New Mexico requires home listings to include floor plans

A recent decision by New Mexico's Multiple Listing Service (NMMLS) is set to bring changes to home listings in the state. The NMMLS announced that it will require all listings posted on its system to include floor plans, aiming to enhance the homebuying experience.

The move comes after users expressed concerns about the lack of floor plans, which they felt hindered their ability to make informed purchasing decisions. A 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors highlighted that homebuyers rank floor plans as the third most important feature on real estate websites, following photos and property details.

"Requiring floor plans on listings ensures that every buyer in New Mexico has access to the tools they need to make better decisions," said Megan E. McFarlane, executive director of NMMLS.

McFarlane explained that brokers previously lacked easy access to creating manageable floor plans without hand drawing them due to technological limitations. However, advancements in Light Detection and Ranging technology available on cell phones now allow agents to create basic floor plans at no cost.

New Mexico is pioneering this requirement in the United States, a practice already common in countries like Sweden, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Legal challenges had previously slowed down the use of floor plans in U.S. listings. In 2021, Charles James of Dreamworks Homes filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement for using his company's floor plans in listings. However, a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit determined such use falls under fair use law.

McFarlane hopes other states will adopt similar measures: "I will tell you, our board is so excited about this, and we have had no pushback."

Floor plans offer potential buyers detailed insights into a home's layout beyond what photos can provide. They include specific dimensions and room locations, allowing buyers to assess whether any remodeling might be necessary before visiting an open house. According to SmartDraw, including a floor plan can increase buyer click-through rates by 52%.

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