New to the status? Start with how Northwest MLS First Look works.
Have a home in mind? Request a private First Look tour and Aditya will verify the current showing instructions.
The dispute and the result
Compass challenged Northwest MLS listing rules in federal court. On August 31, 2026, Compass and Northwest MLS announced a settlement, and Northwest MLS announced that First Look would become available September 4.
What the launch plan should verify: The dispute and the result
Compass described the settlement as expanding phased marketing choices. Northwest MLS described First Look as a way to give sellers flexibility while preserving an open marketplace. Those are the parties' descriptions. The operational result is what consumers should focus on.
The tool belongs to the shared MLS
First Look is not limited to Compass listings or Compass brokers. Every property in First Look must be submitted to Northwest MLS and made available to all member brokers. Sellers can use the status for up to 21 days, choose IDX distribution, and choose whether showings occur before Active status.
What the launch plan should verify: The tool belongs to the shared MLS
Time in First Look and pre-launch price adjustments remain inside Northwest MLS for member brokers and their clients. That shared context matters more than the brokerage logo attached to the listing.
Choose the plan, not the logo
A seller should ask for the exact 21-day launch plan: preparation schedule, public marketing, IDX decision, showing strategy, feedback measures, price checkpoints, and Active date. A status without that operating plan is just a label.
What the launch plan should verify: Choose the plan, not the logo
A buyer should ask how their broker monitors First Look, verifies history, handles showing booking, and converts the timeline into offer math. Every member broker can access the status. Execution is the differentiator.
FAQ
Is First Look a Compass-only program?
No. First Look is a Northwest MLS status, and every First Look property must be available to all Northwest MLS member brokers.
What should consumers compare between brokers?
Ask for the operating plan: monitoring, preparation, showing access, price review, communication, analysis, and the transition to Active status.
Can any Northwest MLS member broker see First Look?
Yes. Northwest MLS says every First Look property must be available to all of its member brokers.
What should a seller ask before choosing a First Look launch plan?
Ask for the preparation calendar, public marketing and IDX choices, showing plan, price checkpoints, feedback measures, and exact Active date.
Seller launch strategy
Build the launch plan before day one
Set the price checkpoints, showing strategy, feedback measures, and Active date with Aditya.
Request a First Look Launch Strategy Call