Supporters of
pocket listing practices often cite situations where sellers are seeking privacy or are concerned about having strangers view their homes.
By
now pocket listings are a concept most real estate professionals are familiar with, and in some circles they have become something of a dirty word.
I don't
think pocket listings in themselves are necessarily bad as long as the listing agent follows ethical and fiduciary obligations.
The sharp increase in the number
of pocket listings has not overall benefited the sellers.
If sellers were to receive a full disclosure
about pocket listings, few would ever agree to the practice.
The same agents that are
holding pocket listings, are in many cases the same agents that attempt to short cut everything.
CAR has published a booklet
on pocket listings for agents to provide to their clients, «The Pros and Cons of Off - MLS Listings: What Consumers and Real Estate Agents Should Know.»
I have heard some defend the practice of
pocket listings with an «In this instance, what I am doing is not technically a violation.»
Agents who
do pocket listings run the risk of not serving their clients as best as they could if they put the listings on the MLS.
As pocket listings become more popular in certain areas of the country — particularly in California — they have been thought of as primarily a facet of the luxury market.
Readers respond to our 30 Under 30 cover, and write in about issues ranging
from pocket listings to third - party aggregators and more.
Speaking at the National Association of Realtors» midyear meeting in Washington, D.C., MLS Listings Chairman Robert Bailey said he's worried about the
effects pocket listings could have on the industry.
Are Realtor associations taking a stand on
pocket listings because of concerns that sellers won't get the full value for their property, or to protect the Realtor association / MLS system?
But not all the off - MLS transactions are for high - end properties: More and
more pocket listings are distressed properties under $ 300,000 or $ 500,000, a price range that is still attractive to investors, Ross said.
In addition, agents working with sellers are able to
post pocket listings or listings that are coming soon,» says Lopez.
Lastly, in my latest book, I very clearly rail against Realtors who chase multiple representation deals
through pocket listings and other techniques.
Tom Gillett offers some reasons
why pocket listings represent short - term gain in exchange for long - term pain.
Pocket listings have become so pervasive in Ross's state that the California Association of REALTORS ® added a disclosure form to listing agreements that requires sellers
requesting pocket listings to sign off saying that their agent explained the risks of marketing off the MLS.
Brokerage firms all over America are using their position of trust and reliance to manipulate their clients
into pocket listing arrangements in which properties are intentionally withheld from the MLS.
About 1 - in - 4 home sales are
reportedly pocket listings in some Northern California markets, and the California Association of REALTORS ® is warning agents to tread carefully.
As a Broker and as a Certified Appraiser, I have to agree with Robert Bailey on the
damage pocket listings can do to the Real Estate Profession.
The problem with pre-marketing &
pocket listings however, is that in too many cases, the real estate agent has NOT fully informed the seller of the potential hazards associated with such activities - often for «self - serving» reasons (i.e., quick sale & commission or listing «exclusivity»).
Because of local rules, Bailey noted that disagreement
over pocket listings will vary from state to state.
The IMLS requires U.S. agents to enter their listings into their local MLS first — with no «For Sale By Owner» or
pocket listings allowed — keeping the real estate market in the hands of true professionals.
He posited that some agents are
using pocket listings to increase «the ability to capture leads» in a competitive, low - inventory market.
Scarcity is a fourth aspect where companies are
hoarding pocket listings so other brokerages try it too, simply to create opportunities for their agents.
In addition, you'll build relationships with every conversation you have and amass a larger network of agents that can potentially bring you
future pocket listings.
The California Association of Realtors has published a «Q - and - A»
on pocket listings for Realtors to distribute to their clients and the news media titled «The Pros and Cons of Off - MLS Listings: What Consumers and Real Estate Agents Should Know.»
Speaking in May at the National Association of Realtors» midyear meeting in Washington, D.C., MLSListings Chairman Robert Bailey reportedly said he's worried about the
effects pocket listings could have on the industry.
High - end property owners have tended to make up a larger portion of
pocket listings because they have an interest in reducing the buyer foot traffic through their homes for privacy reasons or to cut down on looky - loos who aren't serious about buying.
The list of features is jaw - dropping, including my favorite - automatic lift gate just by standing behind the vehicle with the key in your pocket