Virtual staging & listing disclosures

Start with an accurate image

Compare the staged image with its original before use. Check doors, windows, floor plans, dimensions, fixed features, views, surfaces, defects, damage and access routes. Reject materially misleading changes. Virtual staging should illustrate furniture and decor, not conceal property condition or imply renovations occurred.

Label each altered image clearly

Use a conspicuous disclosure on or immediately beside each altered image in the form required by your broker, MLS, platform and jurisdiction. Sample language: “Virtually staged. Furniture and decor are digitally added. See the unaltered original.” Adjust it to accurately describe the changes and required publication format.

The studio’s on-screen badge is not embedded in downloaded files. A filename alone is not sufficient disclosure. Verify that required labels remain visible after upload, cropping, syndication, printing or sharing.

Make originals available where required

Retain and download the corresponding original with every staged result. Some rules require the original to appear alongside the altered image or at a publicly accessible destination. A private, signed-in studio link is not a public original-image destination. Publish the unaltered image yourself in an allowed location and verify that the viewer can access it.

California Business and Professions Code §10140.8 addresses digitally altered real-estate advertising, conspicuous disclosure and access to original images. The details depend on the publication format. Consult the California Department of Real Estate’s current guidance and your responsible broker before publishing.

Example disclosure with an original-image link

“Virtually staged: furniture and decor have been digitally added. View the original, unaltered photograph at [your publicly accessible original-image URL].” Replace the placeholder with the actual working destination. Do not use a link requiring the viewer to sign in.

Our style collection uses synthetic rooms created for demonstrations. It is labeled accordingly and is not presented as past customer work.

Fair housing and local rules

Use neutral descriptions of the property and furnishings. Do not use the service to create discriminatory housing advertisements or imply a preference, limitation or exclusion based on protected characteristics. State and local protections can extend beyond federal law.

These suggestions support your review; they do not certify compliance with every jurisdiction, MLS, brokerage or platform. Your responsible broker should review the final advertisement.