Ripping the Rulebook

A brokerage tests the boundaries—and NWMLS hits pause on the playground

April 18, 2025

Splits and Caps Daily: Action for Agents

April 18, 2025

📈 Market Move:

Private Push Sparks Public Pushback

Imagine poking the bear… and then suing it. That’s basically what happened in Seattle real estate this week.

A big brokerage decided to run a bunch of private listings—off the MLS radar—which is a no-no according to NWMLS rules. In response, NWMLS yanked their IDX feed like a bouncer kicking someone out mid-party. Two days later? Feed’s back on, but not before things got real spicy.

Both sides are throwing jabs. NWMLS says “they weren’t playing by the rules,” while the brokerage says “rules got changed mid-game with zero heads up.” Lawyers are now in the mix. Websites are being spun up. And the vibe is very much “class-action pending.”

Here’s what matters: This isn't just a local squabble. It’s a peek at the growing tension between old-school MLS systems and new-school brokerages trying to flip the table on how listings get marketed. If you're an agent, keep an eye on this—it could impact how you list, market, and share properties in the near future.

🌟Quote of the Day:

"If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late." — Reid Hoffman

📊🤔 Agent Poll

Do you think MLS rules are helping or holding back agents today?

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🎉 Fun Fact of the Day: 

Tour Therapy: According to NAR, most buyers visit 8 homes before purchasing — but emotionally tour 38 more. You’re not just selling a house — you’re guiding a mid-life identity crisis with granite countertops.

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