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Off-market homes: how they actually work
Katie's take on pocket listings, coming-soon inventory, and why the best homes rarely see the public site.
·July 19, 2026·3 min read
The perfect Hickory home might never hit Zillow. Here's how off-market really works — and how to be in the conversation.
Types of off-market
- Pocket listings: agent-network only, never publicly listed
- Coming soon: MLS-listed but not yet syndicated; usually a 7–14 day window
- Whisper listings: seller open to talking, no sign, no price
Why sellers do it
Privacy, timing, testing the market, or wanting a specific buyer. Sometimes all four.
How to actually see them
You need an agent who's plugged into the local network and paying attention. Not every agent hears about them — the ones who do, do the volume that keeps them in the loop.
Katie operates inside that network. If you want to see what's quietly available in your price range, just say the word.
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