Exclusive Properties: Can Buyers Find Off-Market or Coming-Soon Listings on the MLS?
Understanding Off-Market Listings
In a market where inventory moves quickly, savvy buyers are often asking the same question: “Are there homes available that aren’t publicly listed yet?” The answer is yes—sometimes. Off-market listings, often referred to as exclusive properties or pocket listings, are homes that are quietly available without being widely advertised on major public websites. While not visible to every buyer, they can be a golden opportunity for those who know where to look.
MLS and Coming-Soon Listings
Modern Multiple Listing Services (MLS) now include categories like “Coming Soon,” which allows agents to share early access listings with fellow professionals and pre-qualified buyers. These listings often go live within days or weeks, but being part of the right network gives you a critical edge. Many MLS systems even offer alerts for new exclusives, giving buyers a jump on homes before they hit Zillow or Realtor.com.
Pocket Listings and Private Listings
A pocket listing is a property marketed privately—shared only within an agent’s own network or brokerage. Similarly, a private listing may be restricted to internal communications and not submitted to the MLS at all. These types of listings are usually reserved for clients seeking discretion, privacy, or strategic timing. While they offer an air of exclusivity, they also require buyers to be well-positioned: pre-approved, decisive, and working with an agent who has access to these quiet opportunities.
Industry Policies and What’s Changed
In recent years, new rules from the National Association of REALTORS®—such as the Clear Cooperation Policy—have changed how off-market listings are handled. This policy mandates that any listing shared publicly must be entered into the MLS within one business day. However, it still allows for office exclusives and private marketing within specific agent networks. The goal is to balance transparency with client privacy—giving motivated buyers a chance to compete fairly while preserving seller discretion.
Why It Pays to Work with a Connected REALTOR®
Exclusive access comes down to relationships. Agents with strong local ties and a pulse on pre-market opportunities can give their clients a critical advantage. At Modern Market REALTORS®, we stay connected to what’s coming next—before it’s searchable online. Whether you’re looking for a luxury home that’s not yet listed or a quiet listing in a sought-after neighborhood, we’ll help you move faster and smarter.
Live Where You Love, with insider access and expert guidance that puts opportunity in your hands—before the rest of the world sees it.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Off-Market Listings
- MLS and Coming-Soon Listings
- Pocket Listings and Private Listings
- Industry Policies and What’s Changed
- Why It Pays to Work with a Connected REALTOR®
Discover Off-Market Homes & Private Listings
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The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity SM Program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Properties subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. ©2024 Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc All rights reserved.
