The White Lie

The End of Altered Images

Consumer advocacy groups have drawn a line on deceptive real estate images. The first legislation in California (AB 723) went into effect in 2026. Brightening interior photos is an effective way to showcase natural lighting. However, out of expediency AI and foreign processing centers are simply desaturating interior colors to simulate illumination. Quick and easy this can be done with auto functions - but the results are seriously altered image.

The new law is focused on property misrepresentation. Other states and listing services in the industry will soon follow California's example. Deceptive photos are neither helpful to buyers or good for agent/broker credibility. ProPicFix is the answer. Professional images that do not falsify the property.

Below is the typical A.I. edited real estate listing:

Looking over this listing initially it appears a fresh coat of professionally applied interior finishing has recently taken place. A wise selling strategy. But as you progress through the slideshow one cannot help but notice some abnormalities. . .
Just like the foyer, the family room ceiling and wall finish is flawless. In addition, the mid-century cabinet is coated matching white. Not vanilla. Not eggshell. But absolute carbon-copy pure white color.
Upon closer examination, even the lamp shade, planter, clock face, and artwork are bright white. They are not rice or daisy, but 100% desaturated white. Coincidentally, the house next door is also the same matching white. That is plausible, right?
Pure white countertops with no grain or texture, the exact matching tone of the walls and ceiling? Not cotton. Not pearl. Sterile white. But this image gives up the secret. Notice the light fixtures over the island are identical to the one over the sink. The two over the island have had all color removed. This is because the image has been desaturated.
The A.I. processor will preserve the dark and bold colors while completely desaturating all lighter colors. A photo brightening trick that in no way resembles reality.
But the auto functions have difficulty with overlapping objects. You see here how the lower wall color bled onto the curtains. This is a dead giveaway the wall and ceiling colors have been altered.
The A.I. did handle the curtain color better with this image. However, the unapologetic alteration of all light colors grows more obvious. Cabinets, countertops, garbage can, toilet, shower tile, and even clothes hangers are all pure white. Not porcelain. Not bone. But 100% desaturated white.
A children's playroom with clean white walls? Sure. No image manipulation going on here!
Each image viewed the more ridiculous this listing appears. There is simply no way possible each room is this white. Everything but the wood furniture has been 100% desaturated.
Here is the topper. A room still under construction - yet we are supposed to believe sections of drywall yet to be installed have already been painted pure white? This cannot be real. So if this photo is not real . . . then this entire listing is fictitious.

The End of Altered Images

Understanding the differences between enhancing images and altering them becomes critically important. AI functions can still make a good assistant - but the human eye is still required for ethical editing decisions. The new laws require labeling of altered images - removing all motivation to pay for such images to begin with. The new laws are specifically targeting virtual staging, object removal, and dusk simulations. But the specific language about 'significant alterations' is sure to include the whitewashing of interiors - which both alter colors and remove flaws.

ProPicFix is the answer. Clear and professional real estate imagery that brings out the character of a property while still complying with new laws and also preserving the credibility of a listing agent.

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