Yeah you're doing the right thing. I've had it happen, recently in fact w/ some stock photos I have of a particular area. Some dork used them on her listing, I reported it, they told her to take it down, she puts back up another one of my stock photos. No brains, no headaches.

Been there, done that - our MLS rules are very specific about the utilization/stealing of others' photos. I don't even notify the agent any more - I just go straight to MLS and report them.

This behavior is one of my biggest pet peeves. I pay good money for professional photos and they are not for other agents' use!

       I got a "courtesy call" from an agent recently.   Could she use a few of my photos from several years ago; they still look good, is that okay?

    Yes, you may, because you were professional enough to ask.   And you (the agent who called me) brought the buyer to me (who is now the Seller of the same house).   

Well, they have no rights to use your images, so reporting and request to remove that picture seems to be the only right way.

and you should report it.... there's no reason for that happening other than laziness....

Against our MLS rules as well.

Depends. If it's just a basic photo I took, I don't worry about it. If it's an exceptional photo that took me lots of time and money to take, I would probably report it.

Looks like you are handling it, Theo.  Our MLS has a similar policy that you cannot use anyone else's photos without permission.

Theo Shaw If it continues send them a cease and desist letter. There are several posts here about copyright infringement with photos. Lenn Harley's blog has several on her blog.

I'd report 'em. The more of us that do it, the more it will stop.

Small MLS up north, I call the agent. Big MLS here, you can just hit the "report" button.

To be honest, I just take it as a complement and move on.  Too many other things to deal with in real estate.  Trying to stay on track.

I realize some folks have noted its a minor issue and one should move on, but it could become a bigger issue if people are not called out for it. So, I agree that it should be dealt with in one way or another. Personally, I would reach the agent first letting them know you were unhappy to learn your photos were being used. Then to the broker, then to MLS.

One issue we deal with in the city are rentals being put up on craiglist or other sites without our permission and without properly noting we are the brokerage. The issue here is that often they have different photos with our MLS wording or the other way around, our photos with their wording. It may not seem like a big deal.. more marketing, right? Just get it rented, right? I disagreee. Generally, their write ups are not as fine tuned as our own (gramatical errors and such) and could actually damage our marketing image/reputation. We go right to the agent on these as well, and if they do not take down the posts we go to their broker.

As a broker/owner, I would want to know if my agent was doing something like that. We have no room for laziness & unprofessional agents, here.

I noticed that a listing that I had until 2010 has been relisted. I remember taking the picture. Unless the Agent found the same lizard, the Agent used my picture. Actually, she used all my pictures from this listing.   

I took the listing in 2008 and listed the lot at $225,000. It is now listed at $75,000.  I do not plan to make a fuss about it because I took the pictures and did not pay a photographer.

The Seller has enough pain with the decrease in the value of his lot. I do not want to complicate the situation.

Had I paid a photographer, I would make an issue of it.

I choose to spend my time and energy on other things. I take it as a compliment. We work to stay on good terms with the local agents because we want them to show our listings. 

I ask myself before each battle, or each stress event: is this the highest and best use of my time? 

Of course, if you report it, that is totally up to you and you have the right to do so. 

I would report it for certain.  I do not appreciate theft and will not tolerate it. You certainly did the right thing.  I do hope the MLS enforces their own rules. 

Good for you! Most just fume and move-on allowing this type of behavior!

I personally don't have an issue with but yes, reporting it is fine if it bothers you

Contact the listing agent with a copy of the MLS rules and ask them to kindly remove it.

I would report it immediately. It's not allowed in our MLS and theft deserves to be reported

I don't look for them and could careless if I see them-I doubt I'd recognize mine from anther's; I take my own and use other HOA photos too from their website. I've never understood the worry over common area reuse or generic geographic views,etc. To each their own, enjoy the stress.

Life is too short to get upset over minor things like this, send them a note and thank them for the compliment of using your photo.

I have had it happen only a handful of times.  But I know a couple of agents who do a lot of business in some large condo buildings... and they have it happen all the time.

I recommend contacting the agent (prior to reporting them) and asking that it be taken down immediately (or, if you're up for it... ask for a fee for the photo's use).  If they won't, or don't, comply... I will report them post-haste.

I don't care about that.

Theo Shaw - as long as you are 100% sure of this, perfectly fine.

I had someone accuse me of the same because of the similarity of the exterior of the unit. Of course, I had the receipt from my professional photographer.

She did not have the courtesy to say 'Sorry'...

You did the right thing.  Been there done that.  

On one occasion, I saw my description used -- the property I represented was an extensively renovated unit in a condo complex and the same words were used for a fixer upper.  Same complex but very different units.   I can only imagine what potential buyers and their agents thought when they entered.  Very odd.  

Report it!

I would not worry about it. 

Report it!

I would contact that agent and tell them to remove the picture.

I normally will first ask the agent to remove the photo before reporting them.

Some agents delete all but one routinely on their Expireds

I report it to my mls... 

I grumble and moan and usually let it stand especially if it is of a common area in the neighborhood.

Our MLS watermarks all photo's!

Good for you.

I either call or email, i do like calling as they cant hide from me and ask to take it down

Its subjective...

Our MLS automatically puts a watermark "Copyright of broker"

Contact the listing agent and tell them they have but a hour to pull the photos before a grieveance is filed with the local board.

I never knew that, wonder if my MLS is the same way

I had that happen recenly