In the Orange County real estate market, privacy is the new luxury. Whether you own a coastal estate in Newport Beach or a modern masterpiece in Irvine, the way your home appears online is changing. As of February 18, 2026, the California Regional MLS (CRMLS) has officially updated its photo policy.
Quick Facts: The 2026 CRMLS Photo Shift
- The Rule: Only the “Primary Photo” stays public once a listing is Closed, Leased, Expired, or Cancelled.
- The Goal: Protect homeowner privacy and reduce the permanent digital footprint of interior living spaces.
- The Catch: Historical interior photos will now only be accessible to licensed agents via the secure MLS.
Why is CRMLS Removing Listing Photos in 2026?
This shift is a major win for homeowners who value discretion. If you own luxury real estate in Newport Coast or Laguna Beach, this update directly impacts your property’s long-term digital footprint.
In today’s landscape, listing photos often remain searchable for a decade. Consequently, many sellers have raised concerns about security and public access to their private interiors. CRMLS updated this rule to ensure that once you close escrow, your home’s “private life” stays private.
Does This Affect AB 723 “Altered Image” Disclosures?
Yes. While the CRMLS is limiting which photos are shown, the new California AB 723 law (effective Jan 1, 2026) still requires that any high-end properties using AI staging or digital enhancements must be clearly labeled.
Basically, your Orange County real estate specialist must ensure that:
- 1. Your primary photo is an absolute showstopper (since it’s the only one that stays public).
- 2. Any digital “glow-ups” are legally disclosed to maintain transparency.
How this Impacts High-End Properties in the OC
This policy ripples across all our favorite local enclaves. For a seller in Dana Point, it means your ocean-view sunset remains your private sanctuary after the sale. Meanwhile, in San Clemente, homeowners can rest easy knowing their interior design isn’t a permanent part of the public domain.
Even in thriving hubs like Costa Mesa, this update adds a layer of exclusivity. Because the primary photo is now the only surviving image on public sites, that first shot must be perfection. It is the face of your home’s history.
Experience the Surterre Advantage
Real estate marketing in 2026 is about balancing maximum exposure with sophisticated privacy. Whether you are navigating the cliffs of Laguna Beach or the luxury estates of Irvine, we ensure your home is positioned for success, both during and after the sale.
Ready to see how these new rules affect your property value and privacy? Don’t leave your digital footprint to chance! Contact your local Surterre real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com to get started.
CRMLS Photo Policy Update 2026 – FAQs
1. Does this new policy remove all photos from the MLS?
No. All photos remain fully available inside the MLS for agents, appraisers, and brokers. They are only restricted from public-facing IDX websites (like Zillow or Redfin) to protect homeowner privacy.
2. Does this affect active listings in Orange County?
No. This only applies to Closed, Leased, Expired, and Cancelled listings. Active listings will still show all professional photos to help market the property effectively.
3. Do homeowners need to request photo removal?
No. The rule applies automatically beginning 2/18. The CRMLS system will automatically restrict the public display of secondary images for all finalized listings.
4. Does this policy apply across all of California?
Yes. This policy applies to all listings within CRMLS coverage areas, which includes Orange County and much of Southern California.
5. Why is the CRMLS only keeping the Primary Photo public?
This change prioritizes privacy. Homeowners expressed concern over interior photos of their luxury estates being available to the public long after a sale is finalized.
6. How does this impact high-end properties in Newport Beach?
For Newport Beach sellers, this ensures that detailed floor plans and interior assets aren’t permanently public, which is a key security feature for high-profile residents.
7. Will this change affect home appraisals or CMAs?
Not at all. Since professional agents and appraisers still have full access to the MLS, they can still view historical photos to determine property value.
8. What should I choose as my Primary Photo in 2026?
Since it’s the only photo that stays public, it should be the most impressive exterior or iconic view of your home to maintain its digital prestige.
9. Does this rule interact with the new AB 723 “Altered Image” law?
Yes. While CRMLS restricts photo count, all remaining images—especially the Primary Photo—must still comply with California’s 2026 laws regarding AI and digital alteration disclosures.
10. Where can I get more info about my OC home’s digital footprint?
You can connect with a Surterre real estate specialist at SurterreProperties.com for a personalized consultation on your home’s online exposure and privacy strategy.
