Tyler Walz Tyler Walz

Real Estate Drone Photography in LA: Why You Need a Certified FAA Part 107 Pilot

Drone photography has become one of the most powerful tools in real estate marketing—especially in a dynamic city like Los Angeles, where aerial views can help sell homes faster and for more money. But what many agents don’t realize is this:

Flying a drone without FAA certification near LAX or restricted airspace is illegal—and risky.

At Walz Street Photography, we are FAA Part 107 certified and fully authorized to fly in many of Los Angeles’ restricted airspaces. We deliver stunning aerial visuals that elevate your listing—legally, safely, and professionally.

Why FAA Part 107 Certification Is So Important in LA

Much of Los Angeles is Controlled Airspace

From LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to Hollywood Burbank, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, much of the city is surrounded by Class B, C, and D controlled airspace. Flying a drone in these zones without clearance isn’t just unsafe—it’s illegal.

Violating FAA regulations can lead to:

  • Fines up to $32,666 per flight

  • Cease and desist orders

  • Legal liability if anything goes wrong

  • Voided insurance coverage

What Is FAA Part 107?

The FAA Part 107 license is required for any commercial drone operator in the U.S., including real estate photographers. It ensures the pilot understands:

  • Airspace classifications

  • Weather and safety protocols

  • Pre-flight inspections

  • Emergency procedures

  • How to legally request authorization to fly in restricted zones (like near LAX)

Walz Street Photography Is FAA Certified and Airspace-Ready

When you work with Walz Street Photography, you’re working with a licensed, insured, and FAA Part 107–certified drone operator. This means:

  • We can fly near major airports like LAX, Burbank, or Santa Monica (with LAANC clearance or FAA approval)

  • We know how to operate safely and professionally in urban environments

  • You get breathtaking aerial shots that are fully compliant with federal regulations

Why This Matters for LA Real Estate Agents

In Los Angeles, many high-value properties are located near:

  • LAX

  • Marina del Rey

  • Venice Beach

  • Santa Monica Airport

  • Downtown LA high-rise zones

Without the proper FAA certification, you can’t legally fly drones in these areas.

But with Walz Street Photography, you can.

We handle all airspace authorization requests when needed, so you can focus on selling the property while we take care of the sky.

Boost Your Listings with Legal Aerial Media

Our drone services give your listing:

  • Dramatic aerial perspectives

  • Contextual neighborhood shots

  • Bird’s-eye views of large properties

  • Video flyovers and cinematic walkthroughs

And because we’re certified and compliant, you never have to worry about legal exposure or FAA violations.

Walz Street Photography serves real estate professionals across Los Angeles with:

  • FAA Part 107 drone photography

  • High-resolution interior and exterior photos

  • LiDAR floor plans

  • Virtual tours and cinematic video

Serving Greater Los Angeles
From Venice to Pasadena, Santa Monica to DTLA

Book Now at www.walzstreetphotography.com
Professional. Certified. FAA-Compliant.

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Tyler Walz Tyler Walz

Square Footage in LA Real Estate: Why It’s Not Always What It Seems

How Walz Street Photography ensures accurate Floor Plan measurement.

In the competitive Los Angeles real estate market, square footage can be more art than science. If you’ve ever seen two listings for the same home with different square footage numbers, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason why.

The way floor plans are measured often depends on who’s doing the measuring—and what they stand to gain.

The Agenda Behind the Measurement

  • Lenders and Appraisers
    When financing a home, square footage affects appraisals and loan approvals. Lenders prefer larger square footage, as it typically means a higher property value and more collateral for the loan. This can lead to floor plans that include unfinished areas, garages, or outdoor patios in the total count.

  • Homeowners and Sellers
    Sellers want to maximize perceived value. Some listing agents might present maximized floor plans to make a property appear larger than it is, sometimes including stairwells, storage areas, or spaces below minimum ceiling height.

  • Buyers and Inspectors
    On the flip side, buyers want accurate, usable space. They care about what they can actually live in, not inflated square footage that doesn't reflect reality. Inaccurate measurements can lead to mistrust and even legal disputes.

The Problem with Traditional Floor Plans

Traditional measurement methods—like tape measures, rough laser range finders, or even manual estimates—are prone to:

  • Human error

  • Inconsistent standards

  • Variations in what "counts" as living space

In a high-stakes market like Los Angeles, even a 50-square-foot discrepancy can impact decisions worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Walz Street Photography Solves This with LiDAR Precision

At Walz Street Photography, we use LiDAR-based scanning to produce floor plans with accuracy down to less than an inch. Our scanning technology maps your property in 3D, eliminating guesswork and ensuring both agents and buyers are working with facts—not fluff.

Key Benefits:

  • Ultra-accurate measurements

  • Faster turnaround than manual floor plans

  • More credibility in your listing

  • Optional ANSI-compliant deliverables (meeting appraisal and underwriting standards)

ANSI-Compliant Floor Plans: What Are They?

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) provides the gold standard for how residential square footage should be measured. If you're selling in Los Angeles and want a floor plan that aligns with industry regulations, we can deliver a fully ANSI-compliant measurement report.

This is especially useful for:

  • Appraisers

  • New construction sales

  • Properties over 2,000+ sq ft

  • Avoiding post-sale disputes about size

Final Thoughts: Honest Square Footage Builds Trust

Whether you’re a listing agent, a homeowner, or a buyer, accuracy matters. In a market like Los Angeles, transparency builds trust—and trust sells homes faster.

If you’re listing a home and want floor plans that are accurate, professional, and ready for today’s tech-savvy buyers, reach out to Walz Street Photography. We bring precision, honesty, and cutting-edge tech to every shoot.

Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Photography
Drone • Floor Plans • Video • Virtual Tours

Book your next shoot at www.walzstreetphotography.com

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