NAR Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings (DMEL)
vs
C.A.R Delayed Marketing Limited Exposure (DMLE)
REVISED — July 2026
Based on further review of NAR guidance, SDMLS is clarifying the correct listing status for compliance with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings (DMEL) policy.
DMEL compliance is more accurately aligned with Active status (Publish to Internet = No), not Coming Soon status. This is because Coming Soon carries a 30-day maximum duration and other feature restrictions (no 1:1 broker showings, no open houses, one-time use only) that are inconsistent with the needs of a listing intended to remain exempt from delayed marketing without a time limit and allow for in-person showings.
Correct status for DMEL/DMLE compliance:
Status = Active
Publish to Internet = No
DMEL/DMLE POLICY — Current Guidance (as of July 2026)
Public = OFF
Status = Active
Publish to Internet = No
Your listing aligns with DMEL/DMLE policy, stays private, and is visible only to MLS subscribers and users.
We encourage you to share feedback and report any issues to dataservices@sdmls.com
Understanding the Terminology:
Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing vs. Delayed Marketing Limited Exposure
It's important to distinguish between the national policy concept and the state form checkbox that references it — the two are related, but they don't do the same thing.
NAR Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing:
Introduced under NAR's Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, a Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing (DMEL) is a national policy concept describing a listing entered into the MLS for agent cooperation while withholding public-facing internet exposure — such as IDX feeds and public portal syndication.
C.A.R. Delayed Marketing Limited Exposure:
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) updated its Multiple Listing Service Addendum (MLSA) form to include "Delayed Marketing Limited Exposure" as a selectable seller instruction. It mirrors the national DMEL framework on paper, giving agents a way to document a seller's choice to opt out of broad public feeds while keeping the listing visible internally to MLS subscribers.
Actionable Impact for Local Agents:
Checking the C.A.R. MLSA box for Delayed Marketing Limited Exposure does not, by itself, create a functional MLS status in SDMLS Paragon. The form documents the seller's instruction; it does not configure the listing. Agents must still navigate a standard local status choice to actually implement that instruction — in SDMLS Paragon, this means Active status with Publish to Internet = No, as outlined above.
The section below reflects the original April 2026 Coming Soon announcement. This information remains valid for Coming Soon as an optional listing strategy, but is retained here for reference only — for DMEL compliance specifically, follow the July 2026 revision above.
Coming Soon Status Enhancements — Effective July 2025 (Original Announcement)
We're excited to announce enhancements to the Coming Soon status, effective July 2025. These updates reflect your feedback and align with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings (DMEL) policy, offering greater flexibility while ensuring transparency and compliance.
SDMLS has taken the initiative to implement these updates as part of our ongoing effort to improve listing flexibility, streamline your workflow, and maintain compliance with national standards without introducing additional statuses or creating unnecessary complexity.
As of April 2026, the "Coming Soon" listing status now has two (2) distinct meanings based on whether "Publish to Internet" is set to Yes or No.
In SDMLS Paragon, when "Publish to Internet" = No, the listing is treated in accordance with the NAR Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings (DMEL) policy, allowing participants greater control over listing visibility on public-facing portals while remaining compliant with industry guidelines.
NAR DMEL POLICY (Original Reference)
Public = OFF
Publish to Internet = NO
Your listing aligns with NAR's DMEL policy, stays private, visible only to MLS subscribers and users.
We encourage you to share feedback and report any issues to dataservices@sdmls.com.
What's New from Coming Soon?
- Optional Status – Use Coming Soon when it aligns with your strategy.
- Listing Agreement Required – Plus the SDMLS Coming Soon Seller Certification (Appendix F), keep in your file.
- DOM & Price History Reset on Active – In Paragon, Days on Market resets and price history clears.
- May Go Directly to Pending – You can accept offers during Coming Soon.
- Public Marketing Now Allowed – Once in Coming Soon, you can advertise via public marketing, social media, etc.
- Private Showings Not Permitted – No in-person showings are allowed; Showing Services are not enabled.
- Open Houses & Broker Tours Disabled – Remain inactive until the listing is Active.
- IDX & Portal Syndication Disabled – Not sent to public-facing platforms.
- Visible to All Subscribers – Listings are fully visible in the MLS to all SDMLS users.
- One-Time Use Only – Listings cannot revert to Coming Soon once moved to Active.
- Photos Optional – A minimum of one exterior photo must be uploaded within 72 hours of entry.
- Broker Back Office Feed Permitted – Only for brokers' own listings; no public display.
Click Here to see Listing Status Comparison Chart: Office Exclusive vs SDMLS Coming Soon
For a full breakdown of the Coming Soon policy and compliance requirements, review:
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