In recent months, RAHB has seen an increase in the number of property photos that appear to be “virtually staged”, meaning that photos of the home, or rooms within the home, have been digitally modified to show its potential rather than its current condition.
When advertising a home on MLS®, it must be advertised in the condition it appears today. Should you choose to advertise additional photos/images in addition to the photos which represent the current condition, you must clearly identify those modified photos/images on the bottom of the photo. This is done at the time the photos/images are uploaded on Matrix. To indicate photos/images that have been modified, you may use the following words:
- Artist’s rendering only
- Potential improvements
Without clearly indicating the photo has been modified, it is an inaccurate representation of the property, and therefore a violation of REBBA’s 2002 Code of Ethics, section #37 & #38 as follows:
REBBA 2002, Code of Ethics:
Inaccurate representations
- (1) A registrant shall not knowingly make an inaccurate representation in respect of a trade in real estate. O. Reg. 580/05, s. 37 (1).
(2) A registrant shall not knowingly make an inaccurate representation about services provided by the registrant. O. Reg. 580/05, s. 37 (2).
Error, misrepresentation, fraud, etc.
- A registrant shall use the registrant’s best efforts to prevent error, misrepresentation, fraud or any unethical practice in respect of a trade in real estate. O. Reg. 580/05, s. 38.
In addition RAHB’s MLS® policies prohibit any overlay of text or embellishments from appearing on any photos/images.
RAHB MLS® Policies:
PHOTOS/IMAGES
- Photos submitted with any overlay of text will not be accepted; with the exception of sketches.
- Photos/images uploaded to RAHB’s MLS® system will not be accepted if they include embellishments, including but not limited to advertising, marketing as related to the salesperson, broker, or brokerage.
When you advertise additional photos/images in addition to the photos which represent the current condition of the property, you must clearly identify those modified photos/images on the bottom of the photo. This is done at the time the photos/images are uploaded on Matrix. To indicate photos/images that have been modified, follow the steps below:
In Matrix, under the “Input” tab, under “Quick Modify”, select the listing.
Click “Manage Photos”.
Click the “Browse” button and select the modified photo from your files and open.
Click the “Show Photo Details” icon in the top right corner of the photo as shown below:
Click “Enter description”.
In the box provided, enter “Artist’s rendering only” or “Potential improvements”.
Click “Done”, then “Save”.
Should you have any questions, please call the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or [email protected].
Does this include the twilight photos that are done?
Hi Ryan, can you be more specific about what you mean to twilight photos?
Why does this include virtual staging. Virtual staging has nothing to do in direct relation to the homes structure, physical layout of walls or direct decor details. It’s no different than having a home staged with real furniture and then removing the furniture the following day. If registrants were in fact altering walls and window sizes or changing the colours and physical decor of the house, then those registrants should be penalized. This ruling should not reflect a marketed home with a virtually added chair or table.
Hi Joseph,
The information in the article above was provided to RAHB from a compliance offer from RECO. RAHB Staff inquired with RECO about virtual staging as we have been receiving inquiries from members. We thought it important to remind members what RECO’s rules are surrounding inaccurate representations and to provide clear instructions on how to identify those types of images when uploading them into Matrix. If you have any more questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or [email protected]
This is silly. Here’s the deal , lets make rules , but lets make others that supersede the rules. If this is the case why make rules. What ever happened to common sense. The property should only be Marketed to sell as the current buyer would view it upon arrival. These renderings and proposals are for the ill sighted. Who can ever meet those standards and in my opinion this is another lead in to make believe. Cant believe RAHB and the MLS committee could buy into this misguided tour.
Hi there,
To further clarify on the above information, this was all provided to RAHB from a compliance offer from RECO. We thought it important to remind members what RECO’s rules are surrounding inaccurate representations and to provide clear instructions on how to identify those types of images when uploading them into Matrix. If you have any more questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or [email protected]