Real Estate From The Trenches

Agents, NAR Just Changed the Rules—What the New Listing Policy Means for You

March 25, 2025

National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy

Today, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) unveiled important updates to its widely debated Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP). After extensive discussions involving real estate brokers, MLS executives, agents, and industry legal experts, NAR introduced the “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers” initiative, designed to enhance seller options and address concerns about market fairness and consumer flexibility.

In previous articles, I’ve detailed why the original CCP faced significant opposition, notably highlighting attorney Michael Ketchmark’s recent public warning directed at NAR brokers. Ketchmark, who represented plaintiffs in the high-profile Sitzer antitrust lawsuit, explicitly warned that brokers who continued supporting CCP risked facing antitrust legal actions.

The Growing Push for Private Listing Networks: What Home Sellers Need to Know

March 20, 2025

A growing number of real estate brokerages are steering sellers toward private listing networks rather than listing homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). According to a January 2025 Harris/Zillow poll, this shift is happening despite a lack of consumer awareness about what private listings mean—and how they can impact a home sale.

The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults highlights an alarming trend: most sellers aren’t being given all the facts about listing options. Here’s what you need to know before deciding where to list your home.

The Changing Landscape of MLS Ownership and Access in the U.S.

February 25, 2025

As the real estate industry evolves, so does the structure and accessibility of Multiple Listing Services (MLSs). Traditionally, most MLSs were owned and operated by local Realtor associations—meaning that agents had to be members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to access them. However, recent trends show a significant shift toward broker-owned and independently operated MLSs, sales to private investors, and a growing openness to non-REALTOR® access. In this article, we explore these developments and what they could mean for agents, brokers, and consumers across the country.

Broker-Owned and Privately Held MLSs