Private listings, also called pocket listings or exclusive listings, sound harmless — but a new April 2026 report from the Consumer Federation of America and National Urban League shows they’re quietly making it tougher for everyday buyers to find a home.
The report surveyed 223 housing counselors across 37 states who work directly with first-time and lower-income buyers. Their verdict? 46% of counselors say first-time buyers are now struggling because of private listings.
What Are Private Listings?
These are homes that are not posted publicly on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that most buyers and agents use to search for homes. Instead, the seller’s agent shows the home only to a small group of other agents or buyers.
The result? Many regular buyers never even know the house exists — even if it could be their dream home.
The report says this practice is growing. It cites Bright MLS data from the mid-Atlantic region showing that nearly 8% of new listings in February 2025 started off as exclusive, compared with a historical average of 2% to 4%.
In some Washington, D.C.-area ZIP codes, more than 20% of listings were private.
How Private Listings Hurt First-Time Buyers
Fewer homes to choose from: You’re competing for a smaller visible pool while hidden inventory goes to cash buyers, people with insider connections, or buyers working with an in-network agent.
Unfair competition: First-time buyers and buyers of color are often the ones left out, as the report and earlier research link private listings to reduced transparency and even past patterns of steering.
Increased competition for publicly listed homes: When an increasing number of homes are hidden behind private listings, the properties that do hit the public market may be in increased demand.
And these issues are in addition to the issues the everyday buyer may already be experienced. The report reminds us that classic problems like saving for a down payment, cited by 88% of counselors, and simply finding a house that fits your needs, cited by 73%, are still the biggest daily headaches.
A Better Way: Full Transparency on EZ
The good news? You don’t have to accept a system that hides homes from you.
On the EZ Real Estate Platform, every listing shows real-time offers to all buyers and agents at the same time. There are no secret showings or “who knew what first.”
Buyers see exactly how many offers are already on a home and can make confident, competitive bids without guessing. Sellers can choose a buyer faster because they can receive offers quickly.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer tired of missing out or a seller who wants buyers to see their home, EZ makes the process open and fair.
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Note: The opinions, suggestions, and recommendations in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your broker, compliance team, or qualified legal counsel in your jurisdiction before making decisions related to disclosure practices, MLS policy, or regulatory compliance.
