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n a world without Clear Cooperation, real estate agents would face an uphill battle convincing clients to post their listings on the MLS, according to a recent survey of 3,000 US consumers.

    The survey found that while many real estate professionals continue to support industry rules requiring most listings be posted on the MLS, their clients are increasingly divided on the issue. A significant share of consumers believe homesellers should have more options to protect their privacy from buyers, particularly in areas like withholding listing information.

    The results shed new light on the debate over seller privacy vs. transaction transparency and reveal a complex landscape of consumer attitudes towards Clear Cooperation. While some consumers side with the benefits of posting listings on the MLS, others prioritize seller privacy and are open to alternatives that give more options to sellers.

    Among active homebuyers currently on the market, 79% preferred to have the option to withhold their property from the MLS, while only 16% believed their agent should be required to list it. This group also sided with the notion of a seller's right to privacy over a buyer's right to information by an overwhelming margin.

    However, first-time buyers and renters who were actively shopping for homes in early January were less likely to side with sellers, but still showed some responsiveness to the idea that their home should not be required to be posted on the MLS when sold. Clear Cooperation remains a complicated issue that many consumers struggle to grasp, making it an ongoing challenge for real estate agents to convince clients of its benefits.

    The survey results highlight the need for real estate professionals to understand and address consumer concerns around seller privacy and transaction transparency. By doing so, they can better navigate the complexities of Clear Cooperation and provide more effective services to their clients.