Deleting photos or supplements from a permanently off market listing (MLS and syndication sites) – connectMLS

When a listing reaches its final off market status (Closed, Expired, Canceled), all data (including photos, supplements and virtual tours) is part of the permanent record for the listing. None of it can be removed or adjusted.

No one, not even SmartMLS staff, is able to remove photos or supplements from a Closed, Expired or Canceled listing on the MLS.

Some users think that they can circumvent this policy by removing photos from their listing right before it enters a final off market status. This is strictly forbidden as well.

Per Attachment C of the SmartMLS Rules and Regulations:
Photos submitted may not be removed from the Service, except for (1) replacing photos to reflect a change in the seasons, (2) reflecting improvements to the home or (3) substituting a higher quality photo of the same image. Removal of photos shall result in a $250 fine and the photos restored to the listing.

There is a confirmation window that appears if you go to delete a photo in connectMLS that is designed to help you remain in compliance of our photo deletion policy:

In addition to prohibiting photos from being removed from listings on the MLS, we have made an adjustment to our internet syndication policy to further address privacy concerns. Pursuant to Attachment C of the SmartMLS Rules & Regulations, as of June 9, 2021, IDX sites are no longer permitted to display additional photos on permanently off market listings (including those in the Closed status).

Note: this policy does not include Realtor.com, as they are not an IDX site.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com, which is neither a brokerage nor an IDX site, is governed by its own policies and procedures. In order to remove photos from Realtor.com, the owner of the property must go on the realtor.com website and claim the property. During the claim process, the owner can request that the images be removed from the listing. SmartMLS is not involved in this process.

Click here for additional information on removing photos from Realtor.com.

Note: If you think another agent has used your photos on their listing without your consent, please report it to our compliance department (compliance@smartmls.com) immediately so we can resolve the issue.