The world of real estate is constantly evolving, and there are always new trends, policies, and strategies making waves in the market. One such topic that has sparked significant debate recently is Clear Cooperation—a policy that’s designed to ensure fair access to property listings and transparency within the real estate industry.
At BeachLife Premier Team, we’re committed to being transparent with our clients, which is why we want to dive into the Clear Cooperation policy and the controversy surrounding off-market listings. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, we will always stand by what’s best for our clients, not the brokers or agents looking to make a quick profit.
What Is Clear Cooperation?
Clear Cooperation is a policy put in place by the National Association of REALTORS® that mandates all properties that are publicly marketed to be entered into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within one business day. This ensures fair competition, wider exposure, and equal access to information for all buyers and agents, leveling the playing field for everyone involved in a transaction.
While this policy might seem straightforward, it has stirred up some heated conversations within the real estate community, especially when it comes to off-market listings.
Off-Market Listings: The Pushback
Some real estate brokerages and agents are advocating for off-market listings as a way to bypass the MLS and avoid sharing the property with the public. Their argument is often that off-market sales can create an exclusive environment for high-profile clients or those with privacy concerns, such as public figures, divorce situations, or people in sensitive circumstances.
But here’s the thing: we believe that 99% of listings should be marketed through the MLS to get the most exposure, competition, and ultimately, the best offers for our clients. Off-market listings may work in very specific situations, but we feel that many brokerages are pushing these strategies as a way to make more money at the expense of what’s truly best for sellers.
At BeachLife Premier Team, we always have our client’s best interest at heart. We don’t believe in selling real estate in a way that prioritizes the profits of a brokerage or an agent over the results for our clients.
Why We Believe in the Power of the MLS
Here’s why we stand firm on the MLS being the most effective way to sell a home:
Maximum Exposure: The MLS gives your listing access to thousands of potential buyers, ensuring the widest reach possible. It’s one of the most powerful tools in real estate marketing.
Increased Competition: When more buyers see your property, it can lead to multiple offers and higher sale prices. More eyes on your home means more opportunities for the best deal.
Transparency and Fairness: The MLS ensures that your listing is visible to all agents and buyers, creating a level playing field. It’s about fairness—everyone deserves an equal chance to make an offer on your property.
Off-market listings simply don’t provide the same visibility or potential for multiple offers, and they often limit the chances of selling a property for its highest value.
Not Always Right, But Always Transparent
It’s important to note that this is an opinion blog. We don’t think we have all the answers, and we don’t believe there’s only one way to do things in real estate. Every situation is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to selling a home.
That said, one thing we do know is that our clients’ best interests come first. We won’t bow to industry trends driven by greed, and we will never back down from educating our clients’ of their rights when it comes to listing their property to get the best possible deal. If that means choosing a strategy that might look “less elite,” but will result in a better outcome, we’ll always go that route.
At BeachLife Premier Team, we’re not just about making a sale, we’re about making sure you make the right decision when it comes to selling your home. Whether that’s through the MLS or a different approach, we’re here to guide you with honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Agent, Trust the Process
If you’re a home seller, you deserve a real estate agent who listens to your needs, respects your goals, and provides transparent, strategic advice based on your unique circumstances. Whether you choose to list on the MLS or consider an off-market strategy, make sure you’re working with someone who puts your interests first and isn’t just trying to make a quick buck.
At BeachLife Premier Team, we’re committed to helping you make the best possible choice, whether that’s listing on the MLS or exploring other options. No matter the route, we’ll always have your back—putting your needs above all else.
Beach Life Premier Team represents Maryland and Delaware‘s finest properties with exceptional skill using the most innovative technologies currently available. They offer ultimate privacy and security, speed, and efficiency. Their real estate experience has given them a clear understanding of the mindset of home buyers and sellers and a thorough understanding of the regional marketplace.
