NorthstarMLS says no to delayed marketing exempt listings

Yet another MLS will not be implementing delayed marketing exempt listings.

In early June, the board of directors for Minnesota-based NorthstarMLS voted to adopt the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers (MLOS) policy. But the organization will not implement the optional delayed marketing exempt listings provision or limit IDX and syndication feeds.

NAR created MLOS and delayed marketing listings — which are listings entered into the MLS but withheld from IDX feeds and syndication for a given period of time — due to pushback over its Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP). But NAR gave MLSs the ability to choose how they will implement the new listing option. 

According to a blog post on the NorthstarMLS website, this means there is no change as the MLS’s current systems already provide sellers with options that comply with NAR’s policy.

“We will continue to rely on these existing tools and statuses to provide multiple options for listing brokers working with sellers, while maintaining transparency and simplicity for our subscribers,” the blog post states. 

The MLS argues that there’s no need to implement the provision, saying that it would be a disservice to its subscribers as it could create increased compliance confusion for agents and brokers. Additionally, it could create the potential for redundant or overlapping listing statuses, additional operational hurdles and a lack of clear communication to clients about where their listings appear online. 

“NorthstarMLS’s current Active status already supports the spirit of NAR’s policy, allowing sellers to opt out of IDX and syndication at the office level while ensuring listings are available for cooperation within the MLS. Our system balances seller preferences with the need for a transparent, consumer-friendly marketplace,” the post states. 

NorthstarMLS argues that the delayed marketing option “risks creating information silos and reducing listing accessibility, which conflicts with our mission to provide accurate, reliable data to all participants.”

”We believe it’s time to focus on empowering our subscribers to serve their clients effectively, not on implementing complex rules that add little value,” the post states. “NorthstarMLS will continue to monitor industry developments and provide updates as needed.”

In April, California Regional MLS (CRMLS), the nation’s largest MLS, said it would not be implementing delayed marketing exempt listings. And last week, Compass said that it would no longer be adhering to CCP.