There’s a growing buzz in the real estate world about a strategy called “private exclusives” — listings shared only within a single brokerage’s internal network. Some agents suggest this is the best way to sell your home, offering discretion and targeted marketing. However, by keeping a listing off the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), sellers risk losing out on broader exposure, which often means fewer offers and a lower final sale price.
At Jack Conway, we believe in giving your home the best chance to succeed. That means transparency, exposure, and a full-market strategy built to serve you, not limit your options.
Private listings—also known as “office exclusives”—refer to homes that are marketed only within one brokerage’s internal network, without being entered into the MLS. This means that unless a buyer is working directly with that brokerage, they may never know your home is for sale.
In theory, private listings can offer discretion and control, which might appeal to sellers with special circumstances—such as celebrities, high-profile individuals, or those navigating sensitive personal situations like divorce or a death in the family.
However, in most cases, this strategy comes at a high cost. The MLS remains the most comprehensive tool for sharing listings with a vast pool of buyers and agents across all brokerages. Bypassing it dramatically shrinks your audience. And in real estate, fewer eyes on your property almost always translates to fewer offers—and a lower sale price.
Proponents of private listings argue that this approach gives sellers more control, creates buzz through early interest, and allows for a staggered marketing rollout. Some brokerages pitch exclusivity as a premium service that targets “serious” buyers first.
However, major industry players such as Zillow, Redfin, and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) warn of the downsides. According to NAR, private listings often violate the spirit of open-market fairness and can disadvantage both buyers and sellers.
In short, the broader industry consensus leans toward openness—not secrecy.
Our mission is simple: do what’s best for our clients. That means giving every home the broadest and fairest exposure possible through the MLS and other public marketing channels. We don’t believe in keeping your listing in the shadows.
This open approach aligns with the highest standards of industry ethics and prioritizes community-based cooperation. We understand that trust, transparency, and accountability are essential in every real estate transaction. That’s why we embrace a full-market strategy that leverages every available tool to attract qualified buyers.
That doesn’t mean we ignore special cases. If privacy is truly warranted, our experienced agents will create a tailored plan that balances discretion with performance. But in nearly all situations, our job is to maximize the value of your home—and that starts with sharing it widely, not hiding it.
Let’s talk about the numbers—because they paint a compelling picture.
Homes that are publicly listed on the MLS sell for 17.5% more on average than comparable homes marketed privately. That’s not a small difference; it’s a major impact on your bottom line. In Massachusetts, the average private listing sold for $20,171 less than those listed on the MLS.
And the cost of this strategy isn’t just local. Nationwide, sellers lost over $1 billion in potential profits over the past two years by choosing to bypass the MLS.
The problems don’t end with lost money. Private listings often take longer to sell, which can increase holding costs, delay moving plans, or even put sellers in a weaker negotiating position. Worse still, nearly 90% of privately marketed homes eventually wind up on the MLS anyway—after precious time and momentum have already been lost.
In real estate, timing and competition matter. The more buyers see your home, the more offers you’re likely to get. And more offers often lead to bidding wars, which drive up your final sale price.
Selling a home is about creating demand—and demand depends on visibility.
Private listings exclude buyers who work with other brokerages, instantly shrinking your pool of potential offers. Even if your agent is highly capable, they simply can’t compete with the reach of the full MLS network.
Fewer eyes on your property means fewer showings, less competition, and less negotiating power. The idea of exclusivity may sound appealing, but it often comes at the cost of real-world results.
If your goal is the highest sale price and the quickest timeline, limited exposure is rarely the right path.
Of course, there are times when privacy matters. Some sellers may be downsizing after a loss, navigating a divorce, or concerned about safety. High-profile individuals may want to avoid public scrutiny. In these limited cases, a private listing may be appropriate—for a short time or under specific conditions.
We respect and accommodate these needs. Our agents evaluate each situation individually, offering thoughtful advice based on circumstances, not convenience.
But these cases are the exception, not the rule. For most sellers, transparency and market exposure are still the most effective and rewarding approach.
At Jack Conway, our values are rooted in transparency, service, and collaboration. We believe the MLS is not just a tool—it’s a foundation of fairness, giving every seller access to a wide, diverse pool of buyers and every buyer a fair shot at finding their dream home.
We don’t chase trends or short-term gimmicks. Instead, we lean into data-driven strategies that consistently deliver better results.
If you’re thinking about selling, talk to a Conway agent. We’ll help you design a custom plan based on facts, not fads, and ensure your home gets the visibility and value it deserves.
Putting your home on a private listing may seem strategic, but the facts say otherwise. The best results come from maximum exposure, not exclusivity. At Jack Conway, we put sellers first—because you deserve the highest price, the shortest timeline, and the strongest support every step of the way.
