What's a pocket listing, and can I get one in Minneapolis?
A pocket listing is a home an agent markets privately instead of entering it in the MLS — kept "in their pocket." In Minnesota, that's mostly history. NorthstarMLS requires a listing to be entered within two business days of the signed listing contract, so the traditional version isn't allowed anymore.
What still exists, legitimately: withheld listings — entered in the MLS but with no public marketing and no showings outside the listing brokerage. Office exclusives, where the seller signs written authorization to market inside one brokerage only. And Coming Soon, which is publicly marketed but can't be shown until it goes Active. Each one is a real status with real paperwork.
If privacy is what you're after, there are compliant ways to get it. Send me a text and I'll walk you through which one fits.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.