How Do You Want to Market Your Home? A REALTOR® Can Help You Decide
When it comes to selling your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every homeowner has different preferences when it comes to how their property is advertised. Whether you want to cast a wide net or keep things more private, a REALTOR® can help you craft a marketing strategy that suits your needs.
Let’s break down the basics to help you understand your options.
The Role of the MLS in Marketing Your Home
You’ve probably heard of the Multiple Listing Service—or MLS—but what exactly does it do?
An MLS is an online platform where real estate agents and brokerages share listings. When your home is listed on the MLS, it gets the widest possible exposure—agents across the region can view, share, and promote your home. Plus, your listing gets distributed to public websites that consumers like you may already use when browsing homes online.
To ensure fair access and equal opportunity, most MLSs require your agent to add your listing within one business day of publicly marketing it (such as putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard or posting about it online).
Want More Control? Consider an Exempt Listing
Not every seller wants full public exposure—and that’s okay. If you value privacy or want more control over how and where your home is marketed, you have options known as exempt listings. Here are the two main types:
1. Office Exclusive Exempt Listing
Your home won’t be shared on the MLS or marketed publicly. Instead, it will only be available to agents within your listing agent’s brokerage. This can be a good option if you want to limit public exposure but still want to reach serious buyers.
Note: Your agent may still submit the listing to the MLS to comply with local rules, but it won’t be viewable by outside agents.
2. Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing
With this option, your listing is entered into the MLS but won’t be advertised on public websites (via IDX and syndication) for a set period of time. This gives you flexibility in how your home is promoted—yard signs, print ads, your agent’s own website, and more—without being publicly searchable online just yet.
Your REALTOR® will work with you to find the right approach based on your goals and comfort level.
How Will Buyers Find Out About My Home?
Even with an exempt listing, buyers can still find your property:
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Office Exclusive: Other agents at your listing agent’s brokerage can bring qualified buyers directly to you.
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Delayed Marketing: Buyer’s agents can see your listing within the MLS and reach out if they have interested clients. Meanwhile, you and your REALTOR® can promote the home in other ways, as much—or as little—as you like.
What’s the First Step?
If you decide to pursue an exempt listing option, your REALTOR® will walk you through a disclosure form. This form confirms that you understand you’re waiving the benefits of MLS exposure and/or public marketing, either completely or for a specific time period.
Bottom Line
The way your home is marketed should reflect your preferences and comfort level. Whether you want broad exposure or a more private approach, a REALTOR® is your best resource for understanding your options and making informed choices.
Have questions or ready to get started? Connect with a local REALTOR® through NCJAR to explore what marketing strategy is right for your home.
For more information, visit facts.realtor.
