Realtors Must Disclose Digitally Altered MLS Photos

[gregb]

​

​ [td width="500px"] ​ New Law on Digitally Altered Images​ ​

​

[/td]

​

​ Effective January 1, 2026, a new California law will require real estate brokers and salespersons who use digitally altered images in advertisements or other promotional materials for the sale of a property to include a disclosure. In addition, the original, unaltered image must also be provided. What Is a Digitally Altered Image? A digitally altered image is any image modified through photo-editing software or artificial intelligence that adds, removes, or changes elements of the image, including but not limited to: Fixtures, furniture, and appliances Flooring and walls Paint color Hardscape and landscaping Building façade Floor plans Elements outside or visible from the property, including but not limited to: Streetlights and utility poles Views through windows What Is Not Considered a Digitally Altered Image? Images are not considered digitally altered when only common photo-editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the property, such as: Lighting Sharpening Color correction Angle Cropping Exposure Other standard photo-editing adjustments that do not materially alter the property’s appearance How to Disclose Digitally Altered Images in the MLS Updates to the photo section of Flexmls are expected. In the meantime, clearly note that the image has been altered in the Caption field (for example, “altered” or “virtually enhanced”). The original, unaltered image must be displayed either before or after the altered image.

​

 

[J Grant]

​

​ [td width="500px"]​ New Law on Digitally Altered Images​ ​

​

[/td]

​

​ Effective January 1, 2026, a new California law will require real estate brokers and salespersons who use digitally altered images in advertisements or other promotional materials for the sale of a property to include a disclosure. In addition, the original, unaltered image must also be provided. What Is a Digitally Altered Image? A digitally altered image is any image modified through photo-editing software or artificial intelligence that adds, removes, or changes elements of the image, including but not limited to: Fixtures, furniture, and appliances Flooring and walls Paint color Hardscape and landscaping Building façade Floor plans Elements outside or visible from the property, including but not limited to: Streetlights and utility poles Views through windows What Is Not Considered a Digitally Altered Image? Images are not considered digitally altered when only common photo-editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the property, such as: Lighting Sharpening Color correction Angle Cropping Exposure Other standard photo-editing adjustments that do not materially alter the property’s appearance How to Disclose Digitally Altered Images in the MLS Updates to the photo section of Flexmls are expected. In the meantime, clearly note that the image has been altered in the Caption field (for example, “altered” or “virtually enhanced”). The original, unaltered image must be displayed either before or after the altered image.

​

Good!

 

[Fernando]

So CA realtors can digitally alter images and disclosed if altered which should have already been done for best risk management purposes.

 

[Sadie]

​

​ [td width="500px"]​ New Law on Digitally Altered Images​ ​

​

[/td]

​

​ Effective January 1, 2026, a new California law will require real estate brokers and salespersons who use digitally altered images in advertisements or other promotional materials for the sale of a property to include a disclosure. In addition, the original, unaltered image must also be provided. What Is a Digitally Altered Image? A digitally altered image is any image modified through photo-editing software or artificial intelligence that adds, removes, or changes elements of the image, including but not limited to: Fixtures, furniture, and appliances Flooring and walls Paint color Hardscape and landscaping Building façade Floor plans Elements outside or visible from the property, including but not limited to: Streetlights and utility poles Views through windows What Is Not Considered a Digitally Altered Image? Images are not considered digitally altered when only common photo-editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the property, such as: Lighting Sharpening Color correction Angle Cropping Exposure Other standard photo-editing adjustments that do not materially alter the property’s appearance How to Disclose Digitally Altered Images in the MLS Updates to the photo section of Flexmls are expected. In the meantime, clearly note that the image has been altered in the Caption field (for example, “altered” or “virtually enhanced”). The original, unaltered image must be displayed either before or after the altered image.

​

Tey already do that in Oregon. Don't know if its the law or not

 

[George Hatch]

Virtually staged with furnishings is not uncommon.

 

[Fernando]

Smart listing agents know to put disclaimers that photos may not be accurate and buyer to verify.

 

[Fernando]

Speaking of agents, I have a marketing brochure from this top agent promoting why I should use him. Rather effective in boasting how smart and experienced he is.
He posted his many sale transactions and indicating if there were multiple offers or no contingencies. Rather privy info and nice to have as an appraiser.
Can't imagine appraisers disclosing such details of a sale to the public except in our reports.

 

[glenn walker]

And the Realtors Photo on her business cards and flyers to. One in my Area is about 75 years old and photos are of her at 40 years old. I get wanting to look younger but some are just ridiculous and are misleading. Lol )

 

[Vermonter]

They should also have to disclose drone shots. See so many listings advertising mountain/lake view with drone shot pics but none at ground level. I keep reporting them to MLS when I know for certain, but nothing changes.

 

[Sadie]

They should also have to disclose drone shots. See so many listings advertising mountain/lake view with drone shot pics but none at ground level. I keep reporting them to MLS when I know for certain, but nothing changes.

When they put that there is a view in the listing but no photos.