Why MLS Image Quality Directly Impacts Listing Performance
In today’s digital-first market, over 95% of buyers start their home search online.
Before they read the description.
Before they check the price.
Before they contact you.
They look at the photos.
Poor MLS export settings can significantly reduce the perceived value of a property — even when the home itself is beautiful and professionally shot.
If you’re a real estate broker or agent, understanding how to properly upload and optimize listing photos can dramatically increase:
Click-through rate (CTR)
Time spent on listing
Showing requests
Perceived property value
Speed of sale
Let’s break it down properly.
Recommended MLS Image Export Settings (Professional Standard)
- Best Image Size for MLS Uploads
✔ Long Edge: 2400px – 3000px
This range is ideal because:
Large enough for desktop viewing
Sharp on high-resolution monitors
Safe from aggressive MLS compression
Suitable for repurposing on social media and websites
Images under 1500px often appear:
Soft
Pixelated
Unprofessional
Images over 4000px:
Get compressed heavily by MLS
Increase loading time
May reduce clarity after platform compression
💡 SEO Tip: When uploading to your website (not just MLS), rename files properly:
Instead of:
IMG_2394.jpg
Use:
luxury-modern-home-living-room-manila.jpg
This helps your images rank in Google Image search.
- JPEG Quality Settings
✔ JPEG Quality: 80 – 90
This balance:
Preserves detail
Reduces file size
Loads fast on MLS platforms
Prevents over-compression artifacts
Under 70 quality:
Visible compression blocks
Loss of sharpness
Reduced luxury perception
Above 95:
Minimal visual improvement
Much larger file size
Slower load speed
And remember:
Speed affects engagement.
Color Profile & Sharpness Optimization
Why sRGB Is Critical
Always export in:
✔ sRGB color profile
Why?
All browsers display in sRGB
MLS platforms expect sRGB
Prevents color shifting
Avoids dull or washed-out images
Exporting in Adobe RGB can make your listing look flat online — even if it looked perfect in Lightroom.
Output Sharpening: Less Is More
Professional workflow:
Edit → correct verticals → adjust exposure → color balance → final mild sharpening → export
Apply output sharpening once only.
Over-sharpened images:
Create halos on edges
Make walls look harsh
Destroy natural realism
Luxury = subtle clarity, not crunchy texture.
Image Order Strategy: How to Structure MLS Photos for Maximum Engagement
4
Most agents upload photos randomly.
High-performing listings follow a psychological walkthrough flow.
Correct Property Flow Order
Exterior Hero Shot (Strongest Image First)
Secondary Exterior Angle
Entryway / Foyer
Living Area
Kitchen
Dining Area
Master Bedroom
Bathrooms
Additional Bedrooms
Backyard / Amenities
Why this works:
It mirrors an actual property showing.
Buyers mentally “walk through” the house.
Random order breaks emotional momentum.
Twilight Photography: Why It Increases Click-Through Rate
4
Twilight shots:
Stand out in MLS grid view
Create emotional warmth
Feel premium and aspirational
Increase perceived value
Even adding one twilight hero image can increase listing attention significantly.
For high-end properties, it’s almost mandatory.
Common MLS Photo Mistakes That Reduce Buyer Interest
❌ Crooked vertical lines
❌ Dark rooms
❌ Mixed color temperatures
❌ Overexposed windows
❌ Blurry handheld shots
❌ Over-compressed images
❌ Random image order
Each of these subtly reduces trust.
And trust directly affects buyer action.
How Proper Visual Optimization Increases Listing Views
Optimized real estate images:
✔ Increase time on listing page
✔ Improve click-through rate
✔ Attract serious buyers
✔ Reduce low-quality inquiries
✔ Justify higher asking prices
Professional visuals are not a cost.
They are a marketing investment. paki add din ito sa blogs, that can add images din here via links