FAQ
Are drone or twilight photos worth the extra cost?
Quick Answer
For homes with notable curb appeal, larger lots, desirable views, or unique architecture, drone and twilight photography can meaningfully strengthen a listing's first impression. For a typical, straightforward resale home, they're a nice-to-have rather than a necessity — discuss with your photographer or agent whether your specific home would benefit before adding the extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- Drone photography works best for homes with larger lots, notable landscaping, or a setting that benefits from an aerial view.
- Twilight photography tends to flatter architectural features and can dramatically highlight homes with desirable views or unique exteriors.
- For a typical suburban resale home without standout lot size or views, standard daytime photos are usually sufficient.
- These add-ons increase photography cost, so they're worth a specific conversation about your home's particular strengths.
- A photographer or agent familiar with your home can give a more useful recommendation than a general rule of thumb.
Drone and twilight photography come up as an upsell option with most photographers, and whether they're worth it depends heavily on the specific home.
When These Add-Ons Tend to Pay Off
| Home Type | Consider Drone/Twilight? |
|---|---|
| Larger lot or notable landscaping | Often worth it — aerial shots showcase scale and setting |
| Desirable view or water proximity | Often worth it — twilight shots can dramatically highlight a view |
| Unique architecture or standout curb appeal | Often worth it — twilight photography tends to flatter architectural features |
| Typical suburban resale home | Optional — standard daytime interior/exterior photos are usually sufficient |
Why twilight photos work so well
Twilight photography — shot during the brief window after sunset with interior lights on — creates a warm, inviting glow that's difficult to replicate at any other time of day. It's particularly effective for homes with attractive exteriors or evening curb appeal.
Why Drone Photography Helps Specific Homes
Aerial drone shots are most useful for conveying information a ground-level photo can't: lot size and shape, proximity to nearby amenities or water, the layout of a larger property, or how a home sits relative to its surroundings. For a standard lot on a typical suburban street, this information is less differentiating.
Dave's Local Insight
I ask myself one question when deciding whether to recommend these add-ons for a specific listing: does this home have something genuinely worth showing from the air or at twilight that ground-level daytime photos don't capture? If yes, it's usually worth it. If the honest answer is no, standard photography covers it well.
How to Decide for Your Home
Questions to ask before adding drone or twilight photography
- Does the property have a lot size, view, or landscaping feature that's hard to convey from ground level?
- Would the home's exterior specifically benefit from twilight's warm lighting effect?
- Is the added cost proportional to your home's price point and the potential marketing benefit?
- What does your photographer or agent specifically recommend after seeing the property in person?
Bottom Line
Drone and twilight photography are worthwhile add-ons for homes with genuine standout features — larger lots, notable views, or distinctive architecture — but they're optional rather than necessary for a typical resale home. Ask your photographer or agent for a specific recommendation based on what your home actually has to show off.
Related Questions
Sources
Written by Dave Brown
REALTOR®, LPT Realty
Dave Brown is a REALTOR® with LPT Realty who has spent his career helping families buy, sell, and settle into life in Woodbury, Minnesota and the surrounding East Metro. He writes Woodbury Living as a local resource first and a business second — every guide is meant to leave you better informed, whether or not you ever work together.
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