New MLS Rule Expands Options for Sellers — Here's What It Means for You
April 2025
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently introduced a new MLS policy called “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers.” While this policy won’t be fully implemented in our local MLS (Canopy MLS) until later this year, it’s already generating important conversations — especially about how homes are listed and how buyers find them.
At Jason Land Realty, we’re committed to keeping you informed of industry changes and what they mean for your real estate journey. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters:
What’s Changing?
Under the new policy, sellers now have more flexibility in how their home is listed and marketed. There are now two types of exempt listings:
1. Office Exclusive Listing
A seller can choose to keep their home completely private — not listed on the MLS and not marketed publicly. These listings are only shared within the listing agent’s firm.
2. Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing (New)
A seller can list their home in the MLS but delay its public marketing — meaning it won’t appear on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com right away. However, the listing is still visible to REALTORS® through the MLS, which means agents can share it with their clients, schedule showings, and submit offers during this period.
What Does This Mean for Buyers?
If you're house-hunting, this rule reinforces the importance of working with a REALTOR®. Some homes may not appear in public search portals during their delayed marketing period — but they will still be available to agents in the MLS.
At Jason Land Realty, we ensure our buyers have access to every listing that’s available — even the ones you might not see online.
What Does This Mean for Sellers?
As a seller, this policy gives you more control over how and when your home is marketed. For example:
• You may want to prepare your home or stage it before it goes public.
• You may value privacy or want to limit public exposure in the early stages.
• You may want to “test the waters” with pricing or gauge buyer interest before launching on major websites.
We’ll walk you through the benefits and tradeoffs of each option and help you choose the approach that best supports your goals.
What Happens Next?
Although the new policy is now in effect nationally, local MLSs have until September 30, 2025, to implement it. Our local MLS, Canopy MLS, is currently reviewing the policy and will announce local guidelines — including how long sellers can delay public marketing — in the coming months.
We’re Here to Help
Change is part of the real estate world, and we’re committed to helping our clients understand how these shifts impact their options and opportunities.
If you have questions — whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or just want to understand how this works — reach out anytime. We’re here to guide you home, every step of the way.
Jason Land Realty
Guiding You Home.
