Why Smart Sellers Are Using the Private Listing Network Before Selling Their Home
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may have heard your real estate agent mention putting your property on a Private Listing Network (PLN). While the idea might sound mysterious, using this pre-market strategy can give sellers a serious advantage. In this post, we’ll explain what the private network is, why it’s beneficial, the process, and what to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.
What is the Private Listing Network?
The Private Listing Network is a tool within the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that allows your home to be marketed to agents and select buyers before it goes fully active on the public market. Sometimes called “Coming Soon” or “Pocket Listings,” the private network gives your home exposure while still allowing you time to prepare for full public marketing.
Think of it as a soft launch: your home is visible to the right people without being fully advertised to the general public.
Benefits of Using the Private Listing Network
Build Anticipation and Generate Buzz
By putting your home on the private network, your listing reaches agents who are actively searching for homes for their buyers. This creates early interest and excitement, which can lead to offers the moment your home goes live.
Test the Market Before Going Public
Sellers can see how buyers respond to the home, photos, and price point. This allows you to make adjustments if needed without impacting your Days on Market (DOM), which starts only once the listing is active publicly.
Attract Motivated Buyers
Many buyers work exclusively with agents who track private listings. By entering the PLN, your home reaches those buyers first—often serious buyers ready to act quickly.
Maintain Privacy and Discretion
If you’re still preparing your home with staging, painting, or repairs, the private network allows you to market your property quietly without public traffic.
Strategic Launch and Marketing Planning
The PLN period gives you and your agent time to line up professional photography, video tours, open houses, and a comprehensive marketing plan. When your home goes fully active, it’s launched with maximum impact.
Flexibility on Showings
Sellers can choose whether to allow limited showings during the PLN phase or wait until the home is officially active. This flexibility ensures your home is presented at its best.
How the Process Works
Preparation: Your agent will help you stage, photograph, and prep your home while creating your PLN listing.
Private Listing: The home is posted in the private network within the MLS. Only agents and pre-approved buyers can see the listing.
Feedback and Interest: Your agent monitors inquiries, interest levels, and potential offers during this pre-market period.
Launch: When you’re ready, the listing goes public. The early buzz can help generate strong offers quickly.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While the private network has many benefits, it’s not perfect for every seller:
Limited Buyer Exposure: Homes on the private network are not immediately visible to the public, which may limit early interest from buyers browsing online.
Agent-Dependent: Success depends on agents actively checking the PLN. If your local market or your agent isn’t familiar with this tool, it may be less effective.
Timing Considerations: If your goal is a fast sale, waiting through the PLN phase could delay public exposure slightly.
Overall, for sellers who want to maximize interest, maintain control, and test the market strategically, the Private Listing Network can be a powerful tool.
Bottom Line
The Private Listing Network is a smart pre-market strategy that lets sellers generate buzz, attract motivated buyers, and carefully plan their home’s public launch. While it’s not perfect for every situation, when used strategically, it can lead to faster offers, stronger buyer competition, and a smoother selling process.
If you’re considering selling your home and want to explore how the private network could work for you, contact The Glover Team today to discuss your options.
