Is including a picture of a local church in an MLS listing allowed?

When it comes to including images in an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listing, ethical guidelines and anti-discrimination laws play a significant role. The option that states including a picture of a local church is not allowed because it shows preference to a religious group is correct. This ties into the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religion, among other characteristics. Including a church image could suggest a preference or bias towards buyers of a particular faith, thus potentially violating these fair housing practices. The intent behind these regulations is to promote equal housing opportunities and prevent discriminatory practices in real estate marketing.

The other choices do not align with these ethical and legal standards. While community features may be a part of the listing, they need to be presented in a way that does not discriminate or suggest preferential treatment based on religious affiliation. Obtaining permission for the church image would still not address the underlying issue of preference in relation to religion in advertising. Lastly, simply noting that the property is in the vicinity does not overcome the concern that the image could imply bias towards those affiliated with that religious group.