Recent research from Zillow highlights a crucial finding for California home sellers—choosing to list off the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) can significantly impact your final sale price. In North County San Diego, where the real estate market is highly competitive, maximizing exposure is key to getting the best possible offer.
Off-MLS Sales Cost Sellers Thousands
According to Zillow’s study, homeowners who bypass the MLS collectively lost over $1 billion in 2023 and 2024, with an average loss of nearly $5,000 per home. In certain regions, such as California, this loss exceeded $30,000 per sale. For North County San Diego home sellers, this means that a private listing could cost you thousands compared to listing your property publicly.
The Impact on California’s Housing Market
In California’s dynamic real estate market, where demand is high, MLS exposure ensures that your home reaches the widest pool of buyers. The study found that off-MLS sales result in lower proceeds across all price points, with the biggest impact on lower-priced homes.
- Bottom Tier Homes: 3.1% loss
- Middle Tier Homes: 1.6% loss
- Luxury Homes: 0.4% loss
For homeowners in areas like Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe, listing on the MLS could make the difference between multiple offers and leaving money on the table.
Why North County San Diego Homeowners Need MLS Exposure
The research also revealed that urban and suburban areas—like much of North County San Diego—see the highest losses from off-MLS sales:
- Urban Areas (San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas): 2% median loss
- Suburban Areas (Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach): 1.5% median loss
With San Diego’s real estate prices continuing to rise, ensuring that your home is visible to the widest possible buyer audience is critical to securing top dollar.
Are Private Listings Really Worth It?
While some San Diego real estate agents may suggest private listing networks (PLNs), data shows that PLNs often result in lower sale prices. In fact, over half of surveyed agents (56%) believe PLNs help increase home values, but the numbers don’t support that claim.
For California home sellers, this means making an informed decision when choosing how to list your property.
Final Thoughts: Get the Most for Your North County San Diego Home
If you’re thinking about selling your home in North County San Diego, listing on the MLS ensures that your property reaches the most qualified buyers and sells for the highest possible price.
At Coastal Luxe Properties, we specialize in strategic home marketing, MLS listings, and expert negotiation to get North County San Diego sellers top dollar. Before making a decision, let’s discuss the best strategy for your property.