As Featured on Redfin: When to Schedule a Drone Shoot in Phoenix
Redfin asked what home sellers should do to get a property ready for a drone shoot. Here's the feature, plus the Phoenix-specific details that didn't fit in a five-sentence quote.
As featured on Redfin
We were named a local expert on Redfin, a subsidiary of Rocket. Read the full article here: The Best Time of Day for Real Estate Photos: Scheduling Your Drone Shoot
What Redfin's article covers
Redfin writer Carson Sperry put together a guide on scheduling aerial real estate photography, with input from drone pilots around the country. The main point is one we agree with completely: there's no single "best" time to fly. The right hour depends on which way the house faces, where the shadows fall, and which outdoor features the listing needs to show.
Here's the tip we contributed as the Phoenix voice in the piece:
"When it comes to preparation for drone photos or video, basic yard preparation helps the most: mow the lawn, blow away leaves, clear cars from the driveway, and tuck away trash cans, pool toys, and hoses. Aerial shots expose backyard clutter that ground-level photos and video don't show as easily. Scheduling also matters; soft morning or late-afternoon light give excellent results given our sometimes harsh lighting here in Arizona." Brandon Pierce, Owner and Operator, Valley View Photo — as quoted on Redfin
The full article goes deeper into golden hour versus midday, why an overcast morning can work in your favor, and how to build an aerial shot list. It's worth a read before your next listing shoot: The Best Time of Day for Real Estate Photos on Redfin.
Why timing matters more in the Valley
Most of the country worries about cloudy days. In Phoenix, the problem is usually the opposite. We get a lot of hard, direct sun, and from late spring through early fall the midday light can flatten rooflines, blow out light stucco, and turn pool water into a bright glare from above.
Arizona doesn't observe daylight saving time, so the clock stays put while the sun moves a lot across the year. Sunset comes after 7:30 p.m. in late June and around 5:20–5:30 p.m. in December. A 4 p.m. appointment that's perfect in January can still be harsh in July.
Here's how we usually think about the light for aerials across the metro:
When you book, send the address and tell us which outdoor features matter most. We'll check the home's orientation and plan the time around what the listing needs to show.
A Phoenix-specific drone prep checklist
The basics from the Redfin quote apply everywhere. Arizona properties have a few extra things that show up from 100+ feet in the air:
- Rake the rock. Desert landscaping shows tire tracks, footprints, and bare patches from above. A quick rake evens it out.
- Clean the pool and pull the cleaner. Skim debris, brush the steps, and take the robot or hose out of the water. Put away floats and toys.
- Clear the side yards. Bins, AC equipment covers, spare pavers, and yard tools tend to collect along the side of the house. A block wall hides them from the street, but not from the drone.
- Move cars off the driveway and street frontage. If neighbors park in front, ask if they can move for an hour.
- Check the roof and gutters. Blown-in palm fronds, tumbleweeds, and debris on flat or tile roofs are easy to miss from the ground.
- Turn on the lights for twilight. Pool, landscape, and patio lights should all be working if you're adding a twilight aerial.
Leave room in the schedule
Redfin's article ends with a good reminder to leave room for weather and airspace issues. In Phoenix, both are real factors.
Monsoon season
From mid-June through September, afternoon wind, dust, and storms can roll in fast. We'll often move summer aerials to the morning and keep a backup date ready.
Airspace
The Valley has a lot of controlled airspace, including Sky Harbor, Luke Air Force Base, and several regional airports. As an FAA Part 107 licensed pilot, I handle the airspace checks and any authorizations before every flight. Sellers and agents just need to get the property ready. Want to see what's around a specific address? Try our Phoenix Drone Airspace Checker.
For more on when aerials are worth adding to a listing, see Does Drone Photography Actually Help Sell Homes in Phoenix?
Book drone photography in the Phoenix metro
Valley View Photo provides FAA Part 107 licensed drone photography and video across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and the rest of the Valley. We handle airspace, timing, and the shot list so you can focus on the listing.
Book Your Shoot → or call 602-341-3123
