NAR Approves MLS Policy Updates: What DFW REALTORS® Should Know

The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors has approved a sweeping set of 18 recommendations to update the Multiple Listing Policy Handbook, marking NAR’s most significant revision in two decades. Designed to reduce legal exposure for NAR, local MLSs, REALTOR® associations, and members, these changes aim to strengthen the industry’s foundation while minimizing disruption here in North Texas and across the country.

Taking effect in January 2026, the updates streamline outdated MLS enforcement practices and modernize a wide range of administrative, operational, and compliance rules. They also reaffirm areas left to local discretion, including policies related to non-member MLS access, which have been in place for MetroTex MLS subscribers.

What’s Changing

The approved recommendations fall into three main categories:

• Non-Member Access to MLS – Clarifies and reinforces what remains a local decision, allowing MLSs to tailor access based on their market’s needs.

• MLS Operations and Agreements – Modernizes administrative processes and aligns rules with today’s technology, data use, and business practices.

• Brokerage Activities and Rules Enforcement – Streamlines enforcement and removes outdated or higher-risk requirements to better protect brokerages, MLSs, and associations.

What It Means for North Texas

For DFW real estate professionals, these updates reflect NAR’s ongoing effort to analyze risk, address legal vulnerabilities, and ensure MLS policy keeps pace with an evolving industry. As implementation approaches in 2026, MetroTex will continue to share guidance, timelines, and practical takeaways so subscribers understand what is changing and what is staying the same in our local MLS environment.

MetroTex Chief MLS Officer Cathy Faulkner says these changes strengthen the ability of local MLSs to serve their markets effectively.

“These policy changes represent a forward-looking evolution in our industry, one that empowers local MLSs to adapt, innovate, and serve our members with greater clarity and flexibility,” Faulkner said.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of the MLS policy updates.