The National Association of RealtorsŪ has deferred a decision on a proposed policy governing the use of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data by brokers on their web sites until May 17, 2003, the next scheduled meeting of the association's board of directors.

The committee provided an additional $200,000 to fund an education and training program for RealtorŪ state associations, local boards and MLSs to help the RealtorŪ community fully understand the issues involved in the decision.

"This issue is simply too important and its impact is too wide ranging to decide without a complete understanding of the many issues involved. We believe that the RealtorŪ community as a whole needs more information and more time to understand the opportunities and challenges involved in order to reach a consensus on the best course of action for the real estate industry and consumers," said NAR President Cathy Whatley, who thanked the Internet Marketing Work Group for their efforts.