If you’ve heard about a new “Compass law,” you may be wondering whether the rules for selling your home have changed.
Two separate developments are behind those headlines: Washington’s public marketing law and an August 2026 settlement between Compass and Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
For homeowners in Lake Stevens and Snohomish County, the practical question is how these changes affect your listing strategy.
What Happened Between Compass and NWMLS?
On August 31, 2026, Compass announced a settlement with NWMLS over their dispute about listing marketing rules.
Compass emphasized expanded seller choice and the ability to use phased marketing. NWMLS emphasized keeping listings accessible across brokerages. The resulting changes included a new listing option called First Look, which became available September 4.
The settlement is an agreement resolving litigation. It is separate from Washington’s public marketing law.
What Is First Look?
First Look allows a home to be publicly marketed for up to 21 days while it is being prepared for its Active launch.
According to NWMLS:
- The listing must be submitted to NWMLS and accessible to all member brokers.
- Sellers can allow showings or wait until the Active launch.
- Sellers can choose distribution to IDX real estate websites or more tailored public marketing.
- Time in First Look and pre-launch price adjustments remain visible in the internal MLS record.
First Look is an NWMLS option available through its member brokers across brokerages. You do not need to hire Compass to discuss using it.
Does It Keep Days on Market and Price Changes Private?
Compass’s settlement announcement describes First Look as allowing coming-soon marketing without public days on market or public price-drop history during that phase.
However, NWMLS confirms that the underlying pre-launch activity remains in its internal database. Sellers should understand how the listing will appear on the particular websites included in their marketing plan.
Did the Settlement Make Private Listings Legal?
The settlement did not repeal Washington’s public marketing requirement.
Effective June 11, 2026, state law generally prohibits brokers from marketing residential property to a limited group of buyers or brokers unless they also market it to the public and all other brokers at the same time.
There is an exception when reasonably necessary to protect the owner’s or occupant’s health or safety. Public marketing does not require the owner to allow physical access to the property.
Would I Recommend First Look for Every Seller?
I would evaluate it based on your home, preparation schedule, and goals.
For example, if you’re finishing staging or coordinating a move, we can discuss whether starting marketing before the Active launch would help. We should also consider whether the home’s initial presentation will make the right impression.
A marketing option should have a clear purpose. I would not use an early launch simply because it is available, or treat it as a substitute for thoughtful pricing and preparation.
Planning to Sell in Lake Stevens or Snohomish County?
Before choosing a launch strategy, let’s talk about your timeline, how showings would work, and where buyers will see your home.
Thinking about selling? Contact Taylor Stefani at TaylorStefani.com to discuss whether First Look or a traditional Active launch makes sense for your property.
