In this instructional video, seasoned Southern California investor and broker Joe Homs introduces pocket listings—off‑market properties that agents or wholesalers keep off the MLS. He explains why these deals are valuable because investors get first‑look access before competition drives up price. Homs outlines how to source pocket listings through aggressive networking with agents, meet‑ups, and direct outreach, emphasizing the importance of communicating a clear buy‑box and willingness to pay a finder's commission. He then walks through the evaluation process: run the numbers, conduct due diligence, and ensure the deal meets profit targets. If a deal falls short, he advises asking the listing agent for a commission kick‑back to bridge the gap, while also noting that a “no” means moving on. Speed and exclusivity are highlighted as critical—investors must act quickly, secure the contract, and avoid the agent sending the deal to other buyers. Throughout, Homs encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and reach out for one‑on‑one help, positioning pocket listings as a secret weapon for real‑estate investors seeking high‑margin opportunities.
Today I'm going to go over a real estate secret that will have you excited to get out there and search for your next big deal. We're talking about pocket listings and how you can rake in the profit. Before we begin, remember, if you'd like some more one-on-one help, you can book some time with me. Check the link down below.
Hi, my name is Joe Homs and I flipped hundreds of homes here in Southern California. I have over 40 years of experience. I've been a broker, mentor, and investor, and I want you to Like, subscribe, and share this content with your friends.
Okay, what the heck is a pocket listing anyway? A pocket listing is something that either a wholesaler or real estate agent have that is ready to go but has not been listed on the Multiple Listing Service. So you get the first crack at it, you or anybody else. And the reason that the wholesaler or the listing agent would give you a pocket listing is because they want the commission or the wholesale fee on both ends of that transaction, and that's what they're looking for. But those are great deals because you get it before it goes on the MLS. Once it goes on the MLS, it absolutely goes crazy after that. Do you like these type of videos? Do me a favor and hit that like button. Why you should care about pocket listings These are properties that are ready to go and you're going to catch them before they actually go on the MLS. Okay, so you have the first crack, the first opportunity to look at these properties, run your numbers, and if they work out— remember, at the end of the day, if it's a real estate agent, they're going to want to represent you, so they're going to get a listing commission and a sale commission. from this transaction. And that's their goal, but also your goal is to get these notifications from these real estate agents so that you have first crack at this particular property. What are the opportunities for profit on these type of deals? It is great opportunity. Again, don't focus on the real estate agent or the wholesaler making a big giant fee at the end of the day. You need to run your numbers. You need to make sure that you're going to make whatever profit that you're looking to make at the end of the day on this deal. You're just looking for that relationship between you, the wholesaler, the listing agent, so that they present you with these deals first. You have first crack at them. How are you going to find these deals? Best way is to network, network, and even network. Tap into those network opportunities, go to meetups, go where the real estate agents are, reach out to them by email or text. Let them know what your buy box is, what you're looking for. Let them know that you're willing to work with them and you're not afraid to pay a commission to them for finding you Those great deals, but they have to be great deals. Make sure that you analyze every deal that comes across your desk, whether it comes from this type of a transaction or any other type of transaction. Make sure that you do your due diligence and make sure that you're going to make a profit at the end of the day. Let's say you're like really, really close to making a profit, but let's say you're like $10,000 away from pulling the trigger. Don't be afraid to ask this listing agent to kick back some of their commission to make this deal go through. If they're making a commission on both ends, they're making a lot of money. They may be willing to kick back some to you so that they can do both ends of the deal. So don't be afraid to ask for a commission back on a listing, a pocket listing of this type. You can always ask. If they say no, they say no. You've worked your numbers, you're $10,000 short on a profit, move on to the next deal. Always be ready to move quickly when you get that opportunity. You don't want them to send it out to multiple people. You want to be the first one there looking at the property, doing your numbers, doing your calculations, doing every analysis that you can on this property, and you want to be the first one to say, yes, I'm willing to pull the trigger at this price. If that's what you want, let's get this thing signed up, put in escrow, and let's move forward. Because the longer and longer you wait, the more this agent or wholesaler are thinking, yeah, this guy's not going to pull the trigger on this one. Let me send it out to some other investors that I know. But you want to be the first one there. You want to be the first one to evaluate it, and you want to be the first one to sign that contract that you've accepted that price for that property. So yes, you have to move as quickly as you can. Remember, exclusivity, opportunity, and strategic moves are key to success. If you enjoyed this video, hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, and join our growing community of real estate investors. If you want to learn more on how to use agents to find those off-market deals, click on this video right here. Feel free to reach out anytime. I'm always here to help.
