Understanding off market and pocket listings

With the extremely tight inventory of homes for sale in the South Bay, many buyers approach me looking for off market, or pocket listings.  Pocket listings and exclusive listings are the hot trend at the moment as eager buyers clamor for a chance to purchase a home without all of the competition.    In this market knowing about it first may not ultimately make a difference, but it certainly helps.  Many agents seem to be trying to keep listings private as well in the hopes that perhaps they can represent both buyer and seller, which is much easier if fewer agents know that the home is for sale.  So what do the terms actually mean?  A pocket listing can be anything from a realtor simply knowing about a home that a seller might consider selling and not having a listing agreement, to something coming to the market but not yet on the MLS, to the intentional withholding of the listing from the MLS.

But is it beneficial to the seller? 

Redondo Beach Pocket Listings

In terms of price, exposure, etc. the answer is generally no.  The more exposure the home gets, the more potential buyers see it, and the likelihood that it will sell for a better price and with more favorable terms for the seller.  Eliminate that competition and generally speaking the chances of such favorable terms decrease.

There are very legitimate reasons for exclusive or “pocket” listings and for keeping the property off the market…..work being completed, tenant issues, or simply a seller who doesn’t want the world touring their home.  Seller’s just need to be sure that the reasons for keeping a home off of the South Bay MLS are beneficial to them….and not just to the listing agents.

Whether keeping a listing from the MLS is good or bad for the seller ultimately depends on the situation and whose best interest is the primary reason, but working with a top local realtor who has the network and knowledge to seek out these possible opportunities is certainly key for the buyer.

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Vista Sotheby's International

Vista Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the top real estate brokerages in the South Bay and Southern California with offices in Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay

ADDRESS:

1801 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Phone:

310.251.2344

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keith.kyle@vistasir.com

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DRE#01712785

keith kyle

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Welcome to Sotheby's International Realty representing buyers and sellers of fine South Bay and Southern California properties

Redondo Beach Real Estate & Homes. All rights reserved. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Keith Kyle – Licensed Realtor – Vista Sothebys International Realty – DRE#01712785

The listing information set forth on this site is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties to our franchisees (who in turn supplied it to us), we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. The offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes, including price, or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate and have not been verified by the selling party and cannot be verified by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. It is recommended that you hire a professional in the business of determining dimensions, such as an appraiser, architect or civil engineer, to determine such information. Sotheby’s International Realty ® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission.