GuideUpdated
Can I post a coming soon listing on Instagram before it’s on the MLS?
Usually not without listing it. Under NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, a listing has to go into the MLS within one business day of public marketing. Since 2025 a seller can pick an office exclusive or delayed marketing instead, but an office exclusive can’t be marketed to the public at all.
We make PropWalk, so read this as a summary from a tool maker, not legal advice. We read NAR’s policy pages and California’s DRE guidelines on Nov 8, 2026. Your MLS decides the details.
What changed in 2025?
NAR’s Multiple Listing Options for Sellers took effect on March 25, 2025, and MLSs had to adopt it by September 30, 2025. It added two choices, each with a form the seller signs.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Clear Cooperation (unchanged) | Once a listing is marketed to the public, it goes into the MLS within one business day |
| Office exclusive | Filed with the MLS but not shared with other agents and not marketed to the public |
| Delayed marketing | Kept off IDX sites and listing portals for a period your MLS sets; agents in the MLS can still see it |
Read on Nov 8, 2026: NAR: Multiple Listing Options for Sellers · NAR: guidance on listing filters and Clear Cooperation (May 2026) · California DRE advertising guidelines (RE 27)
Does an Instagram post count as public marketing?
NAR’s policy page leaves the exact line to your MLS, so ask yours. NAR says a one-to-one note from broker to broker is not public marketing, but sharing it across brokerages is. In May 2026 NAR published more guidance on that line.
What does California say?
California’s DRE says a coming-soon approach is fine only if it serves the seller: market the home broadly, get the seller’s written OK if you won’t, and don’t act on offers before the broad marketing.
Quick answers
Can I post a coming soon listing on Instagram before it’s on the MLS?+
Usually not without listing it: public marketing puts it in the MLS within one business day under NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy. Ask your MLS where it draws the line. Read Nov 8, 2026.
What is an office exclusive?+
A listing filed with the MLS but not shared with other agents and not marketed to the public. The seller signs a form saying they understand what they give up.
What is delayed marketing?+
A listing kept off IDX sites and portals for a period your MLS sets, while agents in the MLS can still see it.
Is the Clear Cooperation Policy still in effect?+
Yes. NAR’s page says it is unchanged; the 2025 policy added the two seller options next to it.
Related questions
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