Opinion: Everyone benefits when real estate listings are broadly available

May 17, 2026 - 20:16

The California real estate market is already tough enough. High prices, low inventory, and fierce competition make buying or selling a home a stressful experience for everyone involved. But there is another problem that makes things worse: the rise of private, off-market listings.

When a home is sold without ever being listed on the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, the entire system breaks down. The MLS is the shared database that agents use to see all available properties. It is the backbone of a fair market. When sellers and their agents choose to keep a listing private, they are essentially cutting out the majority of potential buyers. Only a select few, usually those with a direct connection to the listing agent, ever get a chance to see the property.

This is not just unfair to the average homebuyer. It also hurts sellers. A private listing limits the pool of buyers, which often leads to a lower final sale price. The idea that a private sale is faster or more convenient is a myth. In a healthy market, more exposure means more offers, and more offers mean a better price. The only people who truly benefit from private listings are the agents who get to double-end the deal, collecting commission from both sides without having to share the listing with other professionals.

For the California market to function properly, everyone needs to play on a level field. Buyers deserve equal access to all available homes. Sellers deserve the best possible price. And agents should compete openly, not by hoarding listings behind closed doors. The solution is simple: if a home is for sale, it should be listed broadly. Transparency is not just a nice idea. It is the only way to keep the market honest.