What Sellers Should Know Before Going “Pocket”

Off-Market Home Sales:Less Hassle?  =  Less Profit!

What Sellers Should Know Before Going “Pocket”

When it’s time to sell your  home, many homeowners are tempted by the idea of an off-market sale. The thought of skipping the open houses and buyer traffic can be very appealing — especially if you already know someone interested in buying or if you just want to keep things private.  While these are certainly valid reasons, they often come with a major trade-off: profit

What Is a “Pocket” Listing?

An off-market listing—sometimes called a “pocket” listing—is a home that’s for sale but not publicly listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)and not shared with other syndicated listing websites like Zillow. Pocket listings are not marketed to the full pool of available buyers.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes that are sold privately sell for an average of 8–10% less than homes marketed publicly, possibly even less!

In an area where the average home sells for around $300,000–$400,000, that could mean losing out on $30,000–$40,000 or MORE.

That’s real money you could be sacrificing for some perceived convenience.  

Why Do Off-Market Homes Sell for Less?

1. More Exposure = More Demand
   When your home hits the MLS, it reaches thousands of potential buyers across dozens of platforms (Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.). More eyeballs create more competition—and that can drive the price up.

2. Bidding Wars Become Possible
   A well-marketed home priced correctly can spark multiple offers. When buyers compete, sellers win.

Let’s Talk Before You Go “Pocket”

With the right real estate agent, there might be a smarter way to get the best of both worlds — less hassle AND more money.

I’d love to help you make a plan that fits.