Are Virtual Tours and Drone Footage Really Helping Sell Homes in 2025?
As real estate photography continues to evolve, many agents are asking: should I include virtual tours and drone footage in my next listing? These tools are trendy, yes—but do they actually help properties sell faster in today’s Texas market?
Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of your marketing dollars in 2025.
Virtual Tours: Slick Technology or Buyer Frustration?
Virtual tours promise an immersive walkthrough, but they often fall short—especially on mobile devices or slower Wi-Fi connections. Most platforms compress image quality to keep file sizes manageable, which means potential buyers aren’t seeing the home at its best.
Even worse, many users find the interface clunky or difficult to navigate. Zooming, panning, and moving between rooms can feel more like a video game than a shopping experience. For buyers who are serious, high-quality still photos are often faster, clearer, and more effective for decision-making.
When a virtual tour makes sense:
Ultra-luxury listings with national or international interest
Homes with complex or unique layouts
Model homes in new developments
Drone Footage: Scenic or Distracting?
Drone footage can be striking—but it’s not always flattering.
Too often, aerial shots reveal issues that would have gone unnoticed from the ground. A worn roof, tarped repairs, or patchy shingles become front and center. Worse still, drone videos may unintentionally emphasize how close neighboring homes are, how busy the nearby roads can be, or how close commercial buildings sit behind the backyard fence.
For many properties, these aren’t features—they’re deal-breakers.
When drone footage might help:
Large properties with acreage
Rural homes far from traffic or commercial zones
Waterfront listings with scenic views
What Buyers Really Want to See
At the end of the day, buyers want a clear, honest look at the home. That’s where professional still photography shines. When captured with the right techniques—like flambient lighting and strategic composition—MLS photos can feel spacious, inviting, and true-to-life.
Buyers can view them quickly, revisit them easily, and share them with others. They load fast, look great across devices, and don’t require special software to use.
The Bottom Line
While virtual tours and drone footage can be useful tools, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. For most listings in Texas, especially suburban homes in Collin, Denton, or Dallas counties, high-quality still photography remains the most effective way to showcase a property.
Michelle Bollinger at Fresh Listing Photos works with each agent to determine the best approach—focusing on what actually helps buyers say yes.
Looking to elevate your next listing?
Book a session with Michelle and let Fresh Listing Photos help your listing shine—without the gimmicks.