When it comes to luxury real estate, what you don’t see might just be the most exciting part. Enter pocket listings—exclusive, off-market properties that never hit the MLS. These quiet, high-end gems are often reserved for a select group of buyers, and navigating this discreet market requires serious insider knowledge.
Luckily, Julie Burke knows pocket listings inside and out. With years of experience and deep local connections, Jule and her team have become go-to experts for those looking to buy or sell off-market properties. She recently shared some of her expertise with us, giving an inside look at how these exclusive deals work—and why they matter more than ever in today’s competitive real estate landscape.
Stay tuned for more expert tips from Julie coming soon!
What exactly is a pocket listing, and how does it differ from traditional listings?
A pocket listing – otherwise known as a private listing or off-market listing – is a property that a seller is marketing very quietly through their agent (or on rare occasion by themselves – though I certainly don’t recommend that approach!) without putting it on the MLS. Zillow or any other public facing listing aggregators
Why do some sellers choose to list their homes off-market rather than on the MLS?
Privacy: High-profile sellers or those who don’t want a lot of public attention may prefer to keep their sale discreet.
Exclusive Buyers: Some sellers want to limit showings to serious, qualified buyers.
Market Testing: A seller might use a pocket listing to gauge interest before officially listing the home.
How prevalent are pocket listings in the Greenwich real estate market?
We are increasingly finding that sellers are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to control the traffic coming through the door of their home, and buyers are willing to pay a (reasonable) premium in order to secure a property and “keep it off the market.” Tolerance for bidding wars and “highest & best” deadlines has waned dramatically as buyers feel defeated and sellers, at times, simply overwhelmed. Last year approximately 20% of all home sales were off-market (and those are the ones we were able to sniff out, so I suspect that number may even be higher…).
Do you find that pocket listings sell faster or for higher prices compared to publicly listed properties?
To be perfectly honest, May Burke from the COMPASS Rye office said it best: in almost every case there was a winner and a loser, but you will honestly never know which was which!
In this market which is characterized by a total dearth of inventory, any and all properly priced listings will sell. Did the buyer get a great deal? Hard to say. Did the seller come away with a bonus? No one knows. One thing is for sure – except in the rarest of circumstances, without fully exposing a property to the marketplace and engaging in the fair and open “auction” which is really what a home sale entails, there is no way of knowing for sure exactly what the fair market value truly is or was.
What are the advantages and potential downsides of pocket listings for sellers?
I think the potential downside is the same for both sellers & buyers – you will never really know if the property fetched the precise number that the market was willing to bear since you didn’t truly expose it to the maximum number of potential buyers.
How do buyers gain access to exclusive pocket listings, and what strategies should they use?
The first step is finding excellent representation. It is highly unlikely that a buyer will find out about any pocket listings on their own. In general, many agents may have an opportunity to find out about private offerings within their own firm, but in working with a truly top agent in any given community (I would consider that to be landing in perhaps the top 5-10% of all licensed agents on a dollar volume basis, as a guidepost) your opportunity expands. Many sellers keep their listings quiet as they only want qualified and serious buyers coming through with local agents who have proven that they can seamlessly and expeditiously close a deal. These top agents will be sure that peer agents across other brokerages are informed and can help facilitate a smooth transaction.
Along these lines, one of the simplest ways for buyers to gain access to a variety of “quiet” listings is to search exclusively through the COMPASS web site which features hundreds of COMPASS Private Exclusives. Working with a COMPASS agent will give a buyer access to all of these beautiful properties. COMPASS is the #1 brokerage in the country, and as it is wholly owned and not franchised, we are all under the same collaborative umbrella. Most of our agents (including me!) are now starting out their listings as a “Private Exclusive” on the COMPASS platform, which exposes the property only to COMPASS agents – but don’t worry, we have over 33,000 of them – the most in the country! Not only are COMPASS agents seeing the private listings in their local area, but we can see Private Exclusives anywhere in the country…Palm Beach, Aspen, Boston…you name it. By working with a COMPASS agent, you can, too.
How do you leverage your network to connect buyers with pocket listings?
See above!
The single most important consideration here is to understand the reputation of your agent among their peers. Are they widely respected, considered to be ethical, honest and open communicators, capable, flexible, and easy to work with? On several occasions, for example, I have emerged victorious from a multiple bid situation where the offer submitted by my buyers was not the highest dollar amount, but the listing broker(s) know that I can be relied on to get the deal done as quickly and painlessly as possible by working in a collaborative manner. Smart agents know that “winning” is not solely about the offer, but about the offer that is most likely to close under the terms that are most attractive to the sellers.
Redwood introduces us to Jesse, a successful businesswoman and mother whose world shatters after the tragic loss of her son, Spencer, to a fentanyl overdose. Struggling with overwhelming grief and guilt, Jesse embarks on a spontaneous cross-country drive, seeking solace and clarity. Her journey leads her to the majestic redwood forests of Northern California, where she encounters arborists Finn and Becca. Through these interactions and her deepening bond with the ancient trees, Jesse confronts her pain, leading to transformative healing.
One of the standout aspects of Redwood is its breathtaking set design. Jason Ardizzone-West, the scenic designer, has masterfully recreated the towering redwood forests on stage, immersing audiences in Jesse’s journey. The use of realistic projections and innovative lighting by Scott Zielinski enhances the immersive experience, making the forest feel alive within the theater.
Redwood offers theatergoers an introspective look into the complexities of grief and the healing power of nature. With Idina Menzel at the helm, delivering a performance filled with raw emotion and vocal prowess, this musical is a noteworthy addition to the Broadway landscape. Whether you’re drawn by the compelling narrative, the stellar cast, or the visual spectacle, Redwood promises an experience that resonates on multiple levels.
We have a block of tickets in the Orchestra on 6/17 at 7 pm for $160. EMAIL ME to save your spot!
Betty Boop, the iconic animated flapper from the 1930s, has made a dazzling leap from the silver screen to the bright lights of Broadway in BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical. This lively production brings Betty’s charm and charisma to life on stage, offering audiences a fresh and colorful adventure.
A Journey from ToonTown to New York City
In BOOP!, we find Betty yearning for an ordinary day away from her superstar life in the black-and-white world of ToonTown. Her wish leads her on an extraordinary journey into the vibrant, colorful streets of modern-day New York City. Along the way, Betty discovers new friendships, love, and a deeper understanding of herself, all while reminding us that we are capable of amazing things.
Creative Team and Cast
The musical boasts an impressive creative team:
Music: 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster
Lyrics: Susan Birkenhead
Book: Bob Martin
Director and Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
Leading the cast is Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop, delivering a performance that captures Betty’s signature sass and sweetness. She is joined by Faith Prince as Valentina, Ainsley Melham as Dwayne, and Erich Bergen as Raymond, among other talented performers.
BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling, making it a must-see for both longtime fans and newcomers. With its catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and heartfelt narrative, the show captures the essence of Betty Boop while introducing her to a new generation.
We have a block of tickets for June 10th at 7 for $130. EMAIL me to save your spot!!!
Garages are usually one of the most ignored spaces in a home. People walk through them every day but rarely stop to think about how useful they could actually be. Instead of letting it turn into a dumping ground for random stuff, it might be time to look at the garage in a different way.
A garage can be more than just a place to park the car or store holiday decorations. With a bit of attention, it can become a neat, usable space that adds value to your home and makes daily life easier. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to see the difference either.
The first step to showing your garage some love is giving it a proper clean. That means getting rid of things that don’t belong, sweeping the floor, and wiping down shelves or storage bins.
Once things are cleared out, it becomes much easier to see what space you have to work with. You might even find tools or supplies you forgot were there. A clean garage feels more welcoming and makes everything else that comes next much easier.
Organize things by how often you use them
One smart trick is to set up your storage so that things you use often are within easy reach. Items like bikes, tools, or recycling bins should go near the entrance or along the walls so you don’t have to dig through boxes to find them. Stuff you only use once in a while, like holiday decorations or camping gear, can go on higher shelves.
Using clear plastic bins, labels, and even pegboards for tools can help keep everything in its place. When things have a home, it’s easier to put them back, and you won’t waste time searching for something you know is “in there somewhere.”
Take care of the garage door
Garage doors get used more than most people realize. They go up and down almost every day, sometimes multiple times, and that wear adds up. If the door sticks, makes loud noises, or doesn’t seal properly, it might be time to think about garage door repair before it turns into a bigger problem.
Fixing the door not only makes things run more smoothly, but it also keeps your garage safer from wind, rain, or even pests. A working garage door helps with security and can even make the garage more comfortable if you’re spending time in there.
Think about what you really want from the space
It helps to decide what the garage should be used for. Maybe it’s just parking and storage, or maybe you’d like a space to work on bikes or build small projects. Some people even use part of the garage as a gym, music room, or hangout spot.
Whatever you decide, the setup should match your goals. If you’re into fixing things, keep a workbench and tools handy. If it’s more about storage, use shelves, hooks, and bins to keep it all organized and easy to find.
Use the ceiling and walls
Most people forget how much space is sitting right above their heads. Ceiling-mounted storage racks are perfect for storing long items like ladders, fishing poles, or seasonal gear you don’t use often. The walls can hold shelves, hooks, or even fold-down tables.
Using vertical space helps free up the floor so you can walk around or park the car without dodging boxes. It also helps keep the space neat and reduces the chance of something getting knocked over or broken.
Use the space for more than storage
A garage doesn’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can turn it into something more useful. Think about setting up a game corner, a spot to do crafts, or a simple home gym. That way, you’re not just storing things–you’re actually making use of your garage in a way that fits your life.
For example, laying down a simple mat and bringing in a speaker can turn a corner into a workout spot. Even just having a chair and good lighting can make the garage feel more like a part of the home.
Don’t forget the little things
Small upgrades can make a big difference. Better lighting, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or even adding a fan can change how the garage feels. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just a bit more comfortable and useful.
A space that looks good is a space you’ll actually want to use. Taking time to fix the small stuff helps the whole garage feel more finished and more connected to the rest of your home.
“Knowing how you want to live is the first step toward knowing where.” This is the Fite Way.
In the world of luxury real estate, many professionals possess the skills to listen attentively, understand their clients’ needs, and match them with the right properties. However, the truly exceptional advisors—those who go beyond expectations—offer something more. Nadine Fite is one of those rare professionals.
A Unique Perspective on Luxury Real Estate
Clients who have worked with Nadine Fite quickly recognize that she brings a different level of expertise to the table. Her impressive background spans decades of experience in strategy, marketing, technology, and business development for some of the world’s most influential Fortune 50 companies, including Deloitte, Salomon Brothers, and American Express. This unparalleled foundation equips Nadine with the business acumen, analytical skills, and strategic insight needed to navigate the high-stakes world of luxury real estate.
Expertise That Sets Her Apart
For buyers investing in Florida’s luxury market or for longtime property owners looking to maximize their assets, Nadine is more than a real estate advisor—she is a trusted resource. Her deep understanding of the nuances of the Palm Beach market extends beyond listings and transactions. She provides guidance on tax advantages, land use standards, construction regulations, and the subtleties of each neighborhood. In Palm Beach, ZIP codes don’t define communities—the people and amenities do. Nadine understands this better than anyone.
The Journey from Wall Street to Palm Beach
Nadine’s journey to real estate success is rooted in a career that began on Wall Street. She later co-founded The Fite Group Luxury Homes, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership, the firm grew into the #1 luxury brokerage in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, achieving over $10 billion in sales. Eventually, she led The Fite Group to a successful acquisition by one of the nation’s top real estate companies.
Today, Nadine continues to set the bar for excellence as part of One Sotheby’s International Realty, where she remains committed to helping clients navigate Palm Beach’s prestigious real estate landscape with confidence and clarity.
More Than a Transaction—A Legacy
Whether buying or selling, working with Nadine Fite is an investment in your lifestyle, your family’s future, and the legacy you aim to create. Her approach isn’t just about finding a home—it’s about helping clients live Palm Beach in a way that aligns with their vision and aspirations.
What Clients Say
“Nadine helped us see beyond the listings. She understood the lifestyle we were looking for and guided us through the nuances of each community with insight and care. Her deep market knowledge and financial perspective helped us evaluate every option with confidence — and negotiate strategically when it mattered most. We felt supported and empowered from start to finish.”
Nadine’s reputation speaks for itself, with countless satisfied clients who appreciate her dedication, market insight, and commitment to excellence.
The Fite Way: A Real Estate Experience Like No Other
At the heart of Nadine Fite’s approach is the belief that luxury real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a lifestyle choice. Her ability to connect with clients, anticipate their needs, and guide them seamlessly through the process is what sets her apart in the Palm Beach market.
For those looking to make their next move in Palm Beach, Nadine Fite is the advisor who understands that how you want to live is the foundation for where you want to be.
Gardening doesn’t seem unsafe, but countless safety risks lurk around every corner. If you’re not careful, you can very easily end up with injuries or cause damage to your property. You need to learn how to garden safely – so let’s start with three very easy tips as spring planting is just around the corner!!
Wear Protective Gear
You’ll come into contact with all sorts of things that can hurt you during your regular gardening tasks. Even something like de-weeding can be a safety hazard if you accidentally pick up some thorns or stinging nettles. Then, you have tasks like pruning trees or trimming bushes that can cause debris to rain down on your head – not to mention mowing the lawn or strimming, both of which throw tiny particles into your eyes.
That’s why protective gardening gear exists. Find and buy as much gear as possible to protect you from all of these potential safety concerns. Key things to add to your shopping list include:
Gardening gloves
A hard hat
Safety goggles
Gardening sleeves
You probably won’t need to wear all of this every time you’re gardening; pick and choose the right protection depending on the tasks.
Electric cables are a massive safety hazard in your garden, yet you use them all the time. Whenever you need to mow the lawn or chop something down, you’ll get out your motorized equipment that plugs into a wall socket. There are already safety concerns when using equipment like this, and you gain an additional trip/electrical hazard from the cables.
Get rid of them ASAP!
You will find loads of cordless gardening equipment that’s just as good, if not better, than the corded stuff. Pick up a Worx battery lawn mower for cordless grass cutting, and get battery-powered strimmers or hedge trimmers. You retain all the functionality, but the lack of cables reduces the safety concerns. There’s nothing for people to trip over – and you don’t worry about sockets overcharging and causing blown fuses, etc.
Manually Remove Small Stones
Who’d have thought that small stones were one of the biggest gardening safety risks? Imagine you’re mowing the lawn or trying to strim away some weeds, and there’s a small stone hiding nearby. If you go over it with your powered tools, it can cause all sorts of problems, such as:
Flinging out at rapid speeds, possibly hitting someone or something
Blocking and damaging your tool
Stones are a much bigger problem than they seem, so get into the habit of removing them manually before you do any garden maintenance tasks like the ones above. Use a rake – or your hands – to scour your lawn and any weeded areas, picking up or gathering as many small stones as possible. This clears the way to get on with your tasks without worrying about a small stone going crazy.
A regular maintenance routine will take your garden to the next level and ensure it looks vibrant throughout the year. Of course, you don’t want to skimp on the safety factors! Use the tips in this blog to sure up garden maintenance safety and avoid all injuries and property damages.
