Executive Summary
NAR approved sweeping MLS Handbook updates after an antitrust risk review. Eighteen policies were repealed or amended. The most important theme is local discretion. Access to the MLS. IDX rights. Listings and enforcement. Your recruiting pitch just got stronger in many markets. You can offer MLS access without NAR, state, or local association dues where the local MLS allows it. Speed to access improves. Costs drop. Flexibility rises. This guide explains each repeal and how to use it in real recruiting conversations.
The 18 NAR MLS Policy Repeals Explained: What Changed, Why It Matters, And What To Do Next
The 18 MLS policy repeals stem directly from the MLS Policy Risk Assessment, November 15, 2025 by the Presidential Advisory Group (PAG), a task force formed by NAR to evaluate antitrust exposure. After years of lawsuits and mounting legal pressure, NAR is now actively dismantling policies that made it function more like a monopoly than a trade organization. These changes are designed to reduce liability, decentralize control, and avoid further litigation tied to restrictive, outdated practices.
1) Policy Statement 7.25 repealed
Procedures when non‑members demand MLS access
What it was
A national procedure that told associations to notify the state association and NAR when a non‑member asked for MLS access outside a few states.
What changed
The procedure is gone. Local MLSs decide access. No automatic escalation.
Why NAR repealed it
It was not enforced. Membership requirements are a local choice now.
Practical effects
Faster decisions. Less bureaucracy. Clearer local control.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We get you MLS access by working directly with the MLS where allowed. No national hoops.”
Next step: Build a spreadsheet of target MLSs with contact names, process, fees, and time to approval.
2) Note under Policy Statement 7.26 repealed
Prerequisites for Commercial and Industrial MLS access
What it was
An ambiguous note that associations could require orientation hours for CIE or C/I MLS access.
What changed
The note is removed. Local C/I MLSs set prerequisites without national ambiguity.
Why NAR repealed it
Ambiguity created risk and inconsistency.
Practical effects
Commercial markets can streamline or tailor access.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “Commercial agents get market‑specific onboarding. No one‑size‑fits‑all classes.”
Next step: Map C/I MLS rules by metro. Promote savings and speed.
3) Policy Statement 7.7 repealed
Association membership as a prerequisite to MLS participation
What it was
A national statement supporting the idea that association membership could be required for MLS.
What changed
Repealed. Access is a matter of local MLS discretion.
Why NAR repealed it
Membership linkage adds antitrust risk and does not reflect today’s markets.
Practical effects
Many MLSs will open pathways for non‑members. Some will not. It is local.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “Where allowed, you can skip NAR, state, and local dues and still get full MLS.”
Next step: Publish a cost‑savings calculator in recruiting emails for each local market.
4) Policy Statement 7.38 repealed
Indoctrination requirements for non‑member participants
What it was
Detailed orientation mechanics for non‑member access.
What changed
Removed. Orientation is fully local.
Why NAR repealed it
Local discretion reduces risk and speeds access.
Practical effects
Shorter onboarding. Fewer prescriptive exams.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We put you in the MLS faster. You start taking listings sooner.”
Next step: Track average days from license transfer to MLS credentials by market.
5) Policy Statement 7.55 repealed
Non‑member broker and appraiser access
What it was
A local‑option allowance for limited non‑member access with national framing.
What changed
Repealed to clear the deck for pure local control.
Why NAR repealed it
Redundant and outdated. Local MLSs already decide.
Practical effects
Easier to design clean non‑member pathways.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We can enroll you as a non‑member participant where permitted.”
Next step: Document non‑member fee schedules per MLS.
6) Policy Statement 7.92 repealed
Orientation and other training requirements
What it was
A national template for required orientation duration and timelines.
What changed
Repealed. MLSs set training rules as they see fit.
Why NAR repealed it
Local autonomy and modernization.
Practical effects
Less one‑size‑fits‑all. Better alignment to local systems.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “Learn the tools you need. Skip the classes you do not.”
Next step: Offer MLS‑specific bootcamps inside your onboarding portal.
7) Policy Statement 7.58 amended
Internet Data Exchange and non‑member display rights
What it was
An option to limit IDX rights to Realtors even where non‑member MLS access existed.
What changed
That limitation is removed. Non‑member participants can access IDX where the MLS allows it.
Why NAR amended it
To align display rights with access rights and reduce competitive distortions.
Practical effects
More parity in website search experiences. Better SEO potential for non‑member firms.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “You keep your brand site and get full IDX where available.”
Next step: Pair IDX with hyperlocal content and AIVSO assets for lead flow.
8) Policy Statement 7.54 repealed
Names of multiple listing services
What it was
A naming oversight and dispute path.
What changed
Repealed. No national naming approvals.
Why NAR repealed it
Not enforced. No current process.
Practical effects
Easier rebrands during MLS consolidations.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: Neutral. Mention only when discussing MLS mergers and data coverage.
9) Policy Statement 7.42 repealed
Service area of association MLS
What it was
Legacy guidance on how far an association MLS could stretch.
What changed
Repealed. Service areas are local decisions.
Why NAR repealed it
Not enforced and outdated.
Practical effects
Potential for broader coverage with fewer logins as MLSs consolidate.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We work across a larger footprint with less friction.”
Next step: Target edge‑market agents who need multi‑county coverage.
10) Policy Statement 7.19 repealed
Reciprocal agreements and MLS cooperative ventures
What it was
A checklist for inter‑association or inter‑MLS agreements.
What changed
Repealed. Parties negotiate without national templates.
Why NAR repealed it
Little enforcement or review. Too rigid for modern data sharing.
Practical effects
Faster local data‑share deals.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We cover your entire selling area through smart MLS partnerships.”
Next step: Identify neighboring MLSs for broker‑to‑MLS dialogue.
11) Policy Statement 7.87 repealed
Transmittal of participant listings to aggregators and public sites
What it was
A national framework for sending listings to portals and public MLS sites.
What changed
Repealed. Syndication is a local MLS decision.
Why NAR repealed it
To avoid ambiguity and keep decisions local.
Practical effects
MLSs can tailor syndication to local strategy and legal risk.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We maximize exposure where it helps and avoid noise where it does not.”
Next step: Publish a market‑by‑market syndication matrix for recruits.
12) Policy Statement 7.2 repealed
Cooperation with independent MLSs
What it was
Allowed cooperation but noted NAR did not review those agreements.
What changed
Repealed as unnecessary legacy language.
Why NAR repealed it
These agreements are local and not subject to NAR review.
Practical effects
Clearer path for association MLSs to work with independent MLS platforms.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We play nice with multiple systems so you have the data you need.”
Next step: Train ops on credentials and compliance across mixed MLS environments.
13) Policy Statement 7.47 repealed
Minimum security measures for centralized key repositories
What it was
Very detailed rules for old key locker systems.
What changed
Repealed. MLSs choose modern showing access solutions.
Why NAR repealed it
Outdated technology and prescriptive rules.
Practical effects
Easier adoption of digital lockboxes and integrated showing platforms.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “Fewer keys. More smart access. Smoother showings.”
Next step: Provide agents with a standard digital lockbox kit at onboarding.
14) Policy Statement 7.62 repealed
Open listings
What it was
Blocked open listings from MLS compilations.
What changed
Repealed. Local MLSs can allow them.
Why NAR repealed it
To remove constraints on listing types that local markets can manage.
Practical effects
More flexibility for investors and niche sellers where allowed.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “You can offer sellers more menu options where the MLS permits.”
Next step: Create seller menu templates for different listing agreements.
15) Policy Statement 7.80 repealed
Exclusive right‑to‑sell requirement
What it was
A bias toward exclusive right‑to‑sell listings.
What changed
Repealed. MLSs can accept varied listing contracts.
Why NAR repealed it
Modernize rules and reduce rigidity.
Practical effects
Better fit for limited‑service or flexible commission offerings.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “Win on flexibility. Not just fee. Meet the seller where they are.”
Next step: Train agents on compliance for non‑traditional agreements.
16) Policy Statement 7.90 repealed
Mandatory offers of compensation in the MLS
What it was
Legacy expectations around cooperation and comp.
What changed
Repealed in line with the post‑settlement shift off‑MLS for compensation. MLSs removed comp fields in 2024.
Practical effects
Compensation is handled by buyer‑broker agreements and listing side negotiations.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We give you scripts and forms for buyer‑broker agreements that protect your fee.”
Next step: Standardize your buyer‑broker packet and training.
17) Policy Statement 7.91 repealed
Listing entry timeframes
What it was
National expectations for how fast a listing must be entered.
What changed
Repealed. Local MLS rules control timing.
Why NAR repealed it
Reduce rigidity and national compliance risk.
Practical effects
Agents follow local Coming Soon and Clear Cooperation‑style rules as defined by their MLS.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We keep you compliant with your MLS timelines. No national gotchas.”
Next step: Put each MLS’s timing rules in your onboarding portal and CRM snippets.
18) Policy Statement 7.93 repealed
Listing update timeframes
What it was
National expectations for how quickly status and fields must be updated.
What changed
Repealed. MLSs define update cadences.
Why NAR repealed it
Eliminate duplication and conflicting standards.
Practical effects
You manage status changes under local rules only.
Recruiting playbook
Talk track: “We integrate your MLS rules into checklists and reminders. You focus on deals.”
Next step: Build automated reminders for status and photo updates per MLS.
Comparison Table: Old World vs New World
| Topic | Old World | New World | Recruiting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS access | Often bundled with NAR, state, local dues | Local MLS can allow non‑member access | Sell savings. Faster onboarding |
| IDX rights | Sometimes restricted to Realtors | Non‑member IDX where allowed | Better lead capture for recruits |
| Listing display | Optional no‑commingling created confusion | Local control and simpler norms | Cleaner consumer UX. Stronger SEO |
| Training | National templates and timelines | Localized and lighter weight | Speed to first listing |
| Listing contracts | Exclusive right‑to‑sell bias | Flexible listing types | More ways to win sellers |
| Compensation | MLS fields and offers historically | Off‑MLS via agreements | Train buyer‑broker value |
| Service area | Legacy border guidance | Local expansion and reciprocity | Multi‑market recruiting |
| Syndication | National framing | Local decisions | Tailor exposure to strategy |
About the Author
J. Stuart Hill is the founder of MNKY Agency and the architect behind some of the most aggressive agent recruitment campaigns in the industry. With 20 years in real estate marketing and brokerage growth, Stu builds lean, scalable models that attract agents daily, not monthly. He’s the strategist behind Easy Realty’s expansion and the Thompson Broker movement, helping brokers ditch outdated systems and dominate their markets.
About MNKY Agency
MNKY Agency recruits real estate agents for all brokerage models. We run commission‑only, pay‑per‑transaction recruiting. We only earn when you earn. We also build hyperlocal marketing, landing pages, email, and AIVSO so your agents generate leads from day one.
