What Is An Exclusive Listing?

An exclusive listing is a property for sale under contract with a real estate team but not posted on MLS, offering privacy yet limited market exposure.

In Toronto, most properties are listed publicly on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), giving buyers and agents full visibility. An exclusive listing, sometimes referred to as an off-market or pocket listing, is distinct. It means you sign a listing agreement with a real estate team, but your home does not appear on MLS or public search portals like Realtor.ca, HouseSigma, or broker IDX feeds.

How Exclusive Listings Work

Exclusive listings are marketed privately through the listing team’s internal network and direct referrals. At Fox Marin, this may involve targeted outreach to qualified buyers, discreet showings, or one-on-one conversations with other agents. While this approach can attract serious buyers, it also limits visibility compared to MLS, which reaches the entire market.

New CREA Rules (2024)

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) introduced new guidelines to address transparency and fairness:

• Mandatory MLS Posting: If a property is marketed publicly (through signage, email blasts, social media, etc.), it must be posted on the MLS within three business days.
• Written Consent: Sellers must sign a written consent acknowledging that they understand the limits of exposure associated with an exclusive listing.
• Disclosure Requirements: Realtors must explain the risks, including reduced visibility and potential impact on sale price.
• Brokerage Reporting: Exclusive listings must be reported to CREA for compliance purposes.

Benefits Of Exclusive Listings

• Privacy & Control: Some sellers—such as high-profile individuals or those with unique homes—prefer discretion. Exclusive listings minimize public traffic and online exposure.
• Targeted Marketing: The property is promoted only to curated, qualified buyers through the team’s network. For example, luxury buyers looking in Yorkville or investors eyeing a King West condo may be contacted directly.
• Flexibility: Sellers may use exclusives briefly before transitioning to MLS, especially if timing, renovations, or personal circumstances require a softer launch.

Considerations For Toronto Sellers

TRREB data shows that MLS listings typically generate broader competition, which can drive higher sale prices—especially in high-demand areas like Leslieville or The Annex. Exclusive listings may be best suited for unique properties, discreet sellers, or homes positioned at the very top of the luxury market. The Fox Marin Real Estate Team, with over 1,000 successful transactions and more than $580 million in sales, can help you determine whether exclusivity or full MLS exposure aligns with your goals.

Key takeaway: Exclusive listings offer privacy and targeted marketing but come with reduced exposure. Understand CREA’s rules and consult an experienced Toronto real estate team before deciding.

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