The Benefits of MLS providers watermarking MLS photos

By
Real Estate Agent with Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info DB-17066

I have been doing some research on the pros and cons of watermarking photos in the MLS.  I just called for a meeting of our New Technology Committee of the Intermountain MLS to consider implementing watermarks, so I would appreciate feedback from others as to additional pros and cons of this concept.

Pros:

  1. FRAUD Abatement:  There are many complaints that people are scraping the photos for other purposes.  The most prevalent problem appears to be people taking photos of homes for sale and then creating a fictitious rental advertisement in an attempt to con people into filling out rental applications which end up being used for Identity Theft and also used to collect "deposits" on properties that aren't even for rent.  Appropriate watermarks could deter this practice.
  2. COST SAVINGS:  If the watermark is the URL of your MLS's public access website, it would drive consumers to that site as the source of the information.  For example, if a consumer sees it on Zillow, Trulia or Realtor.com but realizes that it actually came from your local MLS, they could go to the source of the data and save you advertising dollars as we retrain consumers on where to look!
  3. REGAIN CONTROL OF REAL ESTATE DATA:  Eventually, the consumers will realize the best source of data is the public side of your MLS.  Consumers will realize the data in the MLS is more comprehensive and more up to date than ANY other website!
  4. TIME SAVING:  If this is done at the MLS automatically, each agent wouldn't need to learn how to watermark their photos prior to uploading.

Cons:

  1. Watermark may detract from the quality of the image and therefore the marketing appeal of the photo;
  2. Time it would take to implement the change (I think once set up is complete, it could be automatic);
  3. Can you adjust (manual override) the location of the watermark?
  4. Some Realtors already watermark their photos, so how do we deal with multiple watermarks?
I would appreciate your input and insight into this concept!  If we decide to implement this idea, we will then figure out which vendor or what software to use.  Here is one company that offers a free version that you might consider using for your photos:  http://www.watermark-image.com/

 

Comments (6)

Rebecca Nystrom
RE/MAX Renaissance - Phoenix, AZ

If it were an opt in, you could eliminate con 4. 

I think it's a great idea.  It won't stop other agents from stealing my photos, but I like the concept. 

Dec 14, 2010 02:34 AM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

@Rebecca, fortunately, our MLS has a policy that you can not reuse someone else's photos without written permission.  All we need to do is let the MLS know of the infraction and they will correct it.  I suggest all MLS providers adopt that policy complete with fines.  If it costs the agent that "stole" your photos more than paying a professional photographer to take new photos, that problem would also cease to exist!

Dec 14, 2010 02:40 AM
Jane Heiss-Armitage
Ayre/Rhinehart Realtors (Midland County, Bay County,Saginaw County, Mi.) - Midland, MI
Selling Homes in the Great Lakes Bay Region

I think its a great idea because here people take the pictures from one agent to the next without permission.  Not a good idea.  Happy Holidays

Dec 14, 2010 02:40 AM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

If you agree with this idea, please re-blog it or write your own blog about it and post a link to that blog here so I can track feedback.  Thanks!

Dec 14, 2010 05:55 AM
Dennis Jonas
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group - Eagle, ID

Great Idea. You would have my support.  I believe the consumer wants as much information as possible, including sold information.

Dec 19, 2010 11:36 PM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

@Dennis, Thanks for the support. Since I will not be on the IMLS Board of Directors this year, it will take people like you and me that aren't afraid to voice our opinions for the betterment of our industry to effect changes.

We will be moving toward sold disclosures locally but that will still be a slow change probably starting with disclosing price "ranges" instead of exact pricing to the public.  This will be part of the strategic plan discussions for our MLS.

Dec 20, 2010 01:01 AM

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