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Frank Rubi, FrankRubiRealEstate.com (Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC)

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Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I'd jump down the throat of that agent.... I would demand they be taken down and if it doesn't happen, I'd go to the next step....once I start, I don't stop.

Feb 23, 2017 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

How annoyed are you?  You can give the agent 24 hours to take them down, which they will.  You can also lodge a complaint with the MLS which will probably levy a fine.  Filing a complaint will create a record, in case this agent makes a habit of purloining photos.

Feb 23, 2017 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

That is why I delete most of my photos from the MLS once a property either expires, is withdrawn, or sold. Our MLS has rules for this, so agents can report to them, then they will follow up with the unauthorized use of your photos. If the agent can't provide proof that they had permission to use the photos, MLS will remove them.

Feb 23, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Do all 4

1 send them a bill

2 call them

3 call their broker

4 call the mls dept at your local association

Feb 23, 2017 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It happened once and I reported it to my mls and they made the agent take them down put her own up.

Feb 23, 2017 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Say what? To what photos you you make reference?

The photos to which you FORFEITED ownership right to your MLS.

The photos to which you FORFEITED through syndication?

The photos to which you FORFEITED ownership rights when you posted on AR?

Those parties, not you. are the one's who now OWN your IP.

Yes, you can make noise, you can threaten, you can even tell Mommy MLS, but the agents rights disappeared long ago.

That is why agents need the right to brand their images with their ownership title.

You need to 'rethink' syndication.

 

Feb 23, 2017 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I just report them to the MLS and let them handle it.  I don't buy the excuse they don't know any better - it's common sense. If the agent did not take the photos or hire someone to take the photos, then they are stealing someone else's work.  If they don't have that basic concept down, then they have bigger problems.  

Feb 23, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Frank Rubi I would report it to the MLS and they would take care of it.

Feb 23, 2017 05:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I never look and I'm too busy to care. If I didn't want them re-used, I'd delete them prior to going Sold on the MLS. I don't believe in purgery, a writer's words are theirs alone. But, photos and quotes and videos online, I just feel they are for sharing once posted. Again, if I didn't want it shared, I'd not post it to begin with. I tend to agree with @Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 on this one. I mean seriously who has time to police this stuff?

Feb 23, 2017 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I just had that happened to me, I sent the agent using my photos an email with a link to the copyright infringement notice in my website and within seconds, the pictures were taken down.

Feb 23, 2017 05:58 AM
Rainmaker
151,633
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

If I have an expired or withdrawn listing, I take down all the photos in the MLS with the exception of the first one.

Getting to your question, I would do the same thing as Barbara Todaro and Nina Hollander!

Feb 23, 2017 05:47 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

I would start with a phone call to the agent.  Perhaps they are new and didn't realize...??  I always prefer to give someone the benefit of making a mistake and owning it...  If the agent gives any resistance, you can take the next step.

Feb 23, 2017 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Its subjective to be sure however my main thought is I am through with them

Feb 23, 2017 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Contact the listing agent/broker first and then other appropriate action if necessary.  

Feb 23, 2017 06:14 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I start with a simple call, they ignore me i go to the managing broker. They ingnore me i go to the state real estate commission

Feb 23, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

That's a touchy one. You own the photos, and the agent that stole them for their own use is wrong. I would indeed turn the agent in to the MLS - AND I would send a warning letter to the agent and the brokerage - put them BOTH on notice.

And then, is it worth your time?

Feb 23, 2017 05:50 AM
Ambassador
6,393,524
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

As long as I did not need them anymore, why not build a little good will and be generous.

 

Feb 23, 2017 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Thanks to all for the comments. 

Feb 23, 2017 10:03 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I would certainly be upset Frank Rubi but I remember reading very recently, I believe in a REALTOR magazine,  a judge ruled  that if one party is not financial affected to bad even though the picture was copyrighted.

Feb 23, 2017 08:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Git a rope!
I had this happen to me a couple years back. You go to the MLS and report it, and they will enforce removal. Then, you make it clear to that agent and their broker that you are watching and will not tolerate it happening again. Hawthorne Effect.

Feb 23, 2017 07:38 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

I'm with Barbara Todaro on this.  Personally had that happen more than once and I know how you feel.  It's stealing and it's not right.  I did call the agent and ended up calling the office manager/broker and they were two of a kind.  They did take the photos down but with the internet  and photos and everything else staying on once it's there it didn't accomplish much.  Hopefully you get this resolved.  After reading all the other comments I edited this....I see so many others have the same mindset on this.  I didn't realize it happens that often.  It certainly should happen.  

Feb 23, 2017 06:47 AM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I report to our MLS...in fact, I just reported a gal yesterday! It's maddening that agents are too lazy or too cheap to take or pay for their own photos for not only MLS but, social media and their own websites.

Feb 23, 2017 06:37 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I would be in touch with them and their broker abou having them taken down promptly, and if not in 24 hours would file a complaint with the MLS

Feb 23, 2017 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I call the agent and ask him to remove them.  Next, I would report it to the MLS.

Feb 23, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I really don't care about this. My goal is to focus on the positives. TH ereal problem is that it misrepresents the home and buyers when they see it will be distrustful.

Feb 23, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Call the agent and se if he will reimburse you for it.

Feb 23, 2017 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Our MLS has a policy against this and you can report unauthorized use of your photos.  I suggest contacting the agent first and getting them to remove them.  However, the issue may be your photographer - and did you have exclusive use of these? Or did your photographer have the right to sell the same photos to someone else?

Feb 23, 2017 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Give em a call if they don't remove it's broker time and MLS time!

Feb 23, 2017 09:25 AM
Rainer
29,053
Michelle Esposito
Michelle Esposito, P.A. - West Palm Beach, FL
REALTOR serving Palm Beach and Broward County

Everyone has great,spot on answers. It is illegal but doesn't stop people. In the marketing world, we place the name/watermark/logo(if you have one or you are a brand) on each photo as well that shows who owns it. Not sure if that is accepted in RE world.

Feb 23, 2017 09:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

If you took them, you get to tell them to take them down. Our MLS is really good & quick about that.

Feb 23, 2017 09:03 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

It is against our MLS rules and regulations to do this without permission so they can enforce and fine the agent. If that is the case with your MLS I would first call the agent and give them a chance to remove and if they don't call the MLS to let them enforce it.-Kasey

Feb 23, 2017 09:02 AM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Report them yo their broker, the MLS provider and your local board. 

Feb 23, 2017 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

I would follow Dianne Goode advice. Demand it to be taken down within 24 hours.

Feb 23, 2017 08:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Around here you just call our local MLS, they remove the listing until the offender post their own photos..  If they don't do so within  short amount of time the MLS fines them for each and every day

Feb 23, 2017 07:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

As Barbara stated and I would notify your local board, and even perhaps file a grievance. This is an ethics problem and a copyright infringement that may warrant a letter from your attorney

Feb 23, 2017 07:42 AM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Call the agent and tell him/her to take them down. They are stealing.

Feb 23, 2017 07:32 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I would sick Barbara Todaro on them!

Feb 23, 2017 07:30 AM
Rainer
2,350
Shelley R. Webster
Keller Williams Realty - Mableton, GA
Real Estate Consultant Serving Greater Atlanta

The Agent has already paid for the professional photos and the photos should not be used "for free"  by any one else without prior permission.

Feb 23, 2017 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Frank,

I would start with a call, and if nothing happened, I would have an attorney draw up a cease and desist letter.  A

Feb 23, 2017 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
466,778
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Frank,

I do not pay for professional photos, I take them myself, but it does burn me up when another agent does copy them. I simply contact the MLS and report. Like Jeff Pearl said, it is wise to take them down and just leave one when sold.

Feb 23, 2017 06:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I would go after that agent for more than a small check!  

Feb 26, 2017 06:08 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Report to your MLS. Agent now thinks they have rights because of the payment. 

Feb 24, 2017 06:57 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The photos were not for sale. They were stolen and misused without permission. Also adding what Barbara Todaro said. 

Feb 24, 2017 04:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I'd talk to the agent first and ask them to cease and desist.  If that fails, contact the broker.  If that fails do a board grievance and have a lawyer contact them for IP theft.

Feb 24, 2017 10:26 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Follow the procedures required by your MLS.

Feb 24, 2017 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

It happened.  Once. The agent got spanked. By guess who. Several years later that same agent went to jail for mishandling funds (property management).

Feb 24, 2017 03:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Frank Rubi - I am sure you can complain to the board. Though for EXPIRED listing?

Feb 23, 2017 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have not had this problem but I would be on the phone right away

Feb 23, 2017 08:40 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

The first time I would contact the agent directly and demand they be removed that very day or else I would send the bill to their Broker. The second time, I would send the bill to their Broker.

Feb 23, 2017 08:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Wow, that easy? Just drop a personal check and that will fix it all? 

Feb 23, 2017 04:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Go to the MLS and then after the criminal.

Feb 23, 2017 03:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I delte them if the listing expires.

 

Feb 23, 2017 01:40 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 This question makes me miss Lenn Harley.

Feb 23, 2017 12:56 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

It is against our rules in the MLS unless the agent gives permission. I'm glad to see the agent dropped off the check..as a new agent they learned a valuable lesson.

Feb 23, 2017 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
542,913
Sean Casey
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate - Newark, DE
Greenville, Hockessin, Newark & Bear Homes

I would call the agent.  I would think that they knew that you shouldn't be using others work, but perhaps they don't.  After that, you may need to escalate it to their broker, and then the MLS.  Sometimes you don't know what is going through someones mind until you talk with them.  

Feb 23, 2017 11:28 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

First I have an agreement with the photographer (written) that gives me ownership of said listing photos.  Second if someone else pulls them they must do it before my listing expires or is sold, because I remove them (with the exception of the main photo to be used for BPOs and CMAs and appraisals). If my photos are used I have an attorney prepared cease and desist order that I mail to them.  If they don't comply in 48 hours my attorney mails a certified intent to seek legal remedy letter.  It's never gone beyond that. 

Feb 23, 2017 11:19 AM