Last week in, “Where Did All The Homes For Sale Go?”, we discussed how super low inventory is driving multiple offers, rapid sales and price increases.

The topic made me curious. Has this hot market reduced the frequency of Pre-MLS (upcoming) and Non-MLS (pocket) posts on Top Agent Network? Why announce your upcoming or pocket listing when the MLS is doing such a great job in generating activity?

To answer this question, we compared Pre- and Non-MLS posts as a percentage of all posts on TAN in January 2013 vs. January 2012.

Despite the hot market, the combined percentage of Pre-MLS and Non-MLS posts remained exactly the same it was a year ago. 

So why are members still sharing their Upcoming and Pocket listings in such a hot market?

Helps you win listings. With declining inventory, listings are like “gold”. Agents are aggressively pursuing potential sellers who are asking, “What special thing will you do to get me top dollar?” Any agent can put a listing on the MLS. But TAN agents can answer, “Pre-market to the proven best agents in the area. By pre-marketing on TAN, we’ll generate extra interest in your property and maximize your chance of finding the most motivated and highest paying buyers.”

Don’t miss the boat! Springtime brings more listing inventory. Plus, interest rates are bound to increase above today’s record lows. Either event will make it more challenging to sell a home—and make the marketing options available through TAN even more important.

Many sellers are just not ready to go on the MLS. They may need time to get the home fixed up, staged and photographed. Or perhaps, the seller is only willing to sell if he can get an extraordinary price and wants to test the waters. Member agents can breeze through these situations by posting Pre- and Non-MLS listings on TAN.

It pays to help your competitors. In real estate, intense competitors must collaborate to be successful. Unless you cooperate with other top agents in your market, you rarely get paid. It’s the nature of the game. Did you know that the top 10% producing agents are involved in 75% of the closed sales in your market area? Sharing the inside scoop with these agents is good for them AND good for you. Read: Co-opetition: Why Would Competitors Help Each Other?

Are you going the extra mile by posting your Pre-MLS and Non-MLS listings to your top peers on Top Agent Network? How has it helped your sellers?