OCMLS and RMLS Photo Rules
The local MLS rules and policies obtained from the OCMLS website as of June 7, 2024 state:
2023 OCMLS Rules & Regulations:
Section 1.21 LISTING PHOTOS: All photos included in the MLS must not be misleading and must be a true representation of the property, or of an attribute or amenity of the property. Photos may not contain any contact information, or any information that is branded to a participant, subscriber, or real estate brokerage.
2023 OCMLS Policies & Procedures:
All improved property listings must contain at least one listing photo. All photos included must not be misleading and must be a true representation of the property, or of an attribute or amenity of the property. Descriptions shall not be deceptive or exaggerative in any way. Photos shall not misrepresent what a person can actually see from the property. Photos that have been substantially enhanced, telephoto zoom shots, or shots of areas that are not taken from the subject property must have a clear description included with the photo disclosing those facts. Members may not reuse another members' listing photos within the MLS without prior written permission from the previous listing agent and/or photographer/copyright holder.
Per OCMLS: "There is some discretion in the policy in the way that it is written, you can use your best judgement. For example, there hasn't been any complaints about the sky being too blue, but there have been multiple complaints about the grass being too green. As it’s impossible to list every possible element that could come up in photos, you should look at the photo overall and decide if it is “substantially” enhanced or not. OCMLS advice is that over-disclosing is better than under-disclosing, but just keep in mind the purpose of the policy, which is just to be transparent and provide accurate information."
It is the understanding of PikCasa that a "Substantially Enhanced" photo would be where an ugly post or pole, sign, tree, power lines, other fixed obstructions are removed, misleading the observer to believe there are no obstructions. Also, certain landscaping repair such as covering over brown grass with beautiful sod, removing/adding trees/shrubs, fence add or repair, would be substantial enhancements. Further, it is PikCasa's understanding that such a substantially enhanced photo is NOT in and of itself in violation but the omission of a description or disclaimer in the listing could be viewed as misrepresentation. Realtors are urged to seek the clarification with your MLS representatives for complete understanding.
PikCasa Photography will NOT make any substantial enhancements to photographs unless specifically requested to do so by you the client. It is your responsibility to ensure the listing photos comply with the MLS rules.
2023 OCMLS Rules & Regulations:
Section 1.21 LISTING PHOTOS: All photos included in the MLS must not be misleading and must be a true representation of the property, or of an attribute or amenity of the property. Photos may not contain any contact information, or any information that is branded to a participant, subscriber, or real estate brokerage.
2023 OCMLS Policies & Procedures:
All improved property listings must contain at least one listing photo. All photos included must not be misleading and must be a true representation of the property, or of an attribute or amenity of the property. Descriptions shall not be deceptive or exaggerative in any way. Photos shall not misrepresent what a person can actually see from the property. Photos that have been substantially enhanced, telephoto zoom shots, or shots of areas that are not taken from the subject property must have a clear description included with the photo disclosing those facts. Members may not reuse another members' listing photos within the MLS without prior written permission from the previous listing agent and/or photographer/copyright holder.
Per OCMLS: "There is some discretion in the policy in the way that it is written, you can use your best judgement. For example, there hasn't been any complaints about the sky being too blue, but there have been multiple complaints about the grass being too green. As it’s impossible to list every possible element that could come up in photos, you should look at the photo overall and decide if it is “substantially” enhanced or not. OCMLS advice is that over-disclosing is better than under-disclosing, but just keep in mind the purpose of the policy, which is just to be transparent and provide accurate information."
It is the understanding of PikCasa that a "Substantially Enhanced" photo would be where an ugly post or pole, sign, tree, power lines, other fixed obstructions are removed, misleading the observer to believe there are no obstructions. Also, certain landscaping repair such as covering over brown grass with beautiful sod, removing/adding trees/shrubs, fence add or repair, would be substantial enhancements. Further, it is PikCasa's understanding that such a substantially enhanced photo is NOT in and of itself in violation but the omission of a description or disclaimer in the listing could be viewed as misrepresentation. Realtors are urged to seek the clarification with your MLS representatives for complete understanding.
PikCasa Photography will NOT make any substantial enhancements to photographs unless specifically requested to do so by you the client. It is your responsibility to ensure the listing photos comply with the MLS rules.