The listing hit the market looking AMAZING. 🌅

Perfect green grass.
Perfect sunset.
Perfect furniture staging.
Power lines? Gone.
Neighbor’s trash cans? Magically vanished into another dimension. 😅

There was just one small problem…

None of the edits or virtual staging was disclosed anywhere in the MLS.

And THAT is where agents can accidentally create compliance issues.

CHS MLS rules specifically require disclosure when photos contain virtual staging or significant alterations. That includes adding furniture, changing finishes, enhancing landscaping, removing permanent items, or making edits that materially change the appearance of the property.

In other words…adjusting brightness is one thing. Turning a vacant fixer-upper into what looks like a luxury waterfront resort is another. 👀

And let’s be honest…nothing creates awkward showing feedback faster than:

“Uhhh…where’s the pool from the photos?” 😬

A few reminders:

✔ If photos contain virtual staging, the listing must disclose that the photo is virtually staged.

✔ Significant photo alterations must also be disclosed.

✔ Removing permanent features like power lines, neighboring structures, or utility equipment without disclosure can create misleading marketing concerns.

✔ Buyers, appraisers, inspectors, and other agents rely on MLS photos to accurately represent the property.

✔ AI photo tools are becoming more common, but MLS rules still apply even when technology makes editing easier.

✔ “The photographer did it” will unfortunately not stop an MLS violation notice. 😅

Before uploading listing photos:

Using AI and editing tools to enhance photos is not the issue. The issue starts when the edits create unrealistic or misleading expectations about the property itself. If buyers walk in feeling confused, surprised, or misled, the photos probably crossed the line. 😅

Because apparently AI can now give every Charleston listing a luxury sunset and a perfectly staged living room. 😅

To help keep everyone compliant with CHS MLS Rules & Regulations, here are a few safe and simple disclosure examples agents can use when uploading virtually staged or digitally enhanced photos.

Use when furniture, décor, or design elements were digitally added:

✔ “Photo has been virtually staged.”

✔ “Some images have been virtually staged to illustrate potential furniture placement and room design.”

✔ “Virtually staged photo. Furniture and décor shown are digital renderings and not physically present in the home.”

✔ “Photo contains virtual staging and/or digital enhancements.”

 

Use when permanent items were removed or significant edits were made:

✔ “Photo digitally enhanced for marketing purposes.”

✔ “Photo contains digitally altered elements.”

✔ “Image has been digitally modified and may not reflect exact current appearance.”

✔ “Power lines and exterior distractions have been digitally removed from photo.”

✔ “Landscaping and lighting have been digitally enhanced.”