Connecticut realtor says new law will help buyers and sellers

June 21, 2026 - 18:08

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- A new piece of legislation in Connecticut is set to change how homes are bought and sold, with a focus on cutting down on secret deals and making the process clearer for everyone involved. Michael Barbaro, the president of SmartMLS, recently sat down to explain the impact of the law, which targets the practice of "pocket listings." These are properties that agents market privately without putting them on the local multiple listing service, or MLS.

Under the new rules, sellers who want to list their home must agree to have it posted on the MLS within a set time frame. This move is designed to ensure that more buyers get a fair shot at seeing available homes, rather than having them shopped around to a select group of agents and their clients. For buyers, this means access to a wider inventory and less chance of missing out on a property because they did not have the right connections.

Barbaro noted that the law also helps sellers by exposing their property to a larger pool of potential buyers, which can drive up the final sale price through competition. The change is meant to level the playing field in a hot market where speed and insider knowledge often give some buyers an edge. While some agents have relied on private listings to build exclusive relationships, the new requirement pushes the industry toward greater openness. Real estate professionals across the state are now adjusting their practices to comply, with many seeing it as a positive step for consumer protection.