March 3, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by Amy Stockberger Real Estate

By Amy Stockberger

If someone told you that selling your home off-market could cost you thousands — would you still do it?

That’s exactly what happened to home sellers across the country who chose to sell outside the Multiple Listing Service, the primary platform where real estate agents list homes for sale.

A new Zillow study found that sellers lost $1 billion in 2023 and 2024 by opting for private, off-market sales. On average, those homeowners walked away with $4,975 less per sale, and in high-priced markets like California, that number jumped to $30,000 per home.

This comes at a time when interest rates have started to ease, dropping to the low 6 percent range for 30-year mortgages and the high 5 percent range for 15-year loans. With affordability improving, more buyers are entering the market — meaning now is the time to maximize exposure and get top dollar for your home.

But exposure is just one part of the equation. Even if your home is listed on the MLS, factors like pricing, marketing and negotiation strategies play a huge role in how much you walk away with at closing.

MLS vs. off-market sales: Why exposure matters

Your home’s marketing and exposure directly impact your final sale price.

MLS listings: The power of maximum exposure

Think of the MLS as your home’s main stage — the place where it gets maximum visibility.

• Listed on top real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com and Redfin.
• Seen by every active buyer and agent, increasing demand and competition.
• More competition often leads to multiple offers and a higher sale price.

Off-market, private sales: Limited buyer pool = Lower prices

Some agents encourage private sales, known as pocket listings, but here’s what happens:

• The home is marketed only to a small, exclusive group of buyers.
• Fewer buyers means less competition, which often leads to lower offers.
• According to Zillow, sellers who went off-market lost an average of 1.5 percent of their home’s value.

More eyes on your home means a better chance of securing the highest possible price.

Why do some sellers skip the MLS?

Despite the financial risks, some homeowners still choose off-market sales. The most common reasons include:

• Privacy – Some sellers prefer to keep their home sale out of the public eye.
• Fewer showings – Aiming for a quick, low-hassle transaction.

While convenience is a factor, the reality is that less exposure equals less money.

According to Zillow:

• Nationwide, sellers lost an average of $4,975 per home.
• In California, the average loss was $30,075 per home.
• Homes at every price point — starter homes to luxury estates — saw price reductions when not listed on the MLS.

Even if you list on the MLS, other factors like poor marketing, bad pricing strategies and limited access can still hurt your final sale price.

How to sell for the highest price possible

Selling your home is about more than just putting it on the MLS. It’s about strategy, and that’s where working with the right team makes all the difference.

1. Poor marketing and limited exposure

A home that isn’t marketed properly won’t sell for top dollar. Simply getting it on the MLS isn’t enough — you need an agent with a strategic marketing plan.

What to ask your Realtor:

• Where will my home be marketed?
• What makes your marketing different from the top agents in the area?
• Do you use professional photography and videography?
• Will you do open houses?

With our Seller Operation Support system, we handle everything from staging recommendations to high-impact digital marketing, ensuring your home attracts the right buyers at the right price.

2. Overpricing from the start

Pricing a home too high can be just as damaging as pricing it too low. Overpriced homes sit on the market too long, leading to price cuts and buyer skepticism.

What to ask your Realtor:

• How do you determine the best listing price?
• What’s the average sale-to-list price ratio in my area?
• What pricing strategies do you use to attract multiple offers?

At Amy Stockberger Real Estate, we don’t just list homes — we create customized pricing strategies designed to drive demand and maximize profit.

3. Choosing the right selling program for your needs

Not every seller’s situation is the same. That’s why we offer multiple selling solutions beyond a traditional MLS listing.

• Guaranteed Sale Program – If your home doesn’t sell within a set time frame, we’ll buy it ourselves.
• Instant Offer | ASRE – Need to sell quickly? We can provide a competitive, hassle-free cash offer.
• Trade-Up Program – Buying and selling at the same time? We help you move into your next home first, then sell your current one for top dollar.

No matter your situation, we have a solution that works for you.

4. Making your home show-ready

Buyers won’t fight for a home they can’t see. If your agent restricts access, limits showings or fails to create urgency, you could lose serious money.

What to ask your Realtor:

• What’s your plan for maximizing showings?
• Will you offer flexible viewing options, including virtual tours?
• How do you create urgency when first listing a home?

If your home needs updates before hitting the market, our Home Support Team can connect you with trusted local contractors, painters, stagers and more to get your home market-ready — often at discounted rates through our exclusive partnerships.

The bottom line: Don’t leave money on the table

The numbers speak for themselves — home sellers lost $1 billion by skipping the MLS. But even if you list your home properly, factors like poor marketing, bad pricing and limited access can still cost you tens of thousands.

With interest rates dropping into the low 6 percent range for 30-year loans and the high 5 percent range for 15-year loans, buyer demand is growing. Now is the time to ensure your home gets the maximum exposure and the best possible price.

With our proven Seller Success Strategies and options for Seller Operation Support, Guaranteed Sale Program, Instant Offer Program, Trade-Up Program, and Home Support Team, we offer every advantage possible to help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

Your home is one of your biggest investments — make sure you get every dollar it’s worth.

Want to learn more about how we can help you sell for more? Let’s connect.

Looking to buy or sell a home? Visit Amy Stockberger Real Estate here.

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