Here is why you can't find the best homes for sale online anymore!

Hidden Homes Alert: Why You NEED a Buyer’s Agent in 2025!

The real estate world just got a major shake-up, and if you’re a home buyer, you need to pay attention. On March 27, 2025, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) rolled out a new policy called “Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings”—and it’s about to change how you hunt for your dream home. Curious? Let’s break it down.

What’s This New NAR Policy All About?

Picture this: You’re scrolling Zillow or Redfin, dreaming of that perfect house, but suddenly, a chunk of the market just… disappears. That’s the reality with NAR’s latest update to its Clear Cooperation Policy. Sellers can now tell their agents to delay listing their homes on public real estate websites—think Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com—for a period determined by local Multiple Listing Services (MLSs). This “delayed marketing” window, fully in place by September 30, 2025, keeps these properties exclusive to MLS networks, out of sight from the average buyer.

Sellers get more control, sure. They can market privately, maybe to a select group or through backdoor channels, all while dodging the public spotlight. But for buyers? It’s a curveball. Fewer homes on your go-to portals means a tougher search—unless you’ve got an inside track.

Why This Hurts Buyers (And How It’s Already Happening)

Here’s the kicker: This policy kicked off immediately on March 27, 2025, with MLSs scrambling to adapt by the September deadline. That means right now, homes are already slipping off the public grid. A seller could sign a disclosure with their agent, opting for this delay, and poof—their listing stays locked in the MLS, visible only to agents and their clients. No IDX feeds, no syndication, no “For Sale” pin on your app.

This isn’t just a theory. Big players like Compass Realty are already setting up agent-only platforms to share these off-market gems. A significant slice of the market could vanish from your screen, sold quietly before you even know it’s available. In a competitive 2025 housing market, that’s a massive disadvantage.

The Buyer’s Agent: Your Secret Weapon

So, how do you fight back? Enter the buyer’s agent—your MVP in this new real estate game. These pros have direct access to MLS listings, including those hidden “delayed marketing” properties. They’re plugged into the industry, often with networks and connections that go beyond what any app can offer. While you’re refreshing Redfin in vain, they’re digging up exclusive opportunities and advocating for you at every step.

Think of it like this: Without an agent, you’re fishing in a shrinking pond. With one, you’ve got a guide who knows where the big catches hide. In 2025, that edge could mean the difference between landing your home or watching it slip away.

What’s Next?

MLSs are still figuring out the details—like how long these delays can last—based on local market vibes. But one thing’s clear: The days of casually browsing every available home online are fading. To stay ahead, you need a strategy, and a buyer’s agent is the cornerstone.

What you need to do to get access

Here's how to get access to all the homes including the homes exclusively in the MLS and Off-Market and Unlisted Homes For Sale. All you have to do is simply call or text me, David Moore today on 410-777-5858