Picture This!

You took a beautiful listing in the most desired area. You just cannot wait to share this listing for buyers and buyer agents to see. But first, you must get some photos that can truly represent this property. You ask yourself, “What do I need to know to get the best photos and add them to the MLS?”   

Fortunately, you can have answers in two easy steps: 

Step one – hire a professional photographer.  

Step two – read the NorthstarMLS photo policy.  

NorthstarMLS Photo Policy

Let’s dive a little deeper and break the photo policy down for you.  

NorthstarMLS allows property photos to be shared with over 5,000 broker and agent websites. THAT is a lot of eyes on the prize!  

The MLS requires at least one (1) photo to be added within two (2) business days of inputting your listing. This includes all properties with the exception of Lots and Land, Comp Listings, and Under Construction properties. Of course, you want to showcase your listing, so more photos are better.  

Know Before You Post

Now let’s take a closer look at things you should know before you post your photos live on the MLS:  

• Textual elements may now be added to images, provided the following guidelines are followed. Textual elements may not be promotional in nature and do not include branding or contact information. Although text may appear directly on images, it remains a best practice—and results in a cleaner presentation—to place such information in the photo caption section instead. 

• Unless you have permission from another MLS subscriber, don’t copy listing photos for your own use. 

• The photo may not be digitally altered (“Photoshopped”) to the point it no longer accurately reflects the property. 

• No broker/agent/banners, marketing, branding or any other type of promotional material is allowed in the photo. 

• Photos/videos of listed property should not include people or pets. Wildlife, harvested game, equine and farm animal photos are permitted. An exception is made for lifestyle videos when shot from an overhead view. In this instance, no person should be identifiable, and pets may appear within the view. 

• Virtual staging and AI-enhanced photos are allowed in NorthstarMLS, and currently, it is a best practice to add disclosure to the photo or photo captions. There will be more guidance coming soon on this topic, so be sure to watch your newsletter! 

• NorthstarMLS does allow aerial photos. Be mindful of privacy and ensure there are no identifiable people in photos or videos.  

Need Help?

If you are unsure if a photo/video is compliant to use on NorthstarMLS, please feel free to send it to Rules@northstarmls.com. We are always happy to review your media before you post them for all to see. Please make your best judgment. If the photos are in question due to the subject matter, it probably is not okay to add them to the MLS.