🏡 NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy Gets an Update… And Zillow Isn’t Having It 😬

The real estate world has been buzzing lately — and if you’ve been hearing chatter about the Clear Cooperation Policy or Zillow’s stance on it, you’re not alone. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently rolled out a new policy that gives sellers a bit more wiggle room in how they market their homes… but not everyone’s on board.

In fact, Zillow has taken a firm stand — saying they won’t display listings that are publicly marketed without being submitted to the MLS first.

Let’s unpack what this means for buyers, sellers, and agents like me who work to keep clients informed every step of the way. 👇

💡 First, What Is the Clear Cooperation Policy?

The Clear Cooperation Policy (aka CCP) is a rule adopted by NAR in 2019 that says:

If a listing is publicly marketed in any way (social media, flyers, emails, etc.), it must be entered into the MLS within one business day.

The goal? Level the playing field. Every buyer gets equal access to listings — no secret sales or off-market advantages.

It’s about fairness, transparency, and making sure the MLS remains the gold standard for accurate listing data.

🆕 So… What’s Changing in 2025?

NAR just introduced something called the “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers” policy. Here’s what it does:

✅ Gives sellers the ability to withhold their listing from Internet Data Exchange (IDX) feeds
 ✅ Lets agents choose whether or not the listing appears on third-party websites like Zillow, Redfin, etc.
 ✅ Creates more flexibility for sellers who want privacy or control over how their property is marketed

So yes — listings can now technically be “on the MLS” but not publicly visible across major platforms, depending on how the seller and agent decide to market the home.

🛑 Zillow’s Not Having It

In response to this policy change, Zillow dropped a bombshell of its own:

As of May 2025, Zillow will refuse to display any listing that is publicly marketed (even slightly!) but not submitted to the MLS within 24 hours.

What does that mean in real terms?

🚫 Listing a home on social media or a company website without putting it in the MLS?
 🚫 Holding a private broker open or email blast before listing it publicly?
 🚫 Putting up a yard sign and “waiting” to go live on the MLS?

Zillow says: no MLS, no listing on their platform. Period.

According to a statement from Zillow execs, this is about maintaining data integrity and consumer trust. They don’t want partial or delayed exposure — they want all listings on a level playing field.

Read the full article from Real Estate News here.

🔍 Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers in Massachusetts

For sellers in North Andover, Andover, and Greater Boston, this change could have a real impact on how your home is seen online — especially in a competitive spring market like we’re seeing now.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

🟢 More exposure = more offers – Zillow remains one of the top destinations for home searches. If your listing doesn’t show up there, you could be missing serious eyeballs.

🟢 Agents must walk a tightrope – Balancing a seller’s desire for privacy or strategy with the realities of platform restrictions is now trickier than ever.

🟢 Delaying the MLS listing? It could backfire. Especially if platforms like Zillow penalize listings that aren’t inputted quickly.

🟢 The best agents stay compliant and creative. The key is working with someone (👋 hi!) who knows the policy inside and out — and can market your property effectively within the rules.

🤔 So What Should You Do If You’re Selling?

Here’s my advice:

✨ Have a game plan from day one
 ✨ Be transparent about your goals — are you looking for privacy, top dollar, or a fast sale?
 ✨ Understand that “coming soon” strategies might need to shift
 ✨ Trust your agent to balance marketing, compliance, and exposure

And if you’re buying?

🔑 Ask your agent how they stay on top of off-market or soon-to-be-listed homes
 🔑 Make sure you’re working with someone who understands the MLS and Clear Cooperation policy
 🔑 Stay connected so you’re not missing out on homes that might only hit the MLS briefly

📣 Final Thoughts: Fairness, Flexibility, and Forward Momentum

At the end of the day, this isn’t about NAR vs. Zillow — it’s about how we create a fair and transparent real estate marketplace while respecting each seller’s unique needs.

Zillow is making a strong push for visibility and equality for buyers. NAR is offering more flexibility for sellers. And agents like me? We’re here to guide you through it all with clarity, strategy, and a whole lot of experience behind us. 💪

If you have questions about listing strategies, MLS rules, or how to navigate this shifting market, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I’ve got you covered.

💬 Thinking about selling your home but unsure how this change might affect you?
 Let’s grab coffee (my treat) and walk through your options. You deserve a marketing plan that works — not one that gets your listing buried.

📍 Serving buyers and sellers in North Andover, Andover, and the Greater Boston real estate market
 📈 Expert in pricing, positioning, and negotiating top-dollar deals
 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Dad, husband, and your friendly neighborhood real estate resource