Office Exclusives and Clear Cooperation Policy

Most are aware of the Clear Cooperation Policy instituted in 2020 by NAR that requires listed property to be included in MLS listings within one business day of public marketing.  There is an exception to this rule, however, and that is when the property is listed as an office exclusive.

An office exclusive listing is generally defined as one in which the seller only gives rights to the listing agency to show the property.  Sometimes this is for a short period or it may be for the entire listing period.  The office exclusive listing is seen many times with high-end properties, with sellers who want to remain anonymous, or for sellers who are reluctant to open their homes to other real estate licensees for whatever reason.

With an office exclusive listing, the listing brokerage is allowed to market a property among the brokers and licensees affiliated with the listing brokerage. 

If office exclusive listings are displayed or advertised to the general public, however, those listings must also be submitted to the MLS for cooperation. Otherwise, a violation of the Clear Cooperation Policy would occur.

For more information regarding office exclusive listings and the Clear Cooperation Policy, follow this link https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/policies/mls-clear-cclearooperation-policy.