A Quiet Shift with Big Implications
One of the more unsettling shifts in the National Association of Realtors’ revised Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) is how it handles key listing data such as Days on the Market (DOM), price change history, and the potential for withholding listing data altogether. These critical data points are now considered optional at the local MLS level.
That may not sound like a big deal at first glance, but for those of us working to uphold transparency in real estate, it sets off more than a few alarms.
What Buyers Are Losing
This isn’t just a technical change. This is about consumer trust.
When buyers are navigating one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, they need clarity and full context. Suppressing listing history in the name of “seller choice” might sound like empowerment, but in reality, it tilts the playing field. It can paint an incomplete picture of a home’s market journey and pricing trends.
Each local MLS now has the authority to decide whether to track, display, or withholding listing data. If larger MLSs choose to withhold it, buyers could lose valuable insight into how long a property has been on the market or if its price has been adjusted. These are objective facts that help inform smarter, more confident decision
The Risk of Misleading the Market
As someone who has spent years in compliance and formerly served as an investigator for the Department of Real Estate, I’ve seen the effects of poor transparency firsthand. Non-disclosure, even when technically permitted, tends to raise eyebrows and prompt complaints.
If agents choose not to disclose DOM or price changes, it may trigger future regulatory scrutiny. Concerned buyers or competitors may file complaints if they believe they were misled.
A Leadership Perspective from Scout Realty
Edward Oueilhe, CEO of Scout Realty, weighed in on the recent CCP changes and shared his concerns:
“I think it’s going to make it more confusing and challenging for the client since there is uncertainty about how to approach it. It also lacks clarity on how best to explain the options to the client. Simplicity is best in my opinion and it would be best to design these policies with that in mind.”
At Scout Realty, we couldn’t agree more. When you remove clear, factual information from listings, you don’t empower buyers, you make things murkier. Our team values simplicity, clarity, and honesty above all else. We know that helping clients make smart decisions means equipping them with all the facts, not just the convenient ones.
Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever
In a shifting market, trust is everything. People aren’t just buying homes, they’re building lives, investing in their futures, and putting their trust in professionals to guide them. We believe in earning that trust with transparency and a no-surprises approach.
If the rules change, our principles do not.
Let’s Lead with Clarity, Not Confusion
If you’re a fellow agent who values transparency, now’s the time to stand out. In a market where trust can make or break a deal, withholding data isn’t just a policy shift, it’s a reputational risk. At Scout Realty, we believe clear listings build stronger client relationships and long-term success. Connect with our team today to talk strategy, compliance, and how we can raise the standard together.
