The Journal

Listing strategy · Reno–Tahoe

Drone, twilight, video, or floor plan: what does your listing need?

A clear guide to choosing real estate media that actually helps buyers understand a Reno–Tahoe property.

Illustrative aerial view of homes and their surrounding landscape
Illustrative image, not a client property.

Not every listing needs every format. The right extra is the one that answers a question the still photos cannot: Where is the home on the lot? How do rooms connect? What does the exterior feel like after sunset?

Drone: show the setting

Aerial images are useful when a lot's shape, access, outdoor amenities, or relationship to the landscape matters. For a Reno foothill home, they might show how the house sits among neighboring properties; near Tahoe, they can give context to terrain and surroundings. An aerial image is not a substitute for ground-level details, and flights depend on weather, airspace, and applicable rules.

Twilight: show exterior light

Twilight works best when a home's exterior lighting, windows, and outdoor spaces create a meaningful evening scene. It is a deliberate choice for a property with a strong facade or terrace, not an automatic upgrade for every listing. Schedule around actual light, rather than relying on an invented sky.

Video: connect the spaces

A walkthrough helps someone understand the movement from entry to living room to outdoor area. That can be especially useful for buyers planning a visit from outside the region. Keep the sequence clear and the pace calm; a fast montage may look exciting but explain very little.

Floor plan: answer the practical questions

When bedroom placement, circulation, or a flexible space is important, a floor plan can complement the photographs. It helps a buyer revisit the layout after looking through the gallery. Check measurements and presentation for accuracy before publication.

Choose the format that helps a buyer understand something they would otherwise have to guess.

Have a property in mind? We photograph homes across Reno and the Tahoe region.

Request a shoot