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 the original, unaltered image
• Show the unaltered image first (or side-by-side—see sample below)

Example: Virtual Staging (Note: The properties pictured here are not currently on the market; the photos are being used for illustration only. Photos by the author.)

Allowed With Clear Labeling

• Virtual staging (adding furniture for scale or style)
• Day-to-dusk images
• Minor color and lighting adjustments
• Decluttering

Day-to-Dusk sample: Show original first in listing

Not Allowed Under Any Circumstances

• Removing power lines
• Digitally repainting walls
• Changing flooring
• Altering landscaping

While you can use day to dusk images, an original unaltered exterior photo is required as the primary listing image.

My Perspective
I believe authenticity is essential in managing buyer expectations. Clearly labeled, digitally enhanced images—when paired with the originals—can be a powerful and ethical way to help buyers visualize a property’s potential. For that reason, I welcome these new guidelines.

Services I offer:

I provide both traditional and digitally enhanced (clearly labeled, of course) still photography/floor plan packages. I also offer, through trusted partners:

• Drone videos
• Matterport virtual tours
• Video Walkthroughs

If you have questions about how these updated guidelines apply to your New Jersey listings, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to work with you again and support your visual marketing this year.