Non-MLS real estate transactions, conducted outside public listing services, involve the discreet exchange of properties between sellers and buyers, often facilitated through networks, private listings, or direct communication. For instance, a homeowner might sell directly to a neighbor or an investor might acquire a portfolio of properties from a developer without publicly advertising the deal.
These private transactions offer several potential advantages. They can provide sellers with greater control over the sale process, increased privacy, and potentially faster closing times. Buyers may gain access to exclusive inventory unavailable to the broader market, sometimes at negotiated prices. Historically, a significant portion of real estate transactions occurred through informal networks, and while the rise of MLS platforms has shifted the landscape, these private channels remain an active segment of the market.