The Real Estate Debate: NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy and Industry Pushback

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the real estate world (or just browsing listings online), you might’ve heard about something called the Clear Cooperation Policy, or CCP for short. It’s a rule made by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) that’s meant to make things more fair for everyone shopping for a home.

Here’s the basic idea:

If an agent starts publicly promoting a home—like posting about it on social media, putting up a “For Sale” sign, or emailing it to their network—they have one business day to officially put that home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS is where agents and buyers go to see what’s available.

The goal is to make sure no one gets left out and that everyone has the same chance to see and buy a home.

But not everyone agrees.

Some agents and sellers feel the policy limits their ability to market properties the way they want. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth in the real estate community about whether the rule helps or hinders the process.

To address this, NAR recently added a little more flexibility—allowing sellers to delay how widely their home is shared online, giving them a bit more control. Still, conversations around how much structure is too much are ongoing. If you’re curious, you can read more from NAR directly here.

What does this mean for you?

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s helpful to know there are rules in place that aim to keep things fair—but also that real estate is always evolving. If you have questions about how a home is being marketed or what your options are, I’m here to walk you through it.

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FAQs on the Clear Cooperation Policy

Do all agents and homes need to follow this rule?

Only agents who are members of the MLS and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) are required to follow the CCP. Not all agents or listings fall under this rule.

What if I want a private sale?

Private, non-public sales (often called “office exclusives”) are allowed—as long as there’s no public marketing involved.

Why does this policy matter to buyers?

It’s meant to give everyone the same shot at seeing homes as soon as they’re marketed—so no one misses out.

Can sellers still choose how they market their home?

Yes, to some degree. NAR recently added more flexibility, allowing sellers to delay public online exposure through a new option—but the rules are still evolving.