute with Beth series, where we answer common questions from Realtors to help them market listings more effectively.
Transcript: Hey there. Today's question is, "I've been thinking about buying a drone and doing my own aerial photos. What are your thoughts on that?" Okay, yes, so you can certainly do that. However, you need to remember a few things. First of all is that is the commercial use of a drone when you're using those photos to market a property for sale. So the FAA says if you're using a drone for commercial purposes, you have to have your part 107, license. So go through all the steps. Get that license. It's no joke.
Ask any of the girls. It was no joke.
So get your license. Make sure you're carrying liability insurance. So you want to make sure you're protected. Make sure your broker is protected. If you hurt somebody or damage somebody's property, dear God, you want to have protection. And then last of all, yeah, go ahead and do it. Find a great editor to edit your photos if you don't have the skills to do it yourself. But honestly, the easiest thing to do is hire yourself an experienced drone pilot like one of the team here at Gress Photography, and just get us to do them for you. It's less painful, and then you show up as the professional Realtor, and not the guy on the side doing drone photos for fun, but that's my take on it. You're always welcome to call me and talk to me about it. I'm happy to help you. So again, this is Beth the Gress photography. Shoot me a DM comment, send me an email and have me have your questions. I'm happy to answer them for you and see what we come up with. I hope you all have a great day. Thanks. Bye.
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