Starting March 25, 2025, home sellers will have a new option when listing their property: the ability to delay public marketing while still sharing the home privately with agents within the MLS.
This change gives sellers more control over how and when their home hits the market, offering more flexibility and strategic options during the listing process.
Why This Matters
Here are a few key reasons this change could benefit sellers:
1. Controlled Exposure
This is ideal for sellers who don’t want to be overwhelmed with early public inquiries or unqualified interest. It keeps things more manageable while preparing to go live.
2. Qualified Inquiries Only
By sharing the listing only with buyer’s agents in the MLS, sellers can increase the chances that any interest comes from qualified, legitimate buyers actively working with an agent.
3. Time and Flexibility
Sellers gain more time to finalize preparations and don’t have to rush to go live on public platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com.
4. Market Testing
This option can serve as a way to quietly test the market’s response before launching a full public campaign.
Quick Things to Know
- Delay Periods Vary: Each MLS sets its own delay period (typically between 5–14 days), so sellers should check with their agent for local guidelines.
- Disclosure Required: Sellers must sign a form confirming they understand what they’re opting out of — such as early exposure on public websites and broader marketing.
- Communication Rules: One-on-one conversations between brokers are permitted. However, mass sharing of the listing (such as via group emails or public platforms) is considered public marketing and would start the clock for MLS submission under the Clear Cooperation Policy.
Note: Emails sent to an agent’s private database do not count as public marketing.
What This Means for Sellers
This updated policy offers more flexibility in how listings are handled, making it easier for sellers to customize their launch strategy based on their goals and comfort level.
Whether you’re looking to prepare your home quietly before going live or want to control early exposure, this change gives you options.
Have Questions or Want to Talk Through how This Could Work for Your Situation?
Feel free to reach out anytime — I’m here to help.
Joseph D. Charles
Licensed NJ Real Estate Agent
