NWIA Adopts MLS Clear Cooperation Policy

At the Board of Directors meeting held Thursday November 21, 2019, NWIA’s leadership team voted to implement the recently enacted NAR mandated MLS Clear Cooperation rules on December 1.

The statement added to the NAR mandatory rules for MLS’s and adopted by the NWIA Board of Directors reads as follows:

MLS Statement 8.0, NAR Handbook on Multiple Listing Policy

Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants. Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, flyers displayed in windows, yard signs, digital marketing on public facing websites, brokerage website displays (including IDX and VOW), digital communications marketing (email blasts), multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, and applications available to the general public.

Clear Cooperation Rules: FAQ’s

I have a regular listing that isn’t out of the ordinary. What does this mean for me?
NWIA has long had a policy requiring listings to be entered into the MLS by 10:00 AM the next business day after advertising a listing. The new Clear Cooperation Rule does not change policy or procedure for the majority of our listings.

I have a private listing the seller does not want listed in the MLS. What does this new rule mean?
This rule requires agents make changes to their handling of private listings. Agents currently holding private listings must remove any existing company signs from the yard, and cease all public advertising in accordance with the above stated rule. These changes must occur before December 1. Agents should note that social media is included in public advertising.

My area has “open listings” among agents. How does this rule impact us?
This rule does not apply to “open” listings (non exclusive) since NWIA does not allow those to ever be entered into the MLS.

I have a private listing. When must I make changes?
All signs/advertising on existing private listings of any type must be removed no later than December 1, 2019. Private listings obtained on or after December 1, 2019 will be required to follow the new rules for Clear Cooperation.

What happens if I violate these rules?
Violators will be fined $50 per day.

I have questions about this new rule. Where can I learn more?
NAR held a one-hour webinar about the new policy. It can be found here.

I want to talk to someone. Who can I reach out to?
Questions can be emailed to NWIA CEO Kelly Burge, or contact the the board office, (712) 255-8810. Please keep in mind that because this is a new rule for all MLS’s in the nation, we may have to seek guidance from NAR on specific questions.