01/23/2023
Is virtual staging legal? Short answer, yes! If you are being transparent in the listing you have nothing to worry about. Of course, you don’t want your prospective buyers to feel like they were tricked. You can avoid that scenario by calling out the virtually staged photos using these methods
• Mention the staged photos in the marketing copy featured on the listing
• Mark each photo that is virtually staged (or in the photo caption)
• Include the before and after photos within your listing
When adding furniture or potential spaces that should have you covered. However, there are some big no-nos you’ll want to avoid or you could have the MLS come knocking. Absolutely avoid adding fixtures that do not exist (like a fireplace or windows), creating views from the property that dont exist (like lakes or skylines) and resist the urge to remove any neighboring property structures from your photos.
Virtually staged photos can be a great marketing tool - when done right and in compliance with MLS rules. So make sure you follow these guidelines and better yet work with a photographer who already understands the rules themselves! *ehem*
