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. (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.

  1. 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

  1. Photos submitted with any overlay of text will not be accepted; with the exception of sketches.
  2. 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 support@rahb.ca.