Morality, trust and legal risk: eXp’s CEO on private listings
“As a leader, you have to draw a line,” Leo Pareja said of his opposition to the trend, adding that agents who push sellers to list off-MLS could face lawsuits.
April 23, 2025
Clear Cooperation Policy
- Real estate is facing the worst fair housing crisis since the ‘60sListings transparency is critical for both consumers and the industry, and NAHREP supports efforts by Zillow, eXp and Redfin to provide access to all listings.April 19, 2025
- MLS that quit enforcing Clear Cooperation gets back on boardThe Park City Board of Realtors says the delayed marketing option — and more context from the DOJ — eased its concerns about the controversial policy.April 18, 2025
- NWMLS hits back at Compass, suspends — then reinstates — IDX feedThe ongoing feud between the brokerage giant and the Seattle-based MLS over private listings escalated this week. Will the current truce hold?Updated April 17, 2025
More Clear Cooperation Policy
- New eXp disclosure form warns sellers of pre-marketing risks“Anytime we limit access, it limits opportunities,” an eXp exec said during a livestream highlighting ethical issues with the push into private inventory.April 16, 2025
- HomeServices’ new CEO ready to ‘go back on offense’Chris Kelly is eager to move past the challenges of the past 18 months and focus on unifying and growing the company, with agents and consumers at the core.April 16, 2025
- CoStar CEO takes on Zillow in letter to agentsAndy Florance says Zillow’s plan to banish listings that are publicly marketed but kept off the MLS goes too far. Redfin’s CEO responds by siding with Zillow.April 14, 2025
- The latest on Zillow’s new listings rules as 2nd brokerage commitsNextHome joins eXp as an official partner in the move to bar listings that are publicly marketed but off-MLS, while eXp explains how its Exclusives fit in.April 11, 2025
- Zillow to bar publicly marketed listings not shared via MLSThe move, endorsed by eXp, could affect listings that are promoted via social media, yard signs and other means allowed by NAR’s “delayed marketing” policy.April 10, 2025
- Windermere exec slams Compass over 'dirty' tactics“We're gonna kick their ass and we're going to do it without a private listing network,” Windermere Co-President OB Jacobi said about competing with Compass.April 10, 2025
- Why private listing networks are a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'Windermere Co-President OB Jacobi, whose firm has been under fire from Compass CEO Robert Reffkin, says PLNs are a return to a "caste system of real estate."April 9, 2025
- Private listings push opens the door to discriminationNAREB’s Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose tells Real Estate News independent brokers and consumers will “suffer” if efforts to bolster private listing channels persist.April 7, 2025
- How Compass staged its pre-marketing blitz in SeattleBrokerage leadership coordinated a private listings push in the region despite MLS rules restricting pre-marketing — and the risk of steep fines for agents.April 4, 2025
- New data: Private listings offer ‘no benefits to sellers’Though the number of office exclusives is rising, a new report from Bright MLS found no financial advantage to pre-marketing a home off the MLS.April 3, 2025
- Agents are making more money despite the tough marketA new Redfin survey found that many agents reported higher income in 2024 than in 2023, but concerns about the economy and industry changes persisted.April 3, 2025
- Brokerages have 3 options after Clear Cooperation decisionWith NAR opting to keep the CCP with a “delayed marketing” alternative, industry leaders say firms should prepare their “counter move” to stay competitive.April 1, 2025
- NWMLS responds to Compass, blasts efforts to ‘gatekeep’ listingsCountering criticism from Compass’ Robert Reffkin, the CEO of the Washington-based MLS said private networks are designed to benefit brokerages, not consumers.March 31, 2025
- Windermere and Compass spar over Clear CooperationLeaders of the two brokerages traded barbs over private listings, hurling accusations of anticompetitiveness, self-interest and efforts to double-end deals.March 27, 2025
- ‘Future class-action’ or ‘expanding choice’? Leaders on CCP newsThe real estate industry had mixed reactions to NAR’s decision to keep Clear Cooperation and add a policy that allows sellers to delay marketing via IDX.Updated March 26, 2025
- NAR keeping Clear Cooperation — with a key additionA new complement to CCP will allow for “delayed marketing,” giving home sellers the ability to keep their listings out of the IDX feed for a limited time.Updated March 25, 2025
- It’s time to stop tearing each other down over Clear CooperationNot all sellers want the same thing. And this doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing debate. The MLS can be the foundation of positive change, and here’s how.March 24, 2025
- ‘Unfiltered’: NAR has ‘a lot of cleaning up to do’Watch the conversation with Craig Witt as the EXIT Realty CEO explains how improving agent quality could benefit the industry as a whole.March 22, 2025
- Zillow exec: ‘I don't see the benefit of hiding inventory, ever’Errol Samuelson believes “consumers and agents are being misled” about private listings, and for big brokerages, any competitive advantage would be short-lived.March 15, 2025
- Inside KW GO’s $1 billion private listing playbookKeller Williams’ largest franchise network captured roughly 3,000 “Private Collection” listings last year — and is looking to double that figure by 2026.March 5, 2025
- No Clear Cooperation? Expect ‘an explosion’ in private listingsDuring a webinar, leaders from Zillow, CRMLS, ARELLO and NFHA argued that scrapping the CCP could also stifle competition and lead to fair housing lawsuits.February 27, 2025
- Compass says its data shows benefits of ‘pre-marketing’ listingsThe firm said homes initially listed privately sold faster and for a higher price, supporting its position that sellers should decide if or when to use the MLS.February 21, 2025
- Will Final Offer help accelerate shift to private listings?The company said its acquisition of Private Collection will bring nearly 2,000 additional listings — or $1 billion worth of inventory — onto its platform.February 18, 2025
- Listing off the MLS cost sellers more than $1B, study findsThe new analysis was done by Zillow, whose CEO said private listings “come at the expense of the seller” and are an attempt by some brokerages to “double dip.”February 18, 2025
- Sellers want max exposure for their listings, survey findsMost sellers don’t know much about MLSs or private listing networks — but they want an agent who can get their listing in front of the largest pool of buyers.January 25, 2025
- Private listing tool a response to ‘strong demand’ amid CCP debateFor brokerages looking to capture more off-market listings, Luxury Presence has a new product that aims to help them "succeed in any scenario."January 24, 2025
- Decoded: The legal risks of ending Clear CooperationThe CEO of CRMLS explains how buyers, sellers and even agents could potentially sue over unfair situations created by exclusively listed properties.January 22, 2025
- Decoded: The ‘behind-the-scenes demands’ over Clear CooperationCRMLS CEO Art Carter explains what some brokerages are asking for and why the nation’s largest MLS has decided to "stand firmly" behind the divisive policy.January 21, 2025
- Clear Cooperation lawsuit dismissed (again)TAN, a private listing network, has agreed to drop its case against NAR after nearly five years of litigation and previous dismissals. Will this be the end?January 14, 2025
- The Ten: The divisive debate over Clear CooperationConcerns about the policy aren’t new. But with NAR reeling and the DOJ looming, they’ve taken on a new, more contentious tone.December 26, 2024
- Reffkin ‘mischaracterizes’ new Clear Cooperation data, report author saysThe Compass CEO said more than a third of consumers prefer private listings and called out "false narratives" from MLSs. Does that tell the whole story?November 25, 2024
- Why NAHREP is speaking out in favor of Clear CooperationThe National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals says the much-debated policy “helps ensure all buyers have equal access to available properties.”November 19, 2024
- eXp’s CEO on Clear Cooperation: You can’t take but not giveWant to repeal the CCP? Then you shouldn’t be able to build your own listing networks while pulling from the cooperative MLS feed, says eXp CEO Leo Pareja.November 13, 2024
- The future of MLS? It's Zillow, says Compass CEORobert Reffkin said “it’s only a matter of time” before Zillow becomes a national MLS. Zillow, meanwhile, advocated for a strong MLS and equal access to data.November 9, 2024
- Anywhere could be ‘biggest beneficiary’ if Clear Cooperation is repealedDuring a Q3 earnings call, CEO Ryan Schneider reiterated his support of the CCP but said large firms would be the winners if it goes away. Revenue, income fell.November 8, 2024
- ‘Unfiltered’: Buyers are ‘DIYing themselves down the funnel’Watch the conversation with Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman as he explains why savvy shoppers are better for agents, and why private listing networks are “just bad.”November 5, 2024
- Is RE/MAX starting to turn things around?Numbers were down, but revenue declines slowed. Leadership painted a cautiously optimistic picture — and presented its point of view on Clear Cooperation.November 1, 2024
- NAR board punts decision on Clear CooperationThe Leadership Team will now take up the issue, with "no specific date" for resolution. Meanwhile, CMLS calls a hasty repeal of CCP "reckless and unnecessary."October 28, 2024
- A danger foretold: NAR’s waning dominanceThe DANGER Report spelled out risks for MLSs, state and local Realtor associations, and NAR — which has weathered unprecedented challenges to its authority.October 21, 2024
- Industry Decoded: It’s time to do away with NAR’s arbitrary rulesThe Clear Cooperation Policy — a misguided attempt to level the playing field — doesn't meet the needs of consumers or support principles of free enterprise.October 19, 2024
- Be wary of industry players ‘attempting to sow chaos’In a livestream presentation, Anywhere’s Sue Yannaccone warned of misinformation around Clear Cooperation and encouraged agents to share their views.October 17, 2024
- Could portals ‘go full-blown brokerage’ if Clear Cooperation goes away?A panel of industry veterans debated the policy and discussed various scenarios for residential real estate should the CCP be repealed.October 16, 2024
- Local association pauses Clear Cooperation — will others follow?A decision by Park City Realtors could signal a shift in local associations’ willingness to abide by NAR policies, and comes as the CCP debate intensifies.October 11, 2024
- What is the value of MLSs and associations post-settlement?A recent survey found that many agents are not satisfied with local association services and find MLSs less relevant in light of new industry rules.October 11, 2024
- NAR appeals to Supreme Court in DOJ battleThe trade organization filed an official request with the high court today, asking for a review of an antitrust case that was ostensibly closed in 2021.October 10, 2024
- The recipe for fixing Clear Cooperation — and avoiding chaosIn the second of a 2-part series, NextHome CEO James Dwiggins warns of a greed-driven future if the CCP is eliminated, and shares a proposal for revising it.October 9, 2024
- Zillow stands firm on opposition to private listing networksPresident Susan Daimler reiterated the company's support for the Clear Cooperation Policy, and called private networks "terrible" for consumers and agents.October 9, 2024
- Why we have Clear Cooperation — and why we should keep itIn the first of a 2-part series, NextHome CEO James Dwiggins explains the history of NAR’s policy and warns of the legal consequences of eliminating it.October 8, 2024
- Pocket listings lawsuit now focused solely on NARIn a fourth amended complaint, Top Agent Network has doubled down on its allegations that Clear Cooperation is anticompetitive and anti-consumer choice.October 4, 2024
- NAR tells sellers they don’t have to list on the MLSIn its latest consumer guide, the association offers general education about MLSs while alluding to the ongoing debate over its Clear Cooperation Policy.Updated December 16, 2024
- Anywhere seeks 4 major changes to MLS policiesThe brokerage giant is asking NAR to allow greater flexibility around Clear Cooperation and co-mingling, and loosen restrictions for non-member agents.October 1, 2024
- Clear Cooperation: A lawsuit looms as the conversation continuesMauricio Umansky pledges a court fight against NAR, while Compass and Redfin CEOs take opposite sides on the policy.September 17, 2024
- Exclusive listings on the MLS? Here’s how Bright is doing itThe nation’s second-largest multiple listing service has been making it easier to enter the data (and keep it private). Is this the wave of the future?September 13, 2024
- Clear Cooperation: ‘Imperative’ or legal risk?The future of private listings and MLS integrity is at stake as a key NAR committee meets this week to hear arguments about keeping — or scrapping — the policy.September 11, 2024
- Revise or remove Clear Cooperation, most industry pros sayAccording to a recent WAV Group poll of real estate professionals, only 28% want to keep the policy as-is, with many citing concerns over litigation.September 10, 2024
- What comes next for NAR’s Clear Cooperation policy?The policy, which was designed to discourage the sharing of listings via private networks outside the MLS, is being called into question.September 3, 2024
- NAR to appeal DOJ case to the Supreme CourtThe association will ask the highest court to weigh in on the case after a lower court ruled that the DOJ could continue its investigation into NAR policies.August 29, 2024
- Pocket listings lawsuit gets (another) new lease on lifeA U.S. District Court judge has approved a motion from the plaintiffs requesting reconsideration of a case originally filed against NAR in 2020.July 24, 2024
- DOJ pushes back on NAR’s rehearing requestThe agency wants to reopen its antitrust investigation into the association, and on June 17 said NAR’s attempt to block that move is not justified.June 17, 2024
- NAR deal and DOJ ruling give pocket listing case new lifeTop Agent Network is asking for an October 2025 trial date in the dispute over the National Association of Realtors’ Clear Cooperation policy.April 12, 2024
- DOJ can reopen its investigation into NAR, appeals court rulesRuling could lead to further changes in industry practices by allowing the Department of Justice to revisit an antitrust case originally settled in 2020.April 5, 2024
- Clear Cooperation suit ends without any rule changesNAR says ThePLS.com, which sued the association and three major MLSs, is dismissing the case. But the door is open for it to refile this year.January 26, 2024
- Major MLSs reach settlement in lawsuit over NAR policyCRMLS, Bright MLS and MRED have reached an agreement with ThePLS.com over Clear Cooperation rules, leaving NAR as the only remaining defendant.January 25, 2024
- NAR pocket listing case goes back to the courts on appealA case filed by the Top Agent Network targeting NAR's Clear Cooperation policy was reinstated after previously being dismissed in 2021.September 1, 2023
- DOJ may step into another NAR antitrust caseThe Department of Justice said it plans to file a brief in an appeal by the Top Agent Network over NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy.February 1, 2023
- NAR succeeds in halting DOJ investigationDespite reaching a settlement agreement in 2020, the Department of Justice reopened a probe into NAR policies. The association fought back — and won.January 25, 2023
- Clear Cooperation plaintiff faces 'an uphill road'A challenge to NAR's policy toward private listings will proceed in the courts, but claims of antitrust violations and consumer harm may be hard to prove.January 19, 2023
