Rules & Tips for MLS Listing Photos

Latest Updates

Move over curb appeal... "Pix Appeal" might be the latest way sellers are influencing buyers. With 80% of consumers beginning the home buying process online, it is no secret that quality photos attract views, generate interest, and, most importantly, buyers for your listing.


While photos are used regularly in all MLS listings, good images are not the only thing that counts. It's critical to understand the rules involving pictures submitted to the MLS. You can use this page as a reference guide for all things MLS Photos, such as compliance rules, virtual staging, photo tips, and more. Get the most out of your listing photos by embracing best practices!


What's new for Photo Rules?


  • Pools are not considered as an acceptable "water view" photo.
  • Floor plans are allowed to be added as an image.
  • Lifestyle photos or virtual tours featuring people, including people in costume, are not allowed.
  • Photos must represent a true and accurate picture of all property features.


To read the official Stellar MLS rules about listing photos, virtual tours, and virtual staging, select one of the links below.

Full Listing Photo & Virtual Tour Rules Full Virtual Staging Rules
a swimming pool does not meet quality standards for the first time for the first listing photo. Adding a view that is not possible from the location is prohibited. Floorplans are allowed as images, but may not contain any branding. Photos & virtual tours featuring people, including if in costume, are not allowed in the MLS.

Rules & Tips for MLS Listing Photos

Photo violations are among the most commonly reported issues to the Stellar MLS compliance department. There are rules in place regarding how photos are used in the MLS in order to maintain listing quality and to keep the MLS platform equitable for all participating brokers.


Watch this video for a refresher on fundamental rules about listing photos in the MLS. We also share tips on how to size your photos properly for Matrix and more.


To read the official Stellar MLS rules about listing photos and virtual tours, click below.

Full Listing Photo & Virtual Tour Rules

Virtual Staging

Stellar MLS allows virtual staging, which is a digital technique for staging a home by using photo editing software. This process can be done to furnished or unfurnished homes. Stellar MLS has rules in place to ensure that you get the most out of your virtual staging options while maintaining that listings are accurately portrayed. View a selection of common virtual staging scenarios below, or review our official virtual staging rules here for full details.

Exterior


You Can:
  • Add items that are not permanent.
  • Alter furnishings that won't remain in the home.
  • Remove items that are easily removable in real life.


You Cannot:
  • Remove utility lines.
  • Add landscape plantings.
  • Cover up material flaws.


Interior


You Can:
  • Brighten underexposed photos.
  • Alter furnishings that won't remain.


You Cannot:
  • Swap out or remove permanent fixtures.
  • Change paint colors.
Exterior You Can: Add items that are not permanent. Alter furnishings that won't remain in the home. Remove items that are easily removable in real life. You Cannot: Remove utility lines. Add landscape plantings. Cover up material flaws. Interior You Can: Brighten underexposed photos. Alter furnishings that won't remain. You Cannot: Swap out or remove permanent fixtures. Change paint colors.

Media Privacy

Updated July 9, 2024


We are pleased to introduce the Matrix™ Media Privacy feature, designed to give you greater control over who sees listing photos and supplements, and when. This innovative new feature allows listing agents to seamlessly manage photos and documents for public or private view for active and off-market listings.


When a listing goes off-market, all photos except the primary photo will be hidden from public view and will only be accessible within the MLS system.

Supplements: Public or Private


When submitting listing documents/supplements, you can assign them an Attachment Privacy setting, for active and off-market listings:


  • Public - Visible to consumers on OneHome, the Client Portal, and potentially other third-party sites, depending on listing distribution selections.
  • Private - Visible only to authorized MLS users.


Please Note: Please keep in mind that the primary photo must be property-centric and adhere to Article 4.5 in our rules and regulations.



Understand Media Privacy in Under 5 Minutes

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA)

Don’t forget we have a resource page dedicated to all things DMCA! On the DMCA page you’ll find information, videos, a toolkit and more.


Click here to visit the DMCA page.


3 Tips for Avoiding Photo Copyright Issues
  • Take the photo yourself.
  • Get the proper license or rights to use photos taken by someone else.
  • Don't scrape photos from the Internet.