How much does a drone real estate video cost?
Getting a drone video shot for a property being put up for sale can boost interest in the property and bring in multiple offers. Nowadays, drones are so inexpensive that many businesses have started offering drone videos as a service, but how much does a drone video cost?
A drone real estate video shot can cost significantly more than most people would think. Expect anywhere from $400 to $800 for a few minutes of rough sequences (not including editing).
But isn’t that more than the cost of a drone?
Yes, it actually is. Many reasons explain this price. First and foremost, a qualified drone pilot is required for most shots. That entails a $150 licence (in the US), which requires an upfront investment in both time and money. Then there’s experience. Most new drone pilots quickly realize that flying a drone isn’t the easiest thing to master. Having to climb up a tree to get your drone back? Yeah, we’ve been there. There are many obstacles in the air; power lines, trees, birds and planes. It’s not child’s play.
You then have to keep in mind the pilot’s travel time and expenses, including insurance. That’s often included in the price.
As with everything, you can expect a significant variation in price depending on multiple factors, such as complexity of the shot (middle-of-nowhere Arkansas is probably easier to shoot than a condo on Fifth Avenue!) and general market condition.
How much will it cost to edit a drone video for real estate?
Again, that can vary enormously based on the editor’s experience and the level of finish you’re looking for. In this industry, you often get what you pay for. Keep in mind that most drone video operators will also offer editing as part of a complete package. Expect to pay the equivalent of around $100 per hour for quality video editing. Two to three hours are required to edit a 1:30-2:00 drone video.
All in all, expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $1200 for a quality drone video that’s ready to be published online.
If you’re getting into the drone video business for real estate, you may be interested in this other post on what to charge for a drone video for real estate.
You think you can do it yourself for less? You want to buy your own drone, shoot and edit the video yourself? If you’re a real estate agent, that could save you a lot of money and make you stand out in a competitive market. If you’re getting in the drone video business, make sure you check out our new online course Drone Video for Real Estate.
