As of January 1, 2026, California rolled out a new law that directly impacts how homes are marketed online, and if you’ve ever raised an eyebrow at a too-perfect listing photo, this one’s for you.
Assembly Bill 723, commonly referred to as the Altered Image Law, now requires real estate professionals to clearly disclose when listing photos have been digitally altered in a way that makes a property look different – not just better.
The goal? Transparency.
The subtext? Another example of regulation stepping in where our industry arguably could have (and maybe should have) self-regulated.
Let’s break it down in plain English for our fellow millennials.
What Does the Law Require?
If a listing photo has been digitally altered in a way that changes the substance of the property, agents must now provide access to the original, unedited image.
This can be done in one of three ways:
- A side-by-side comparison
- A direct link to the original photo
- A QR code that takes viewers to the unedited version
The intent is simple: buyers deserve to know what they’re really looking at.
What Counts as “Digitally Altered”?
Not all edits are created equal. The law specifically targets changes that could mislead a buyer about the condition or features of a home.
Disclosure is required for edits such as:
Virtual staging
- Adding or removing furniture
- Adding appliances or fixtures that aren’t actually there
Material changes
- Changing flooring types
- Altering wall colors
- Modifying landscaping or outdoor features
Deceptive edits
- Removing utility poles or power lines
- Altering window views
- “Fixing” visible physical defects like cracks or damage
If an edit changes how a buyer understands the property itself, disclosure is mandatory.
What Is Exempt (and Still Totally Normal)?
Good news: this law is not banning professional photography or basic editing.
The following do not require disclosure:
- Lighting, exposure, and color correction
- Sharpening, cropping, or straightening images
- General clarity improvements that don’t misrepresent condition
Interestingly, the use of wide-angle lenses is not currently addressed by the law; a detail worth watching as enforcement and interpretation evolve.
Why This Matters (Especially in Wine Country)
In competitive markets like Healdsburg, Geyserville, Windsor, and Cloverdale, first impressions matter, but so does trust.
Buyers are savvier than ever. Over-edited photos don’t just risk compliance issues; they can lead to disappointment, wasted showings, and damaged credibility.
For sellers, this law reinforces something I already believe strongly:
✨ The best marketing starts with honesty, strategy, and great preparation — not smoke and mirrors.
My Take as a Local Realtor
Professional photography is still essential. Smart marketing is still essential.
But transparency? That’s non-negotiable.
This law simply puts into writing what good agents have always known:
Long-term success comes from trust, not tricks.
If you’re considering selling and want to talk about how to showcase your home beautifully and compliantly in 2026, I’m always happy to walk you through it — no pressure, no gimmicks. Fill out my contact form to get started!
Shelby Manoukian-Vyborny
Your Sonoma County Real Estate Expert