Compliance guide for real estate professionals
NSREC (Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission) regulates the industry. Virtual staging must be disclosed per CREA guidelines.
NSREC disciplinary proceedings, fines, license conditions.
NSREC enforces the Real Estate Trading Act's requirements for accurate representation. Apply visible watermarks to each staged image and include written disclosure in your ViewPoint or MLS listing. Consistency across all platforms is essential.
CREA's national guidelines provide specific direction on watermark placement, disclosure wording, and original photo provision. Following these guidelines demonstrates industry-standard compliance.
The Real Estate Trading Act prohibits misrepresentation. Virtual staging must not hide defects, alter structural features, or misrepresent property condition. Limit staging to furniture and décor that buyers understand isn't included.
Maintain original photos for every listing with virtual staging. NSREC can investigate complaints, and having originals available demonstrates you made staged photos available for comparison.
"Images have been virtually staged to illustrate the property's potential. Furniture and decor shown are digitally rendered and are not included with the property. Please refer to the original photographs for an accurate representation of the property's current condition."
"This home features virtual staging to help you visualize its potential. The furniture shown is digitally added and not physically present. Schedule a showing to see the actual space. #VirtualStaging #RealEstate"
"This listing includes virtually staged photographs. Digital furniture and decor have been added to help you visualize the space. These items are not present in the physical property. Original photographs are available upon request."
"VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered"
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