Do You Have any Pocket Listings?

A pocket listing is a real estate industry term used throughout the United States which denotes a property where a broker holds a signed listing agreement/contract with the Seller, whether that be an "Exclusive Right to Sell" or "Exclusive Agency" agreement/contract, but where it is not advertised conventionally nor entered into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), or where advertising is limited for an agreed upon period of time. Wikipedia

Not everyone wants everybody in the world to know their business. Pocket Listings have proven successful in assisting high income clients, celebrities, professional athletes, and anyone that wants to market their home discreetly.

It becomes something of a Zen question for the times: If a home is for sale as a "Pocket Listing", is it really for sale when most buyers don't know about it? In other words, if a home isn't on the Multiple Listings Service, how does it attract buyers? There are a variety of ways to reach buyers that can be as effective as conventional marketing, but requiring a local professional with a successful tract record in this regard.

How do Buyers Find Pocket Listings? (Homes for sale, that are not on the Multiple Listing Service) Local real estate agents that network with other agents typically have access to this information. Any agent that specializes in a certain area should be aware of what's available on the MLS, and what's not.

First off, you should be aware that there have always been"Pocket Listings." Although Pocket Listings may seem counter intuitive, there are many circumstances when a Pocket Listing makes sense. Here are some reasons why it might make more sense for Sellers to consider marketing their home as a Pocket Listing:

1. Only "Qualified Buyers" will be previewing your home.

2. No Lockbox, your agent will be present at all showings.

3. No For Sale Sign, does every "lookey Lou" or noisy neighbor need to know your selling your house?

4. No DOM (Days On Market) the MLS "kiss of death" if you’re home doesn’t sell right away.

5.No Public Sunday Open Houses.

6.Control. No jumping through hoops to prepare your home for last minute showings.You, with your realtor, control the amount of exposure your property will get.

7.The option to market your home "Formally" is still an option.

8. Marin Pocket Listings Web Site

We have the technological skills, local networking experience, relationships, and local knowledge to market your home as a Pocket Listing. If you’d like to know more about the real estate services we offer, please feel free to contact us. Mark Danforth Lomas and Kirsten Wolfe