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Did you know that there is a way to sell a home discretely and without competition?

Pocket listings are praised for the privacy and professionalism they add to the housing market.

Are you a real estate investor looking for your next big investment? A pocket listing is bursting with hidden potential!

Read our article to find out what pocket listings are and how real estate investors can find them.

The Definition of a Pocket Listing

A pocket listing refers to a home that is not publicly marketed. It is available for sale. However, the typical home selling platforms will not have it listed.

Pocket listings can be hidden from popular markets for a variety of reasons. Homeowners utilize pocket listings to their advantage.

This can make it difficult for real estate agents and property investors to find pocket listings. They are hidden treasures in the housing market.

Its value also defines a textbook pocket listing. Pocket listing normally luxurious homes that are high in value. This is why the seller knows that they are at an advantage.

Debuting off Market Homes

Off-market homes like pocket listings can take their time making a debut. Pocket listings are typically planned out in advance, so there is plenty of time to craft a winning debut.

An inner circle receives the debuts of a home like this. Property investors who the sellers trust, friends who love their home, and real estate agents who know what to look for.

There are many reasons why a seller would choose to list their home as a pocket listing. Perhaps the seller only wants a certain group of people to have access to their homes.

A pocket listing debut is the seller’s chance to see who is interested in buying their home from their inner circle.

What Does Coming Soon Mean?

Have you ever driven past a home with a coming soon sign? This sign indicates that the home will soon be available on the housing market.

A coming soon announcement is an informal way to announce a pocket listing to the neighborhood.

Sellers debut their pocket listing through a coming soon announcement for many reasons. The most common reason is that the seller would like to test the market.

If the seller is selling in a buyer’s market, it is good to test the waters before making their debut. However, pocket listings are lucrative in any market type.

A coming soon can help the sellers understand who would be interested in their property and how much they would be willing to pay.

What Is a Multiple Listing System?

A multiple listing system refers to websites like Zillow that invite millions of people to browse homes every day.

There are multiple listings on these marketplaces that are all competing for the buyer’s best bid. Multiple listing systems are typically the first stop for home buyers and property investors to go.

Real estate investors can easily see what is available on the market and how prices fluctuate every day.

The problem with multiple listing systems is that homes are competing to gain the investors’ attention. 

Pocket listings avoid multiple listing systems at all costs. Instead, sellers create their own advertising strategies with help from platforms like the Online Advertising Academy.

Why Pocket Listings Are Lucrative

Pocket listings are so lucrative because of their hidden potential. Investment property for sale like a pocket listing can be a rewarding experience in any market.

A seller’s market will favor the homeowner who is already at an advantage. A buyer’s market will not devalue the home either. 

Since the pocket listing is hidden from listings systems, it is not forced to price match other homes of its stature or location.

Hidden pocket listings are lucrative because you never know how much value to expect from a successful investment. 

They market to a clientele all of their own. Enjoy uncovering how the pocket listing process works!

Are Pocket Listings Legal?

In the past, pocket listings were frowned upon. Their hidden nature was concerning to the law. This is because criminal real estate agents can easily take advantage of a homeowner. 

If a homeowner decides to partner with a real estate agent, the agent has access to a lot of their personal information.

The real estate agent would then be in charge of exchanging their valuable home through a secret listing. Criminal real estate agents could easily keep information from trusting clients in a pocket listing situation.

This is less of a concern in the digital age because homeowners are more educated on real estate procedures.

In fact, homeowners who would like to generate a pocket listing do not even need to hire a real estate agent, thanks to the internet!

Planning to Sell to a Specific Individual

Pocket listings are typical for homeowners who are planning to sell to a specific individual. This makes the transaction hassle-free because others have not had a chance to see the listing.

A homeowner typically sells to the highest bidder. However, there are many reasons why homeowners would want to sell to a specific individual.

Perhaps they want to keep the home in the family, or maybe they feel like this individual will do the best job of caring for their new home.

Pocket listings offer homeowners the privacy to sell to whomever they feel most comfortable with.

Where Are Pocket Listings Found?

Pocket listings are traditionally found via word of mouth. In the digital age, however, there are other ways to find pocket listings as well.

Pocket listings can be found on their own website. Creating a website for your home was popular a couple of decades ago.

On a home’s website, you can list all of the features of your home. This will attract real estate investors who are looking for those features on the internet.

This strategy can still work today. Real estate investors can use SEO or search engine optimization keywords to their advantage.

Type in the specific properties you are looking for in a home on a search engine like Google. Matches will pop up for both multiple listing systems and pocket listing websites!

The History of Pocket Listings

Pocket listings are notorious selling strategies for celebrities. Celebrities utilize secret listing services to keep the engagement private.

Marketing your home online can display your address to the entire world. Avoid this exposure by listing your home privately through a pocket listing.

Nowadays, pocket listings are used by more than just celebrities. This marketing technique is used all over the world to help homeowners get the most for their homes.

Get To Know Your Niche Better

As a property investor, chances are you already have a niche that you work with. A niche refers to many things in real estate.

Your niche could be the area you live in. Is there a neighborhood that you are familiar with? If you know a region of your city well, then explore the hidden areas as best as possible.

Luxurious properties that are out of the public eye can be bursting with potential. Keep an eye out for a coming soon sign!

Your niche can also refer to the type of home that you work well with. If luxury homes are not your niche, then consider browsing through suburban neighborhoods.

Suburban neighborhoods are full of families coming and going. Many suburban neighborhoods feature starter homes.

These homes are meant to be lived in for a few years. You will see these homes on multiple listing system websites.

However, you can easily find these homes before they ever hit the internet. Keep an eye out for signs of a future move!

Try the Cold Knock Approach

If you are feeling brave, then consider the cold knock approach. Keep in mind; this tactic should be reserved for areas that you are familiar with.

Some people do not enjoy being bothered by a salesman, so be careful while knocking door to door.

In the past, the cold knock approach was a useful technique for small neighborhoods. The idea is that some people do not realize how much their property is worth.

A real estate investor can educate their potential clients on how much their property could be worth. 

They can also help guide them through the pocket listing process. This is a rare occurrence in the digital age; however, it is still a strategy that is used today!

Browse the Internet for Pocket Listings

The best way to find a pocket listing is by browsing the internet. Informal websites like Craiglist can help you gauge what kind of pocket listings are available near you.

If you are a keen researcher, search for private listing websites on a search engine like Google. If you are a certified real estate agent, your credentials may work to your advantage. 

Your real estate agent credentials can help you gain access to private listing websites. Some pocket listing websites even require a password, so be sure to do your research.

Expand Your Network of Real Estate Agents

Expanding your circle is the best way to gain information about pocket listings. Ask your fellow property investors about their pocket listing knowledge.

Chances are, your peers know something you do not. Stay encouraged because some property investors will be difficult to get information from.

Pocket listings are hidden treasures for a reason. Whoever gains access to them has the potential to score big!

Do not be afraid to approach your local real estate agents for help either. They have access to tools and resources that a regular property investor may not.

Let the Pocket Listings Come To You!

If you are a well-known property investor in your area, then let the pocket listings come to you. Your reputation is what can help you attract the most lucrative pocket listings.

Homeowners who want to sell their homes quickly and in private can be referred to your services. Perhaps they will want to sell to a property investor like you!

For this strategy to work, make sure that you have a welcoming digital presence. Showcase multiple forms of contact on your website so that homeowners can easily get a hold of you!

Do yourself a favor and create a form on your real estate investment website for homeowners to share information about their pocket listings with you.

Ask them to provide as many details as possible about their home, and away you can contact them back.

The Benefits of Investing in a Pocket Listing

There are a variety of benefits when it comes to investing in a pocket listing. Pocket listings are full of unlimited potential.

Their price does not have to be weighed against the current market. Pocket listings typically showcase luxurious homes that are very valuable.

Your client is someone who values privacy, so they are looking for someone like you to help them. Your services are at an advantage with this type of listing.

Pocket listings can set you apart from the competition. Be sure to advertise your experience interacting with pocket listings on your website.

Are You Ready to Find the Perfect Pocket Listing?

Now you know what pocket listings are and how real estate investors and agents can find them. Are you ready to find your perfect pocket listing?

Still in need of inspiration? Check out the rest of our blog posts to receive the latest tips and innovations on how to upgrade your lifestyle. Good luck!