Clear Cooperation has become one of the most controversial topics in real estate—but most agents still don’t fully understand how it really affects their business, their listings, and their fiduciary responsibility. In this episode, Tamera Gaede sits down with Chris Ohlig and Melissa Hailey to uncover the real issues behind Clear Cooperation, MLS control, delayed listing strategies, syndication, and how platforms like Zillow benefit more than sellers or agents.
 
This conversation isn’t about being for or against Clear Cooperation—it’s about exposing the full truth so real estate professionals can make educated decisions in today’s market. Whether you’re a team leader, broker, solo agent, or someone in a real estate-adjacent business, this episode breaks down exactly what NAR’s policy changes mean and how they impact your business.
In this episode:

• Why Clear Cooperation was actually created
• What NAR doesn’t explain about MLS control
• The difference between “Office Exclusive” and “Delayed Marketing”
• How syndication impacts YOUR listings
• Why Zillow benefits from CCP more than agents
• Does Clear Cooperation violate fiduciary duty?
• Who really wins—and who loses—from this policy

🎧 If you’re in real estate, you need to hear this.

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📩 Want to partner with a title team that protects your deals? Reach out to Tamera Gaede today.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to The Closing Table Podcast  
00:42 Episode intro – Why this topic matters  
02:10 What is Clear Cooperation?  
04:35 The origins of MLS and property sharing  
07:32 Why NAR created Clear Cooperation  
09:58 Pocket listings vs. off-market vs. office exclusives  
12:45 The rules around "public marketing"  
15:50 What triggers Clear Cooperation violations  
18:05 One-business-day rule explained  
20:34 Coming Soon status vs. Active status  
22:11 Fines and penalties for violations  
24:18 Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings update  
26:40 Who controls listing exposure?  
29:45 Does Clear Cooperation help or hurt sellers?  
32:54 Testing price and feedback before MLS  
34:50 Example: Celebrity and privacy concerns  
37:12 Fiduciary duty vs. NAR rules  
39:40 Does CCP benefit brokers more than sellers?  
42:25 Zillow and data syndication issues  
45:10 Should brokers stop syndicating to Zillow?  
47:18 Controlling MLS data in the future  
50:02 Who wins and loses from Clear Cooperation  
53:10 Final thoughts and takeaway  
54:30 Closing + Call to action