Special thanks to Junyao Yang on Unsplash
Why Exclusive Inventory is on the Rise
In recent years, the Manhattan real estate market has seen a notable increase in exclusive inventory—listings quietly shared within brokerage networks before reaching the public. This shift has been fueled by tight supply, rising competition, and the desire among some sellers for more control over timing and exposure.
Platforms like Coldwell Banker’s Exclusive Look allow agents to share non-public listings across all Anywhere brands—including Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran, Century 21, ERA, and Better Homes and Gardens—reaching 300,000+ agents before a property appears on the Real Estate Listing Service/Multiple Listing Service (RLS/MLS).
This “soft opening” approach can:
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Let sellers test pricing and gather feedback
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Offer discretion for high-profile sales
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Allow properties to launch to the public fully prepared and positioned
The Reality: Most Buyers Come from the Open Market
While private exposure can be strategic, the data shows that the vast majority of Manhattan homes find their buyers through public marketing channels.
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According to the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), over 88% of residential sales originate from listings launched on the MLS.
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Private exclusives represent a tiny fraction of total closings—and most eventually transition to the MLS after a brief pre-marketing phase.
In other words, maximum exposure creates maximum competition, which can drive higher sale prices and faster timelines.
This is why, for most sellers, launching directly to the open market remains the most effective strategy.
When a Private Exclusive Strategy Makes Sense
Exclusive inventory is not a replacement for public marketing, but it can be valuable in specific cases:
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When a seller wants to test interest or pricing quietly before a full launch
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If privacy is critical (for example, high-profile clients)
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When a property is still being prepared with staging, photography, or RealVitalize enhancements
As your advisor, I evaluate whether a period of private exposure aligns with your goals—and if it does, Coldwell Banker’s Exclusive Look platform gives us an unparalleled in-house network to leverage, while keeping you fully informed with daily or weekly digest updates.
What This Means for Sellers and Buyers
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For sellers: I’ll help determine whether an exclusive period will strengthen your position—or if going public from day one will attract more competition and higher offers.
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For buyers: I can give you early access to properties before they hit the open market, positioning you ahead of the competition.
In a market as competitive and fast-moving as Manhattan, the right launch strategy matters as much as the home itself. My role is to align timing, exposure, and pricing to achieve your goals with precision and discretion—supported by Coldwell Banker’s global reach.
