Compass announced a Broker-to-Broker Cooperation Policy on Wednesday requiring all its agents to cooperate with other brokers and agents on all listings, including those in Private Exclusive or Coming Soon phases, unless the client instructs otherwise in writing.
Under the policy, Compass agents must provide listing details to any requesting agent regardless of brokerage affiliation, respond to inquiries in a timely manner, share all requested information, make properties available for showings to qualified buyers, and present all written offers to the seller.
Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass's parent company Compass International Holdings, and Compass president Neda Navab said the policy drew inspiration from Bright MLS's cooperation rule for off-MLS listings. That rule requires subscribers to cooperate impartially with all other subscribers and share property information and arrange showings regardless of financial arrangements or MLS distribution.
In a social media post, Compass stated it supports cooperation with every broker but opposes MLS restrictions on marketing. The company cited examples of 45 of the top 50 MLSs limiting Coming Soon listing periods, prohibiting showings for Coming Soons, or restricting offer acceptance.
Compass announced in May 2025 that it was launching the "Compass Private Exclusives Book" containing all private exclusive inventory, available for viewing by consumers and agents at other firms at the largest Compass office in each market.
Compass International Holdings is currently suing California Regional MLS (CRMLS) over office exclusive listings. CRMLS and eight other MLSs have filed suits seeking a declaratory judgment that their listing cooperation policies are fair and pro-competitive.