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The American Real Estate Association (AREA) has offered an alternative to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy.

In an email to its membership, AREA debuted Clear Collaboration, a policy proposal which it described as modernizing how listings are marketed.

“With Clear Collaboration, listings must be entered into the MLS, ensuring professional access,” said AREA. However, the policy allows sellers and their agents to decide when and how a listing is publicly marketed, preventing unnecessary restrictions while maintaining an open and cooperative marketplace.”

AREA stated its proposed policy enables sellers to “maintain control over how their home is listed while ensuring full MLS access for professionals.” It also offers strategic marketing instead of “one-size-fits-all mandates.”

“By ensuring that all listings are submitted while allowing marketing flexibility, Clear Collaboration preserves the sharing of information within the MLS system,” AREA added, noting that “some of the largest MLSs in the country have already implemented similar flexible models with great success.”

AREA said it “already presented this proposal to key stakeholders, and we are committed to working with industry leaders to drive meaningful change.” However, it is unclear when or where such a policy would be put into effect.