When selling a home, listing photos are one of the most important tools to attract buyers. In Illinois, MLS and MRED have strict rules about how photos can be used. Following these rules is not just about compliance, it is about protecting you from fines and violations.

A client recently asked me why she had to sign a contract with me when other photographers she used never required one. The reason is that MLS rules require listing brokers to have the legal right to use every photo submitted. A contract or written permission ensures that the photos are owned or properly licensed to the listing office, which protects you from fines and copyright violations.

And photos must accurately show the property. You cannot add, remove, or misrepresent features, and all virtual staging or AI edits must be disclosed. Both the original and staged photos must be posted.

Virtual staging is allowed, but strict rules apply. I only add or replace personal property such as furniture, artwork, rugs, plants, or décor. I do not change or alter the actual property. This means no changing wall colors, no adding built-in lighting, no removing permanent features, and no altering views or surroundings. (Yea, the ugly power lines don't make the house look so pretty.) Photographers won't edit them out because we don't want you to be fined.

Some surveys suggest buyers feel misled by overly edited photos when they arrive at a showing and the home feels very different from what they saw online.