Henri Gourd 914-954-3897 henrigourd@bhhsne.com MLS Almost every home sold in the US is offered through the local multiple listing service (MLS). This platform instantly gives the property exposure to Realtors. interested in the area. It also feeds information to platforms such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com for the public to see. The rational is that the more prospective buyers are aware of the listing, the greater chance for competitive offers and the seller getting the best price. There are rare circumstances where a seller values discretion over getting the highest price and in these instances the property may be offered "off market", or not listed in the MLS. For instance, a high profile figure may not want John Q. Public seeing the inside of his home either in- person or on-line. While local MLS boards strongly encourage all listings to be offered through their website, the ultimate decision lies with the seller. By their very nature, off market listings are more difficult for buyers to learn about. Connecting with a seasoned real estate professional who has an active network greatly increases your chance of finding such a property. BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices New England Properties Selling it all, from cottages to castles! Henri Gourd 914-954-3897 henrigourd@bhhsne.com MLS Almost every home sold in the US is offered through the local multiple listing service ( MLS ) . This platform instantly gives the property exposure to Realtors . interested in the area . It also feeds information to platforms such as Zillow , Trulia and Realtor.com for the public to see . The rational is that the more prospective buyers are aware of the listing , the greater chance for competitive offers and the seller getting the best price . There are rare circumstances where a seller values discretion over getting the highest price and in these instances the property may be offered " off market " , or not listed in the MLS . For instance , a high profile figure may not want John Q. Public seeing the inside of his home either in- person or on - line . While local MLS boards strongly encourage all listings to be offered through their website , the ultimate decision lies with the seller . By their very nature , off market listings are more difficult for buyers to learn about . Connecting with a seasoned real estate professional who has an active network greatly increases your chance of finding such a property . BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices New England Properties Selling it all , from cottages to castles !