🚫 BIGGEST FINES FOR REALTORS FOR REAL ESTATE MEDIA 📸
You worry about the contract, but are you ignoring the media? In the DFW market, a single wrong upload can cost more than your entire commission.
Here are the top 3 ways Texas agents are losing money right now:
🚁 1. Bought a Drone for Your Listings? (Or Your Pilot Has No License?) So you bought a DJI Mini to save money on photographers, or you hired a "guy with a drone" who isn't a professional.
The Violation: Real estate photography is commercial use. Even if the drone is small, you (or your pilot) MUST have an FAA Part 107 license.
The Trap: DFW is a web of restricted airspace (Love Field, DFW Airport, Addison). If you post a photo taken in a "No Fly Zone" without LAANC authorization, you are documenting your own crime.
The Fine: The FAA fines for unauthorized commercial flights can exceed $30,000.
🚫 2. Unlicensed Photo Usage (The "Previous Listing" Trap) You grabbed photos from the MLS from when the house sold 3 years ago because "nothing changed."
The Violation: You don't own the photos—the photographer does. The license was for the previous agent, not you.
The Real Risk: Copyright "troll" law firms are actively scanning Texas broker websites using AI. They send demand letters requiring $5,000+ for unauthorized use of just one image.
The Fine: If it goes to court, federal law allows statutory damages of up to $150,000 per photo. Never reuse old photos without buying a new license.
🎵 3. Trending Audio (Social Media vs. MLS) Using a Taylor Swift song for your listing video?
The Trap: It might fly on TikTok, but if you put it on the MLS (via YouTube/Vimeo), strict Content ID systems will mute or block it instantly. Your listing link will be dead.
The Real Risk: It’s not just a technical error. Major record labels (like Sony & Universal) are actively suing businesses for commercial misuse. Federal law allows statutory damages of up to $150,000 per song.
The Fix: Don't risk a lawsuit or a broken link. ALWAYS use licensed (Royalty-Free) music for MLS tours.
💡 The Bottom Line: A professional DFW photographer charging $200 includes the license, valid music rights, and drone insurance. A copyright lawyer costs $25,000. Don't risk your license to save a few bucks.
