A
nywhere, a brokerage giant with nearly 183,000 agents across six brands, has joined the debate over the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy. In a letter to NAR's MLS Emerging Issues and Technology Advisory Board, Anywhere's head of industry relations, Caitlin McCrory, described the policy as "unduly restrictive." The company is seeking changes that would provide greater flexibility around listing requirements and allow non-member agents to share listings on the MLS.

    Anywhere wants to extend the timeline for adding a listing to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) from one business day after public marketing to several weeks. They also suggest loosening restrictions on co-mingling MLS and non-MLS listings, making it easier for consumers to find all available homes. This change would allow for-sale-by-owner and new construction listings to be more easily accessible.

    McCrory emphasized that Anywhere advocates for reform, not repeal, of the Clear Cooperation Policy. The company believes there are nuanced alternatives that would better serve consumer interests by providing seller flexibility while preserving access to listings for homebuyers. Anywhere's recommendations include redefining "public marketing," giving homeowners and sellers options to limit information sharing, and allowing non-member agents to use lockboxes.

    The debate over Clear Cooperation has been ongoing, with some industry players supporting the policy as is, citing transparency and accuracy in market data. Others, like Compass and The Agency, argue that it's anticompetitive and poses a threat to brokerages and agents. Anywhere joins this chorus, advocating for changes that would promote consumer choice and free competition while preserving fair housing objectives.