The conversation around private or “off-MLS” listings is heating up again, and for good reason. With inventory climbing and more competition among sellers, maximizing exposure is more important than ever.
While private listings are sometimes positioned as a strategic move, the reality is that withholding a listing from the open market often limits a seller’s reach, potentially leaving money on the table. That’s the central warning in an Op-Ed by Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales, who writes:
“Private listings benefit agents and brokerages more than they do consumers… The more listings that are private, the less accurate the market view—and the less effective our platforms become for all buyers and sellers.”
At MORE, REALTORS®, our agents understand and uphold fiduciary duty—we work for our clients, not ourselves.That means guiding sellers to make informed, strategic choices based on their goals, not our convenience.
Yes, there are rare cases—such as when representing high-profile clients or individuals in sensitive situations—where keeping a listing “under wraps” may be appropriate. But those situations make up a very, very small percentage of home sales in the St. Louis metro area.
In nearly every case, the best path to top dollar and favorable terms is broad, public exposure—reaching the full pool of qualified buyers.
If you’re thinking about selling and want advice rooted in real fiduciary duty, transparency, and experience, talk to a professional at MORE, REALTORS®. Our goal is the same as yours: get you the best result possible.
