The Battle for Transparency in Real Estate: Clear Cooperation vs. Private Listing Networks

In today’s evolving real estate landscape, a major shift is underway—one that could significantly impact how homes are bought and sold. At the center of the debate? Clear Cooperation Policy vs. Private Listing Networks, with major players like Zillow, Redfin, Compass, and the Northwest MLS taking firm stances.

This issue is not just industry chatter—it directly affects home sellers, buyers, and agents across the country.

What Is Clear Cooperation?

The Clear Cooperation Policy, introduced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), requires that listings marketed to the public must be submitted to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within one business day. The goal? Transparency, fair access, and maximum exposure to all potential buyers—not just a curated few.

This ensures that when a home hits the market, it’s available to every qualified buyer—not just a select circle of agents or networks.

Enter the Private Listing Networks

Private Listing Networks, also known as "Office Exclusives" or "Whisper Listings," allow properties to be quietly marketed outside the MLS—often to a select database of buyers or agents. While these networks have been around for years, they've grown significantly in scope and strategy, fueled by tech platforms and brokerages attempting to create competitive advantages through exclusivity.

But does exclusivity really benefit the seller?

Zillow Draws a Line in the Sand

Recently, Zillow took a bold step, announcing that it would no longer display private listings from select Private Listing Networks, reinforcing its support for full-market transparency. Zillow's move was quickly backed by Redfin, eXp Realty, and NextHome, all of whom have voiced support for the Clear Cooperation Policy and full MLS participation.

This sends a strong message: the industry is pushing back against practices that limit access to information and reduce competition for listings.

Northwest MLS Blocks Compass Over Private Feed Dispute

The Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS)—one of the most influential non-Realtor MLSs in the country—recently revoked Compass's listing feed, citing violations of its rules regarding listing distribution and private networks. This unprecedented action demonstrates how serious MLSs are about enforcing fair housing access and maintaining an equal playing field.

Studies Show: Sellers Don’t Gain from Private Networks

Several recent studies have examined the impact of Private Listing Networks vs. public MLS listings, and the results are clear: homes listed publicly on the MLS consistently sell faster and at higher prices than those sold privately.

The main benefit of private listings appears to be for the brokerage controlling the sale, not the seller. By keeping the transaction in-house and representing both the buyer and seller, brokerages can earn double commission, even if the seller ends up with fewer offers or a lower sale price.

MLS listings, on the other hand, are syndicated to major consumer platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Homes.com, where millions of buyers are searching daily, giving sellers far more exposure and competitive bidding potential.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

According to recent data:

• Over 90% of buyers start their home search online, and Zillow alone attracts over 200 million monthly users.

• In contrast, Private Listing Networks reach a tiny fraction of that buyer pool—often limited to a few thousand agents or select clients within a brokerage’s own ecosystem.

By listing a home privately, sellers are potentially cutting out 90% or more of active, motivated buyers from ever seeing their home.

When a Private Sale Does Make Sense

Of course, not every transaction is the same. In rare cases, such as celebrity sales, high-profile corporate transfers, or sensitive family situations, a private sale can offer needed discretion and control. But these situations are the exception, not the rule.

For the vast majority of sellers, maximum exposure equals maximum value.

The Bottom Line: Transparency Wins

At Elation Real Estate, we believe that sellers deserve the broadest market exposure, the highest level of representation, and the best possible outcome. That’s why we support Clear Cooperation and the power of the MLS—because your home deserves to be seen by every qualified buyer, not just a hand-picked few.

If you're considering selling your home, we're here to guide you through the process with integrity, data-driven strategy, and full-market reach.