On May 18th, 2022, we put out a fun and educational Photo Literacy Quiz.
Drawing Winners
Members who completed the quiz were automatically entered to win a FREE Supra Bluetooth Lockbox worth $90. Three lucky members were selected. Congratulations to:
Amy Williams, with Homesmart Realty Group
Rebecca Overall, with Overall Real Estate
Greg & Judy Gysin, with Gysin Realty Group LLC
Thank you to all those that participated!!
Survey Questions & Results
1) Even PRE listings, bare land, and Sold Comps require at least one image?
Results: 97% got this one correct.
Answer: This is TRUE – because ALL listings require at least one image. Starting July 1, 2022, we won’t even be able to save a listing without one.
Note: Contact us if there’s an issue preventing you from taking a photo of a listing while in PRE-status. A temporary placeholder image may be approved. Here’s the PRE-Listing FAQ.
(From WVMLS Rule 1l) Photo/Image. i. Primary photo is required upon listing submission...)
2) The Primary (first) Image on listings MUST be an exterior view of the home?
Results: 97% got this one correct.
Answer: This is TRUE. The main reasoning behind this is that our members use the photos for subsequent research, comps and appraisals.
Note: An aerial view of the home doesn’t usually work as the primary image as the home must be identifiable from the ground.
(From WVMLS Rule 1l) Photo/Image. i. Primary photo [...] must be an exterior view.)
3) When I submit a listing photo, I’m guaranteeing WVMLS that I’m not infringing on someone else’s copyright?
Results: Nearly 99% chose correctly.
Answer: This is TRUE. As a publisher, we need to be sure the images you share with the membership convey sufficient usage permissions and won’t present legal challenges now or down the road.
(From WVMLS Rule 1l) ii. In uploading images, Member represents and warrants to WVMLS that: (a) Member holds all the necessary rights, licenses and/or clearances to provide and use; (b) that image(s) are accurate and reasonably representative; (c) that image(s) do not and will not infringe or misappropriate any third-party rights (including without limitation privacy, publicity, intellectual property and any other proprietary rights, such as copyright, trademark and patent rights) or constitute a fraudulent statement or misrepresentation or unfair business practice and that (d) Member shall be responsible for payment of any third-party fees related to the provision and use of submitted images.)
4) I can delete property photos after the listing sells, or is expired, withdrawn or terminated.
Results: 75% of the members choose correctly.
Answer: This is FALSE. The reasoning behind this is that our members use property photos for subsequent research, for comps, and for appraisals. Photos submitted to WVMLS become part of the historical record. (But do contact us if there’s a security issue with a particular listing photo.)
(From WVMLS Rule 1l vi. The removal of listing detail/images that diminishes the content quality or accuracy of the listing is strictly prohibited.)
5) Residential build jobs (new construction) require new listing photos at intervals during the listing (or at least upon Closing Date) to keep the listing data current and accurate?
Results: 80% were correct in their choice.
Answer: This is TRUE. Our members use these images for subsequent research, comps and appraisals. A “similar to” image, plat map or builder’s drawing doesn’t cut it once the build is completed.
(From WVMLS Rule 1n) Listing Data. Members shall provide to WVMLS listing data (including images and associated documents) that are current and accurate in every ascertainable detail, and Members shall avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts.