AI Has Forced New Rules For Listing Photos; It's A Golden Opportunity. Here's What You Need To Know
In response to rapid advances in AI and digital image editing, many Multiple Listing Services—including MLS here in New Jersey—have updated their photo guidelines to prioritize accuracy and transparency. I welcome these changes. Let's take a dive into why I think this is good news for the Real Estate industry. It started in California, where a new law went into effect at the beginning of 2026 with requirements for digitally altered images, Assembly Bill 723. Even though it’s all the way on the West Coast, MLS boards across the country are observing the new California law carefully. Many have been proactively adjusting guidelines with similar rules. What This Means for Your Listings Digital enhancements are still allowed —as long as they are clearly labeled and paired with the original, unaltered photo. If an image is digitally altered (for example, virtual staging or sky replacement), it must: Be clearly labeled (e.g., “Virtually Staged” or “Digitally Altered” ) Include...
