SEO Team - Sold in a Snap

Drone Photography: A Whole New View of Real Estate

SEO Team — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:12:54 +0000

In real estate, first impressions happen online. The photos you use can make or break a sale. Real estate drone photography has become one of the most effective ways to make listings stand out. With stunning aerial photos and videos, drones capture the full story of a property — from the home to the neighborhood around it.

Why Drone Photography Matters in Real Estate

The real estate industry is changing fast, and technology is leading the way. Drones now play a major role in how buyers view properties. These small, powerful tools capture high-resolution aerial images that highlight a property’s best features — something standard ground photos can’t always do.

According to MLS data, listings with drone photos are 68% more likely to sell than those without. Yet, less than 15% of realtors are currently using them. That means adding aerial photography to your listings can give you a clear competitive advantage.

The Benefits of Aerial Real Estate Photography

1. Capture the Whole Property

Aerial shots give potential buyers a full perspective of the home, the yard, and how everything fits together. They’re especially useful for larger lots, ranches, or estates — but they also help smaller properties stand out.

2. Show Off the Surroundings

Drone photography doesn’t just capture the home — it captures the environment. Buyers can see nearby parks, schools, lakes, and shopping centers that add value to the property.

3. Highlight Neighborhood Features

Aerial real estate photos can showcase community amenities like pools, playgrounds, golf courses, and walking trails — helping buyers imagine their lifestyle beyond the front door.

4. Improve Buyer Confidence

Drone photos can answer common questions about privacy, boundaries, and proximity to neighbors. They also show roof condition and property layout clearly.

5. Increase Engagement and Leads

Drone videos keep potential buyers on your listing longer, which improves engagement metrics and boosts visibility on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com.

How Drone Photography Works

Working with a licensed real estate drone photographer ensures your aerial images are safe, compliant, and professional.

Here’s how a typical shoot works:

Schedule your session with a licensed drone photographer.
The FAA-certified pilot captures aerial photos and videos in 4K resolution.
Professional editing enhances colors, contrast, and clarity.
Final files delivered for your MLS, website, or marketing materials.

All Sold in a Snap photographers are FAA Part 107 certified, meaning every shoot meets legal and safety standards.

Drone Photography for Any Property Size

Most people think drones are only useful for large estates or commercial properties. In reality, aerial real estate photography works for nearly any listing.

Small Homes: Capture layout and neighborhood charm.
Suburban Properties: Highlight proximity to schools, parks, and highways.
Waterfront Homes: Showcase river, lake, or ocean views.
Urban Listings: Show nearby attractions, downtown access, and amenities.

Even for smaller spaces, drone photos can add depth, perspective, and context — turning an ordinary listing into something buyers remember.

Drone Photography vs. Ground Photography

Feature	Ground Photography	Aerial Drone Photography
Field of View	Limited to eye level	Expansive, full property view
Context	Focused on details	Shows entire location and surroundings
Engagement	Standard	2x higher click-through rates
Use Case	Indoor & close-up	Outdoor, neighborhood, full-lot views

Combining both methods gives you the best of both worlds — stunning close-ups and sweeping aerial shots that work together to tell a complete story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drone photography worth it for smaller homes?

Yes. Even compact properties benefit from aerial shots showing neighborhood layout and curb appeal.

Do drone shoots depend on weather?

Yes. Ideal conditions are clear skies and calm winds, but shoots can often be rescheduled at no extra cost.

Are drone operators required to be licensed?

Absolutely. The FAA requires a Part 107 certification for all commercial drone work.

How fast do I get my photos?

Most drone photography sessions are delivered within 24–48 hours.

Why Realtors in Texas Choose Sold in a Snap

FAA-certified drone pilots
High-resolution aerial photography and videography
Quick turnaround times
Packages for residential, commercial, and luxury listings
Trusted by top agents across Georgetown, Austin, and Central Texas

Ready to Elevate Your Listings?

Drone photography helps buyers see more — and helps your listings sell faster.
Bring your next listing to life with aerial real estate photography from Sold in a Snap.

The post Drone Photography: A Whole New View of Real Estate first appeared on Sold in a Snap.

Matterport 3D Tour vs Zillow 3D Home – Which one is right for your listing?

SEO Team — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Getting Creative with Showcasing Your Texas Home: Should You go for Matterport or Zillow 3D Tours?

In the Central Texas real estate market, high-quality photography is only the beginning. Today’s buyers want more than static images—they want to walk through a home online, explore every angle, and understand the layout before visiting in person. That’s why 3D virtual tours have become one of the most powerful tools in real estate marketing.

Two of the leading options are Matterport 3D and Zillow 3D Home Tours. Both help agents and sellers showcase properties in an engaging way, but they differ in cost, features, and how buyers experience them.

For agents and sellers aiming to sell faster and attract more buyers in 2025, 3D tours can also be a listing-winning strategy. Providing a virtual walkthrough not only helps buyers shop on their own schedule—it can also set you apart from competitors who rely on photos alone.

What is a Matterport 3D Tour?

Matterport is the industry leader in 3D virtual tours. Using a special camera or a compatible 360 camera, Matterport creates a true-to-life, detailed, and immersive model of a property. Buyers can move through the tour as if they were physically inside, exploring every room at their own pace.

Key Features of Matterport Visual Tours:

Dollhouse View: Lets buyers see the entire property from above.
Floor Plans: Automatic floor plan generation available.
High Resolution: Crisp details, great for luxury and commercial listings.
MLS Integration: Accepted by most MLS systems.
Add-Ons: Can integrate virtual staging, measurement tools, and VR.

Best For:

Luxury real estate
Commercial spaces
Builders and developers
Agents who want premium marketing

This makes Matterport 3D tours an excellent option for vacant homes or properties with unique architectural features—like curved walls, vaulted ceilings, or custom finishes—that don’t stand out in photos alone. Out of the two platforms, it delivers the highest quality presentation both visually and technically.

Matterport 3D Visual Tour Example

What is a Zillow 3D Home Tours?

Another option for virtual tours is Zillow 3D Home Tours. This 3D Home Tours are a free, easy-to-use alternative that integrates directly with the Zillow platform. Agents can capture tours using just an iPhone or a Ricoh Theta 360 camera, making the process fast and convenient. Once uploaded, the tour is embedded into the property’s Zillow listing, allowing buyers to explore the home from the comfort of their own couch. Zillow 3D Home Tours are a good option for properties that are occupied, or for properties that have a more traditional layout. These tours come with benefits that the higher-end Matterport tour does not. Each tour gives the property a boost on Zillow to the top of search results for the first 7 days on market. It also comes with tags and other identifying features across Zillow to make it stand out in all searches.

Key Features of Zillow 3D Home Tours:

Free to Use: No camera purchase required (works with iPhone).
Simple Setup: Tours are easy to capture and upload.
Zillow Integration: Displays prominently on Zillow and Trulia listings.
Shareable Links: Can be shared with clients outside of Zillow.

Best For:

Entry-level agents
Rental listings
Budget-conscious marketing
Homes that don’t require luxury presentation

Zillow 3D Home Tour Example

Matterport 3D Tour vs Zillow 3D Home Tours: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Matterport 3D Tour	Zillow 3D Home
Cost	Camera purchase ($2,995 Pro3) + hosting fees ($9.99–$69/month)	Free with iPhone/360 camera, hosting included
Ease of Use	Requires special camera or 360 camera, pro-level capture	Simple app, works with iPhone or Ricoh Theta
MLS Integration	Yes, widely supported across MLS platforms	Limited, often only Zillow/Trulia ecosystem
Quality	High-resolution, dollhouse view, floor plans	Good quality, lacks floor plan & dollhouse view
Virtual Staging	Available via third-party integrations	Limited, mostly static photos only
Best For	Agents, brokers, luxury listings, commercial properties	Entry-level agents, rental listings, basic real estate
Standout Feature	Dollhouse 3D view + floor plan exports	Free, simple, and integrated with Zillow search

Pricing: 3D Matterport vs Zillow 3D Home

Matterport:

Cameras range from $399 (360 cameras) to $2,995 (Pro3).
Monthly hosting plans: $9.99–$69 depending on number of tours.
Add-ons: floor plans, schematic exports, VR support.

Zillow 3D Home:

Free to capture and host.
Works best if you already list on Zillow/Trulia.
No extra fees for storage.

If cost is your main concern, Zillow is the clear winner. If you want high-quality immersive experiences, Matterport is worth the investment.

Pros, Cons, and Questions to Ponder

Both Matterport and Zillow 3D Home Tours offer powerful ways to showcase a property, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Matterport is known as the premium option. It creates highly interactive, fully immersive virtual tours that allow buyers to “walk through” every corner of a property. This level of detail is especially appealing for luxury homes or listings where unique layouts and architectural features are a major selling point. The trade-off is cost and time—Matterport requires more scans, additional on-site technician time, and ongoing hosting fees, making it the more expensive choice.

Zillow 3D Home Tours, by contrast, are a free and more streamlined solution. Agents can capture tours quickly using just an iPhone or Ricoh Theta 360 camera, and because they’re integrated directly into Zillow, buyers can easily access them alongside the listing photos. Zillow also provides a valuable marketing advantage: listings with 3D Home Tours are boosted to the top of Zillow search results for the first 7 days and tagged with special identifiers that help them stand out. This makes Zillow 3D Home Tours particularly effective for occupied homes, traditional floorplans, or listings where cost-efficiency and visibility are priorities.

When weighing the two, ask yourself:

Are you aiming to deliver a high-end, premium experience?
How long will you need the tour hosted online?
Is maximizing exposure on Zillow a priority for your listing?

In some cases, doing both can be worthwhile—Matterport for its immersive “wow” factor and Zillow 3D Home for the added search visibility.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the property’s needs, the seller’s budget, and the target audience. If the home has standout features, a tricky floorplan, or is likely to appeal to out-of-town buyers, a 3D tour should absolutely be part of the marketing strategy—alongside professional photography.

Sold in a Snap has got you covered for either or both tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Matterport and Zillow 3D Home?
Matterport is a premium 3D tour system with dollhouse views and floor plans. Zillow 3D Home is free and integrates with Zillow but has fewer features.

How much does a Matterport camera cost in 2025?
The Matterport Pro3 camera costs around $2,995. Lower-cost options exist, but hosting fees apply.

Is Zillow 3D Home free for agents?
Yes, it’s completely free if you use an iPhone or Ricoh Theta 360 camera.

Can buyers view Matterport tours on their phone?
Yes. Matterport works on desktop, mobile, and VR headsets.

Do Matterport tours help sell homes faster?
Yes. Studies show homes with 3D tours get more views and can sell quicker than those without.

Can Zillow 3D tours be added to the MLS?
Some MLS platforms allow Zillow 3D links, but integration is limited compared to Matterport.

What are the best Matterport alternatives?
CloudPano, EyeSpy360, Asteroom, and Kuula are popular options.

Which platform is better for luxury homes?
Matterport is best for luxury properties because of its resolution, floor plan integration, and presentation.

In Conclusion

Matterport and Zillow 3D Home Tours are both great options for providing a virtual tour of a property. While both have their pros and cons, ultimately the decision will depend on the specific needs of the property, budget, and target market. Realtors should consider both options and consult with Sold in a Snap to determine which one is best for their property. By providing high-quality virtual tours, realtors can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the property and make a quicker decision to purchase.

The post Matterport 3D Tour vs Zillow 3D Home – Which one is right for your listing? first appeared on Sold in a Snap.

Sell Homes Faster with Drone Photography in Central Texas

SEO Team — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 03:02:52 +0000

Drone photography for real estate helps listings stand out by showing homes from above, highlighting property size, layout, and neighborhood appeal. Aerial real estate photography attracts more buyers, makes listings more engaging, and gives realtors a competitive edge in Central Texas.

Why Use Drone Photography in Real Estate?

Photos sell homes, but traditional shots only show the inside and front of the house. Buyers want more. They want to see the bigger picture — the yard, the neighborhood, the lot size, and how everything connects.

That’s where drone photography for real estate comes in. Aerial real estate photography captures:

The full property from above
Nearby amenities like parks, lakes, or schools
How the home fits in the neighborhood
Beautiful, unique views of the property and neighborhood
Roof condition and landscaping

In Central Texas, where buyers often care about land, views, and outdoor living, drone shots help listings shine in a way standard photos can’t.

Do Drone Photos Really Help Sell Homes?

Yes. Listings with drone photography get more clicks online and hold buyers’ attention longer. Why? Because buyers can visualize the home in context.

More interest: Aerial photos stand out in crowded MLS feeds.
Better understanding: Buyers see the lot size, driveway access, and outdoor spaces right away.
Faster sales: Homes with drone shots often generate more showings, leading to quicker offers.

In fact, according to MLS data, listings with aerial images are 68% more likely to sell faster than those with only ground-level photos.

Key Benefits of Drone Real Estate Photography

1. Show the Entire Property

Large yards, farms/ranches, houses that are on a steep hill, or lakefront properties in Central Texas benefit most from drone shots. Buyers can see boundaries, fencing, and overall scale at a glance.

2. Highlight Outdoor Features

Pools, patios, barns, gardens, and even solar panels stand out better from above. Aerial real estate photography makes these features impossible to miss.

3. Capture the Neighborhood

Central Texas buyers often want to know what’s nearby — schools, lakes, parks, or open land. Drone shots show location context better than any map.

4. Build Realtor Credibility

Realtors who use professional drone photography signal to clients that they invest in strong marketing. It positions you as marketing-savvy and serious about showcasing properties.

5. Competitive Edge

Not every agent uses drones. Offering aerial real estate photography helps your listings stand out and gives you an edge in competitive markets like Georgetown, Round Rock, Waco, and Temple.

Need professional drone photography?

Sold in a Snap offers expert drone photography services, aerial real estate photography, and full listing support to help your homes sell faster.

Professional vs DIY Drone Photography

Some realtors consider buying a drone and shooting themselves. But professional aerial photography delivers a big difference in quality.

DIY Drone Shots
- Violates FAA law (with huge penalties – $10,000 per image)
- Risk poor angles and shaky video
- Can look amateur and hurt credibility
- High risk of crashing the drone with property or bodily damage/harm
Professional Drone Shots
- Licensed FAA drone pilots follow regulations
- High-resolution cameras for clear, sharp images
- Smooth video flyovers with editing included
- Knowledge of angles that make homes look their best
- Lower risk of crashing – and insurance coverage for rare cases of damage/injury

For most realtors, hiring a licensed drone photographer is the safer, faster, and more professional choice.

When to Use Drone Photography for Real Estate

Not every home needs drone shots, but here are cases where it adds the most value:

Luxury listings: Drone shots emphasize scale and exclusivity.
Large lots or ranches: Show boundaries, acreage, and outbuildings.
Waterfront properties: Highlight views of lakes, rivers, or pools.
Homes near amenities: Capture proximity to parks, schools, and trails.
New construction: Showcase neighborhood growth and nearby development.

In Central Texas, where outdoor living and land value are important, drone shots are especially effective.

What Makes Great Drone Real Estate Photos?

Not all drone photos are equal. The best ones follow these principles:

Angles: High enough to show context, but not so high the home looks tiny. Showing the property and not a photo that looks like a roof inspection.
Composition: Center the property while still showing surroundings.
Editing: Professional editing balances brightness and color.
Video tours: Smooth aerial flyovers create engaging marketing material.

Combined with traditional interior and exterior photos, drone images create a complete visual story of the home.

How Much Does Drone Photography Cost?

Drone photography pricing depends on the home size, location, and package. In Central Texas, most realtors can expect:

Basic aerial 5 drone photos: $99
Photos + video tour: $300 – $500
Luxury packages: $500+ (includes drone, interior, and twilight shots)

Considering the potential for faster sales and stronger offers, the investment usually pays for itself.

Your Final Prep Checklist Before Drone Day

Want the best results? Prep your listing before the drone photographer arrives:

Mow the lawn and clear driveways
Park cars out of sight
Remove clutter from patios, decks, and yards
Open pool covers and set up outdoor furniture
Schedule on a clear day if possible

Small details make a big difference in how the property looks from above.

Conclusion

In today’s real estate market, drone photography for real estate isn’t just a trend — it’s a powerful tool. Aerial real estate photography helps buyers see the full property, the neighborhood, and the lifestyle a home offers.

For Central Texas realtors, drone shots make listings stand out, attract more buyers, and sell homes faster. Whether you’re marketing a farm or ranch, a lakefront home, or a suburban property, aerial images give you the edge.

If you want your listings to compete in Central Texas, invest in professional drone real estate photography.

Get started today with Sold in a Snap, which offers expert drone photography services, aerial real estate photography, and full listing support to help your homes sell faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drone photography help sell homes faster?

Yes. Listings with aerial real estate photography get more clicks and often sell faster than those with standard photos only.

Is drone photography worth it for real estate?

Yes. It adds unique angles, shows property context, and makes listings more competitive.

How much does drone real estate photography cost?

In Central Texas, costs usually range from $100 to $300, depending on whether you include video tours or luxury packages.

Do I need a license to fly a drone for real estate photos?

Yes. FAA requires a Part 107 license for commercial drone use. That’s why all realtors should hire licensed drone photographers. Selling real estate is considered commercial use by the FAA.

Book Your Discovery Call

Curious about what Sold in a Snap can do for your real estate business? Schedule a one-on-one Discovery Call and we’ll:

Show you everything we offer to help you market and sell listings faster.
Walk you through our proven system step-by-step.
Answer all your questions so you know exactly how to get started.

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to elevate your marketing, this call is the perfect way to see how we can help you stand out and succeed.

Schedule your Shoot

Book now with our easy-to-use scheduling system. You’ll receive your photos back the next day. Schedule your shoot now and get started today!

The post Sell Homes Faster with Drone Photography in Central Texas first appeared on Sold in a Snap.

Why Professional Real Estate Photography Sells Homes Faster

SEO Team — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:24:47 +0000

Professional real estate photography helps homes sell faster because buyers start their search online and judge listings by photos first. Homes with professional listing photos get more clicks, more showings, and often sell for higher prices than homes with DIY photos.

Why Do Photos Matter in Real Estate Marketing?

Photos are the first thing buyers see when shopping for a home. Over 95% of homebuyers start their search online, which means your photos are your curb appeal.

When buyers scroll through listings, they don’t read every detail right away. They click on the homes that look best in the photos. If the photos are dark, cluttered, or poorly taken, buyers will move on — even if the house itself is great.

Good photos make people stop scrolling. They show off the home’s layout, light, and style. They also let buyers imagine themselves living there. That’s why professional listing photos are one of the most important parts of real estate marketing.

Do Professional Photos Really Sell Homes Faster?

Yes. Research shows that homes with professional real estate photography:

Sell up to 32% faster than homes with amateur photos
Get more online views and clicks, which leads to more showings
Sell for $3,000–$11,000 more on average, depending on the price range

Think about it: if two homes are the same size and price, buyers will pick the one that looks better online. That’s the power of professional photos.

Professional vs DIY Real Estate Photos

It’s easy to think a phone camera is “good enough,” but the results aren’t the same. Here’s the difference:

DIY Photos
- Dark, grainy, or uneven lighting
- Poor angles that make rooms look smaller
- Miss important selling points
- Can turn buyers away before they even schedule a showing
Professional Photos
- Have a composition that is compelling, and shows the best features of the home in a way that gets buyers to respond
- Use proper lighting and editing to make spaces look bright and welcoming
- Capture wide angles to show room flow
- Highlight staging details buyers want to see
- Include editing to remove clutter and balance colors

According to Redfin, listings with DSLR-quality photos not only sell faster, but also often sell closer to (or above) asking price compared to those with basic phone shots.

Need professional real estate photography?

Sold in a Snap offers expert real estate photography services, including professional listing photos, staging support, and marketing-ready images to help your listings sell faster.

Benefits of Professional Real Estate Photography

1. Attract More Buyers

High-quality photos stand out in crowded online listings. More clicks = more interest = more showings.

2. Sell Homes Faster

Homes with professional listing photos don’t sit on the market as long. They grab attention quickly and lead to faster offers.

3. Get Higher Offers

Strong photos increase perceived value. Buyers assume the home is well cared for and worth more, which can lead to higher bids.

4. Build Credibility for Agents

For real estate agents, professional photos show you invest in marketing. Every polished listing builds trust with sellers and makes your brand stronger.

Real Estate Listing Tips Before a Photo Shoot

Even with a professional photographer, prep matters. Here are a few quick tips:

Declutter and remove personal items
Open blinds and clean windows for natural light
Add simple staging touches (flowers, fresh towels, bowls of fruit)
Tidy up outdoor areas and add chairs or decor
Schedule the shoot when the weather is clear

These steps make a photographer’s job easier and ensure your home looks its best.

Conclusion

In today’s market, professional real estate photography isn’t optional — it’s essential. Buyers shop online first, and photos decide which homes they’ll click on.

Strong photos bring more buyers.
More buyers mean faster sales.
Faster sales often lead to higher offers.

For homeowners, that means less stress and more money. For agents, it means stronger marketing, higher pay, and happier clients.

If you want to sell your home faster and stand out in a crowded market, invest in professional listing photos. Most of the time, the results pay for themselves!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do professional real estate photos help sell homes faster?

Yes. Homes with professional listing photos get more views and usually sell faster than homes with amateur photos.

Are real estate photographers worth it?

Yes. The cost is small compared to the return in faster sales and higher offers. In many cases the difference in price is offset by how much more you make on the listing.

How much does real estate photography cost?

Most professional shoots range from $150–$1000, depending on the size of the home and extras like drone shots, video reels, 3D tours, etc.

Can good photos increase home value?

They can’t change the physical value, but they increase perceived value and get more buyers interested. Getting more buyers interested in a property increases the value as that can start a bidding war.

Book Your Discovery Call

Curious about what Sold in a Snap can do for your real estate business? Schedule a one-on-one Discovery Call and we’ll:

Show you everything we offer to help you market and sell listings faster.
Walk you through our proven system step-by-step.
Answer all your questions so you know exactly how to get started.

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to elevate your marketing, this call is the perfect way to see how we can help you stand out and succeed.

Schedule your Shoot

Book now with our easy-to-use scheduling system. You’ll receive your photos back the next day. Schedule your shoot now and get started today!

The post Why Professional Real Estate Photography Sells Homes Faster first appeared on Sold in a Snap.