What Is an Exclusive Listing?
If you’re selling a home in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, you may hear your REALTOR® mention an “exclusive listing.” Sometimes, even buyers come across the term and aren’t sure what it means.
An exclusive listing simply means your property isn’t placed on the MLS® System and is marketed privately instead. Since January 3, 2024, rule changes have further defined when and how exclusive listings can be used — making it important for North Shore sellers to understand the differences before deciding on a selling strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult a licensed real estate professional before making decisions about selling your property.
Definition: Exclusive Listing
An exclusive listing is when your property is not placed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). Instead, it’s marketed privately by your REALTOR®, either within their own brokerage or directly to other REALTORS® on a one-to-one basis.
This approach means your home isn’t visible on public websites like REALTOR.ca, and it won’t appear in searches used by most buyers.
Why Would a Seller Choose an Exclusive Listing?
Some North Shore homeowners prefer exclusives for:
- Privacy – Your sale details and photos are not publicly advertised.
- Discretion – Useful in sensitive situations such as divorce, health reasons, or high-profile ownership.
- Testing the Market – See if there’s interest before committing to full exposure.
The REALTOR® Cooperation Policy & Rules
Since January 3, 2024, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s REALTOR® Cooperation Policy sets clear boundaries for exclusive listings:
- If you publicly market your home (“one-to-many” methods such as yard signs, flyers, social media, email blasts, or sharing with multiple brokerages), you must place it on an MLS® System within up to 3 days (depending on your local board’s rule).
- You can only keep it exclusive if all marketing stays private (“one-to-one”), such as direct communication with a specific REALTOR® or buyer.
This means exclusives are now truly private — they can’t be used to generate hype before going public on MLS®.
Exclusive vs. MLS®: Key Differences
| Feature | Exclusive Listing | MLS® Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure | Limited to direct contacts and internal brokerage networks | Public on REALTOR.ca and seen by all REALTORS® and buyers |
| Privacy | High | Low – details are widely available |
| Buyer Pool | Smaller | Much larger |
| Timeline | May take longer to sell | Often sells faster |
| Best For | Sellers prioritizing privacy or unique circumstances | Sellers wanting maximum exposure |
Local Insight: North Vancouver & West Vancouver
On the North Shore, many sellers benefit most from MLS® exposure — especially in neighbourhoods like Edgemont Village, Deep Cove, Dundarave, and Ambleside — where buyers are actively watching for new listings.
That said, ultra-luxury properties or homes with unique circumstances can still do well with exclusives, as long as expectations align with the reduced exposure.
Which Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on:
- Your goals for price and timing
- How much privacy you want
- Market conditions in your part of the North Shore
Thinking about selling your North Vancouver or West Vancouver home? Talk to our top North Shore real estate team to discuss which strategy — exclusive or MLS® — will work best for your property.