Are you allowed to virtually stage listing photos in the MLS? The short answer is yes, but there are some things to note.
Starting 5/28/2026, ARMLS requires a Disclosure of Digitally Altered Images. If you intend on adding virtually staged or Digitally Altered Media to Flexmls, then the disclosure is required.
Why do subscribers virtually stage their listing photos?
Sometimes buyers have a difficult time picturing what their belongings will look like in a vacant home. Virtually staging a vacant property can help to draw attention and traffic to the listing and can provide a realistic picture of what the home will look like when it’s furnished.
What’s allowed?
Standard adjustments such as brightness, contrast, color, cropping or sharpening are not considered altered because they do not change the substance of the image.
However, adding furniture to a room, adding an accent paint color on the wall, removing items from a room, adding a fire to the fireplace or other architectural detail to the property is considered altered and does require the Digitally Altered disclosure.
What about virtually staging or altering the outside?
Same concept, you can add patio furniture to the backyard, improve the pool features, or enhance the landscaping. You could also use Photoshop to remove something from the outside, such as the unsightly trash cans at the end of the driveway. But the Digitally Altered disclosure is required.
As a final note, only adjustments such as brightness, contrast, color, cropping or sharpening are not altered. Use the Flexmls Digitally Altered disclosure (added within Flexmls) for all photos added in Flexmls that have been digitally altered.
Watch our Rules online course to learn more about what’s allowed and what’s not in the MLS.
