A Kelowna realtor has been fined thousands of dollars by the BC regulator, BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) after editing photos on a listing.
The realtor, Lori Evans, was fined a total of $6,000 for the infraction, according to a decision by the BCFSA.
In 2023, Evans was selling a home in Christina Lake. The buyer put in three offers before the home was sold to them for $490K.
The buyer, who is also the complainant, did not see the home in person until after the purchase, and instead relied on images posted to MLS.
However, the images had been digitally altered to conceal issues with the home like peeling paint.
The complaint reads that the contract stipulated that the property was sold furnished, but the furnishings in the edited photos were not the furnishings present at the property.
The complainant also said that the fact the listing photos were digitally staged was not communicated.
Further, the initial offer price for the home was increased based on the condition of the property and the furnishings being included.
“I had no choice but to rescind the deal as the listing agent refused to speak with the seller on these matters,” said the complainant, adding that cost should fall on the listing agent.
The complainant also sought compensation for travel and time.
“In my view, the posting of those photographs was likely to give prospective purchasers an impression of the property which was not accurate,” said the hearing officer.
The regulator found that Evans had contravened two rules, one carrying a fine of $5,000 and the other $1,000.
Evans applied to have the decision reconsidered and the penalty dropped, but was unsuccessful.
