By: Victoria Chen-Martinez
Private Listings, a real estate platform under the MegaCapital Hawaii Corp umbrella, differentiates itself from traditional real estate firms. The platform offers ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) a service that prioritizes exclusivity, privacy, and precision. By focusing on off-market properties, many valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, Private Listings caters to clients seeking luxury, confidentiality, and carefully curated opportunities.
“We’re not just focused on price points,” says Private Listings founder Harold Clarke. “Our clients are looking for properties that resonate with their vision and values, often without the exposure that comes with public listings.”
Unlike mainstream platforms, where properties are widely advertised, Private Listings employs a password-protected system. This ensures that only vetted members gain access, helping to maintain the discretion that is important to UHNWIs.
The Mechanics of Off-Market Listings
Off-market transactions have gained traction, especially among affluent buyers and sellers. A 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors indicated that nearly ten percent of all real estate transactions in the U.S. occurred off-market, with a notable increase in the luxury sector. This trend reflects a growing preference for privacy in high-value transactions.
Private Listings responds to this demand by offering properties that are not publicly available. The platform uses a membership model that screens potential clients before granting access, ensuring that only serious buyers and sellers engage in the process.
Clarke explains, “The properties we handle are often rare and highly desirable. Publicly marketing them could reduce their value and compromise our clients’ privacy.”
Privacy as a Value Proposition
For UHNWIs, privacy is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. Many buyers and sellers in this demographic are public figures, business leaders, or individuals with substantial assets, making them vulnerable to unwanted attention. Private Listings offers a sense of security that may not be present in traditional real estate dealings by keeping transactions discreet.
The platform leverages its extensive network to connect buyers and sellers, sometimes closing deals without the properties appearing in public records. This approach aligns with a growing trend in luxury real estate, as a study by Knight Frank found that off-market inquiries among high-net-worth clients have increased by 25 percent over the past five years.
Strategic Insights Beyond Luxury
What distinguishes Private Listings is its emphasis on offering more than just real estate transactions. The platform integrates financial intelligence, helping clients identify investment opportunities that may align with their broader wealth strategies. This is particularly relevant in Hawaii, where luxury properties can also serve as long-term investments due to the state’s stable market and increasing appeal to international buyers.
Data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism shows that residential properties valued above $10 million have seen an average annual appreciation of around five percent over the past decade. This illustrates the potential benefits of owning prestigious properties in the market.
“Our clients are often making strategic decisions about their portfolios,” Clarke notes. “We aim to provide the insights needed to help them make those decisions with confidence.”
Evolving Services to Meet Exclusive Demands
While many firms focus on streamlining processes through technology, Private Listings places a strong emphasis on the human element of its operations. The company’s reliance on personal connections, cultural fluency, and decades of market experience sets a high standard for service.
Private Listings also plans to expand its portfolio, including commercial properties and generational estates, to meet the evolving needs of its clients. This expansion reflects a broader trend in luxury real estate, where buyers are increasingly seeking properties that serve multiple functions, such as vacation homes and investment assets.
Private Listings continues to differentiate itself by focusing on precision and privacy, offering a tailored experience for a select audience that values discretion and quality.
Published by Elle G
