Members Only Listings: Overview and Guidelines

What Are Members Only Listings?

Members Only (MO) Listings are an MLSListings feature designed to give multiple options for sellers and agents more control over how a property is marketed. Unlike traditional “Coming Soon” or fully active listings, Members Only provides two flexible options:

• Members Only – Show (MOS): Available for cooperating agents to see and share with clients, but not syndicated to public sites.

• Members Only – Do Not Show (MODNS): Reserved for pre-market preparation. These listings cannot be shown or marketed publicly until converted to Show or Regular Active.

All Members Only listings are Active in Matrix and meet NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy requirements, but they are not syndicated to Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, or other consumer platforms.

Key Features

• Privacy and Control: Sellers can limit exposure to only MLS subscribers until ready for full market distribution.

• Flexible Marketing: Transition listings between MODNS, MOS, and Regular Active at any time.

• Days on Market (DOM):

  • MODNS: DOM does not accrue.

  • MOS: DOM is calculated but hidden until the listing is Sold, Cancelled, or Expired.

  • Conversions (MODNS ↔ MOS, or to Regular Active): Reset list date, DOM, price, and status history. Converted listings appear as “New” in Market Watch and Hot Sheet searches.

• Search & Reports: MO listings appear in Matrix searches by default and can be filtered in/out as needed. They may be included in statistics and market reports.

• Client Sharing: Agents can email or share MO listings with clients directly through Matrix, but clients cannot independently search for them.

Advertising & Showing Rules

• MODNS (Do Not Show):

  • No in-person or virtual showings, previews, or tours.

  • No open houses or broker tours.

  • Advertising allowed only as Coming Soon (e.g., yard sign or social media must clearly indicate “Coming Soon”).

  • No solicitation of offers until converted.

• MOS (Show):

  • No restrictions on advertising. May be marketed as “For Sale” or “Coming Soon.”

  • Showings and offers are permitted.

  • DOM hidden until off-market.

• Regular Active:

  • Fully syndicated and marketed to all channels with no restrictions.

Use Cases

• MODNS (Do Not Show): For sellers preparing the property (repairs, staging, new construction without model). Offers privacy until show-ready.

• MOS (Show): For sellers seeking limited exposure but willing to cooperate with MLS agents and clients.

• Regular Active: For sellers ready for broad, public marketing.

System Functionality

• Add a Listing: From “Manage Listings” or Tile view, select New Members Only

   

  • → choose Show or Do Not Show

  • → accept terms

  • → verify and create listing.

   

• Convert a Listing: Convert Coming Soon or MO listings to Show, Do Not Show, or Regular Active directly in LM or Tile view.

• Clone a Listing: Off-market listings can be cloned into Members Only listings (with terms agreed).

Policies & Compliance

• Members Only is a listing type, not a status.

• All MLS rules apply except:

  • No photos required for MODNS.

  • No showings for MODNS.

• Any showing of a MODNS listing disqualifies it from the category and is a violation.

• Sellers may direct agents not to present offers in MODNS; otherwise, all offers must be presented per law.

Benefits for Agents & Clients

• For Sellers: Control seller privacy and exposure, test pricing, and ease into the open market.

• For Agents: Meet Clear Cooperation requirements while tailoring strategy to client needs.

• For Buyers’ Agents: Access to pre-market inventory within Matrix to better serve clients.

Members Only vs. Regular Active Listings