What should I do? Other realtors are using my marketing pictures?

By JJ Canull

Real Estate Agent with AM Real Estate Resources

March 25, 2008 03:38 AM

I have seen two realtors so far that have used the pictures I took of the home to market it when it goes back on the market. I have a degree in photojournalism and a minor in art photography and feel my photos are a big edge I have over other realtors. But when they pull them out of the MLS and use them, I lose that edge. One was in a condo complex where I had a picture of one of the most beautiful sunsets off the back porch. Well, when another realtor listed a different condo she used that same picture. I contacted her office 3 times and it was never taken off. And it sold before I could do anything. What would you do in this situation and what should I do next time? I almost feel rude for calling to ask them to take it off, but I also feel I need to. Thanks for your help.

JJ Canull

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Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Unless you say something it will continue. You did create them and own them...Does your Board have a policy on this?

Mar 25, 2008 03:40 AM

Vickie Nagy

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA

Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

This is against the board rules here. Probably yours too. Check with the board, then contact the agents.

Mar 25, 2008 03:41 AM

Dana Hollish Hill

Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD

REALTOR * Broker * Coach

You could put your watermark on them and then if they steal them, they will also be advertising for you.

Mar 25, 2008 03:43 AM

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME

Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Doesn't the mls forbid usage of someone else's pictures lifted from mls?

Mar 25, 2008 03:46 AM

Liane Jamason

Smith & Associates Real Estate - Saint Petersburg, FL

Top 1% Real Estate Broker - St. Petersburg, FL

Yes I would report it to your MLS. I'd be upset too, I have a nice Digital SLR and I pride myself on the photos I take. I'd report it and email the Realtor. That's just being lazy.

Mar 25, 2008 03:47 AM

Kristal Reid

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty - Zebulon, GA

Zebulon, GA

I had really great photos of a particular home and I knew I wasn't going to relist it. So that another agent couldn't pull my photos, just before the listing expired, I went into MLS and replaced all my photos with "Photo Unavailable".

Mar 25, 2008 03:50 AM

Dawna Graham

River City ReDesign & Painting - New Westminster, BC

I'm not a Real Estate Agent - I'm a Home Stager and I too have an education in photography and simply put - those are YOUR copy-written photographs. Without written approval no one can use them! I'd ask the agent to remove them at once!

Mar 25, 2008 03:51 AM

Royal Goodman

Royalty Home Solutions - Madera, CA

"We Treat You Like a King"

JJ. I would write them a certified letter and let them know you do not appreciate it. I would also in the future, insert text on the bottom that identifies you and your company. Royal..

Mar 25, 2008 03:57 AM

Jo Olson

HOMEFRONT Realty - Kettle Falls, WA

Retired - HOMEFRONT Realty @ LAKE Roosevelt

You really need to find what your board rules are. You might want to quote the rule number in the correspondence you send to the violators. Also check the rules of your board while adding anything to your photos - some boards have rules on the photo having any type of promotion and just putting your name on it could qualify. If you don't get response from the agent - cc the broker too.

Mar 25, 2008 04:05 AM

Bob Cumiskey

A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL

US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor

It's illegal for us to do that here in Florida. Watermarking them might help, but they can always crop that out.

Mar 25, 2008 04:08 AM

Elaine Stewart

Elaine Stewart is the #1 Individual RE/MAX Agent for 13 years straight in the Coachella Valley. (760) 668-2399 - Palm Desert, CA

RE/MAX All-Pro

I asked my brokers attorney about this one time and he said anything on the MLS as far as photos is fair game. It may be different with your board.

Mar 25, 2008 04:30 AM

Greg Steffens

Mountain Country Realty - Lake Arrowhead, CA

I liked the idea of taking the photos out of the listing after it expires. Then, no one can heist them. In our association you can't "brand" your MLS photos in any way. But, if there aren't any pictures to steal, then problem solved....

Mar 25, 2008 06:02 AM

What should I do? Other realtors are using my marketing pictures?

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JJ Canull

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