First, let’s address the issues surrounding the choice of pictures. If the pictures of the house reveal some of the problems with the property, is it permissible to “clean them up? Any time you make a material change to a photo that alters the physical condition of the property; you should keep Article 12 of the Code of Ethics in mind. Article 12 requires that Realtors® present a true picture in their advertising and real estate communications. A “reasonableness” standard typically applies – what would a reasonable agent do?

Additionally, other articles, such as Article 2 (misrepresentation or concealment of pertinent facts about a property) and 10 (prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin), also impact how social media can be used by Realtors®. For instance, NAR has deemed Confederate flags a hate symbol, and its members are prohibited from posting photographs with the flags displayed. Agents should make sure to familiarize themselves with those Articles.