In the vast majority of transactions, a home is listed for sale on the local multiple listing service, syndicated to portals like Realtor.com and also shared through IDX and VOW data feeds, systems within an MLS to display listing information on a brokerage’s website. This broad market exposure is commonly the popular choice for sellers who want immediate access to the largest pool of qualified buyers, which can help them obtain favorable selling terms.
However, sellers have other options, and the National Association of REALTORS® is making it easier for agents and brokers to navigate those decisions.
On Thursday, the association published a new resourcepdf that offers guidance on office exclusive listings and pre-marketing listing options (if available locally), which include Coming Soon statuses and delayed marketing exempt listings.
The guide explains:
- An agent is responsible for ensuring the seller is informed and understands how marketing tactics can best serve their interests.
- The broker is responsible for explaining the applicable pre-marketing listing options and obtaining a signed disclosure from sellers who choose to waive MLS benefits.
- Additional state laws and local MLS rules may apply.
The new document also answers common broker questions about how to remain in compliance with NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, which requires that REALTOR® MLS participants submit listings to the MLS within one business day of marketing a property publicly so all MLS Participants can provide that information to their clients or customers.
So far this year, the association has published six new resources to facts.realtor to further explain NAR’s MLS policies that support MLSs, brokers and agents. That’s in addition to six videos NAR published in 2025.
This repository of content advances NAR’s strategic plan commitment to strengthen collaboration with MLSs, an effort NAR CEO Nykia Wright has touted.
“You cannot open an industry publication without hearing what's going on in the MLS community,” Wright said at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in June. “What we want members and stakeholders to know is that we are monitoring this around the clock.”
These resources are a result of that monitoring, NAR Vice President of Communications Raffi Williams explained.
