Trying to nail down competitive rates for my area (mid-sized city, decent real estate market). I see everything from $150-$500 per hour with flat-rate packages for residential real estate typically running $150-$350.

What's everyone actually charging? I don't want to undercut the market but also need to be realistic as someone just starting out.

Currently thinking $200 flat rate for basic real estate package (10-15 edited photos + 1 minute video). Should I start at $150/hr if I'm Part-107 certified and insured, then raise rates every 10 projects?

Your pricing sounds about right for starting out. That translates to roughly $150-$300 per effective hour when editing time is included. Just make sure you're factoring in drive time and post-processing - that 1 hour shoot becomes 3-4 hours total time easily.

Charging $50 for a real estate shoot devalues the industry and makes your business unsustainable. Research market rates. Your $200 flat rate is solid - I started there last year and I'm up to $275 now after proving myself with local agents.

Don't forget about rush jobs! Real-estate agents expect 24-hr turnaround; construction managers will happily pay 30% extra for same-day delivery. I charge $250 base but $325 for next-day delivery. Easy money if you can turn it around quickly.