What do I need to do when I have an enhanced photo or media? (Effective 1/9/2023)

 

What is an enhanced photo or media?

An enhanced photo is defined as a photo that has been edited in such a way as to create a representation of a property that may make the property more attractive to potential buyers. Enhancements that require identification include those with virtual staging, bracketing, twilight shifting, and other effects. 

Are enhanced photos allowed in the MLS?

Yes, virtually staged photos, renderings, and zoomed-in images are allowed in the MLS.

MLS Rules & Regulations:  Section 1.19.5, you must disclose a photo has been "enhanced" in all three (3) sections of the MLS when it's not a true depiction of the subject property:

1. In Photo Descriptions (Manage Photos section) must include the word "Enhanced"
Ex. "Enhanced photo - a zoomed-in image of the view"

2. In Public Remarks, include the following disclosure - "One or more photos have been enhanced"

3. The "Enhanced Photos" field (in the General Tab of Matrix Input) must be flagged as "Yes"

How does the "Enhanced Photo" Watermark get on the photo?

When an enhanced or virtually staged photo is uploaded, each photo will have “Enhanced Photo” watermarked onto the photo. To accomplish this, the listing agent must use the word “enhanced” in each enhanced or virtually staged photo description field. 

This will prompt the system to add a watermark to all "Enhanced" photos as described in Section 1.19.5.

 

Rationale:

Some websites do not display photo comments, making the use of a watermark an important factor in transparency to the public. The intent of creating a universal HiCentral MLS watermark for enhanced or virtually staged photos is to make it abundantly clear that a photo has been altered from its original form while maintaining a professional standard.

Adding this universal "Enhanced Photo" watermark will clearly indicate to all parties across any site that the photo has been modified from its original form. This is meant to provide transparency to the public and to help protect the REALTOR® from allegations of “false advertising” and minimize potential liability.

** PLEASE NOTE: **
When photos are not in compliance with the MLS Rules - Replace the images.  Photos are part of the MLS compilations distributed to Participants and Subscribers, so please do not simply remove the images.