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What is a pocket listing in real estate?

Author

William Harris

Updated on March 26, 2026

What is a pocket listing in real estate?

A pocket listing is any type of real estate listing that is retained by a listing broker or salesperson and not made available to other brokers in the office or to other multiple listing service (MLS) members. 1 A pocket listing may also be referred to as an “off-market listing” or “exclusive listing.”

Are pocket listings illegal?

Is a pocket listing illegal? No, pocket listings aren’t illegal. However, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has banned them for its members. Listings must be posted to the MLS within one day of being marketed to the public.

Are pocket listings unethical?

Could a pocket listing violate the California real estate law? A Yes. A pocket listing could be deemed as a breach of a listing agent’s fiduciary duty to the seller if the arrangement is made for the benefit of the listing agent only, and is not in the seller’s best interest.

What is a pocket offer?

In the real estate industry in the United States, a pocket listing or hip pocket listing is a property where a broker holds a signed listing agreement (or contract) with the seller, whether that be an “Exclusive Right to Sell” or “Exclusive Agency” agreement or contract, but which is never advertised nor entered into a …

Are pocket listings a good idea?

The only time a pocket listing may benefit the seller is if there is only one agent involved and the commissions are discounted significantly. That discount should be at least $10,000, even for a small house.

Why would you do a pocket listing?

More privacy: A listing agent might utilize a pocket listing if their client wants to keep a low profile on the sale of their home. A pocket listing can help sellers find out what their property is actually worth so they aren’t putting an overpriced home on the MLS.

Why would someone do a pocket listing?

Pros for the seller: More privacy: A listing agent might utilize a pocket listing if their client wants to keep a low profile on the sale of their home. A pocket listing can help sellers find out what their property is actually worth so they aren’t putting an overpriced home on the MLS.

What’s a whisper listing?

Houses that are never even listed are selling fast, experts say. They’re called “whisper listings.” Whisper listings are residential properties released directly to a broker who only allows specific clients to view the home. It’s not advertised publicly or listed on the area’s multiple listing service (MLS).

Are pocket listings discriminatory?

Pocket listings exclude minority homebuyers, Redfin CEO says “Study after study after study shows these excluded buyers are disproportionately people of color,” Kelman said. “This is why marketing every listing to the public isn’t just one way to make housing more fair.

How do you find exclusive listings?

If you’re not sure if your listing is Exclusive or MLS, just take a look at your feature sheet on your listing agent’s website. You should be able to find either the word Exclusive, “EXCL”, MLS, an MLS number, or sometimes the MLS logo at the top of the page.

Can a realtor sell a house without listing it?

Yes, you can sell a house without listing it.