Don Hazelwood

On December 23, 2025, the DJI drone ban became operational policy. This policy an engineered market disruption. For real estate photographers and commercial operators who built businesses around DJI, the impact hits hard: uncertainty in replacement parts, rising costs, and platform transition expenses. Your current fleet is fine, until it isn't. Until you crash. Until this new non-market driven market forces you to pay more for less capable alternatives.

DJI drones set the standard for real estate aerial photography, but U.S. restrictions are tightening. Imports face delays, new models may be banned, and future updates could stop. Current drones remain legal, yet long-term support and parts are uncertain. Real estate photographers should plan ahead, explore compliant options, and stay informed to keep their businesses flying strong.

When Zillow pulled all Matterport 3D tours from its listings, it created a ripple across the real estate industry. This isn’t just a tech dispute, it’s about control, visibility, and adaptability. Learn what the CoStar vs. Zillow battle means for showcasing homes, marketing strategy, and the future of virtual tours.