Sellers Now Have More Control: New NAR Policy + What You Need to Know About Third-Party Real Estate Sites

The National Association of REALTORS® has just announced a major policy shift that puts more power in the hands of home sellers: introducing “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers.” This update to the long-standing Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) will officially take effect March 25, 2025, with full implementation required by September 30, 2025.

After extensive industry review, this new policy provides sellers with a new tool: the delayed marketing exempt listing. This gives sellers the ability to list their property in the MLS, making it visible to other agents, while delaying public marketing through IDX or syndication (think Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com).

💡 Why This Matters

While many buyers search for homes on third-party websites, most don’t realize how those sites work—or how they profit.

• These platforms pull listing data from the MLS through IDX feeds.

• When a buyer clicks “Contact Agent,” that inquiry doesn’t go to the listing agent—instead, the site sells that lead to up to three different agents who pay for visibility.

• They also sell consumer data to mortgage lenders, often without the consumer realizing multiple parties will be contacting them.

• New privacy laws now require consumer consent before their contact information can be sold to more than one party—bringing much-needed transparency.

With the new delayed marketing option, sellers can choose a more tailored marketing timeline, ensuring privacy or preparation time before launching the home publicly. At the same time, buyer agents in the MLS still have access, helping ensure fair housing and equal access to property info.

📋 Here’s What to Know:

• Each MLS will determine how long a listing can remain in delayed status.

• A signed disclosure is required from the seller acknowledging their choice to delay marketing.

• Office-exclusive exempt listings are still allowed under CCP but also require written consent.

• This policy does not change the requirement to file a listing with the MLS within one business day of public marketing.

🤝 Bottom Line: Sellers now have more flexibility. Buyers gain more transparency. And real estate pros can better protect client data while staying compliant.

📲 Have questions about marketing your home, consumer data privacy, or how to buy and sell with confidence in today’s evolving market? I’m here to help.