Is professional photography and drone video actually worth the extra expense?

real estatehome sellingmarketing

Elena_Sofia

Joined:
30.08.2020
Posts: 2444

Topic Starter

25.03.2025 01:17

I am getting ready to list my home next month and my realtor is pushing hard for a premium marketing package that includes professional HDR photos and drone footage. It adds about $800 to the total listing costs, which feels like a decent chunk of change. I've looked at similar listings in my neighborhood and some sellers just use their phone cameras, while others go all out. Does anyone have experience with whether this actually leads to a higher final sale price or just helps the house sit on the market for a few days less? I'm worried it might be overkill for a suburban property.

11 replies in this topic

Filip_G

Joined:
22.03.2020
Posts: 219

29.05.2025 02:08

Honestly, in this market, presentation is everything. People scroll through Zillow so fast that if your photos look like they were taken with a potato, they'll just skip right past your listing.

Sofiya_G

Joined:
14.06.2020
Posts: 108

30.06.2025 08:11

In reply to a previous post

I sold my place last year and paid for the professional package. It sold in three days for over asking. I'm convinced the photos got people in the door who otherwise wouldn't have clicked.

Oli_S

Joined:
01.09.2023
Posts: 76

11.07.2025 05:06

Is it really worth $800 though? Seems like a realtor upsell to me. A decent iPhone camera with good lighting is more than enough these days.

mati_123

Joined:
05.09.2020
Posts: 1776

17.07.2025 16:14

In reply to a previous post

I have to disagree with you there. Even with a good phone, you lack the wide-angle lenses and the editing software that pros use to make rooms look bright and spacious. It makes a huge difference.

GospodinNikoi

Joined:
08.07.2025
Posts: 793

15.09.2025 01:27

Drone footage is usually overkill unless you have a massive lot or live near a landmark. For a standard suburban lot, it just looks like you're trying too hard.

Kras_T

Joined:
15.01.2025
Posts: 1237

26.10.2025 09:13

In reply to a previous post

I work in real estate, and I can tell you that listings with drone shots get significantly more clicks on average. It gives buyers a sense of the neighborhood and proximity to schools or parks.

anonimen_bg

Joined:
18.11.2023
Posts: 1465

06.11.2025 15:10

If your house is priced competitively, it will sell regardless of the photos. Don't waste the money.

Znaesht

Joined:
04.07.2025
Posts: 687

23.11.2025 18:10

In reply to a previous post

I'd argue that the photos don't necessarily raise the final price, but they definitely help you get multiple offers early on. Multiple offers are how you actually drive the price up.

Simeon_W

Joined:
03.06.2023
Posts: 2433

08.12.2025 02:16

Just check the realtor's portfolio. If their 'professional' photos look decent, go for it. If they look like HDR nightmares with neon green grass, save your cash.

Toni_M

Joined:
31.03.2025
Posts: 1142

10.01.2026 21:08

In reply to a previous post

Exactly what I was going to say. Bad HDR is worse than no HDR. Make sure they know how to edit properly.

Roman_88

Joined:
07.08.2022
Posts: 2500

10.03.2026 18:49

In reply to a previous post

Think of it as a small investment compared to the total sale price of the home. $800 is a drop in the bucket if it helps you close even a week faster.

Is professional photography and drone video actually worth the extra expense?

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