Why Missing Out on the Private Listing Network (PLN) Means Missing Out on Homes in Downers Grove

January 14, 2026

If you’ve been searching for a home in Downers Grove, you might think you’re seeing everything that’s available, but that’s simply not true. Right now, there are 39 homes in Downers Grove quietly circulating on the Private Listing Network (PLN) that the general public isn’t seeing on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, or even in the traditional MLS search results your typical buyer uses.

These aren’t old listings that have been passed over. Many of these homes are actively allowing showings, with some likely to go under contract before they ever hit the public market.

What is the Private Listing Network (PLN)?

The Private Listing Network is an exclusive distribution system that shares listings with buyer agents before they’re publicly marketed. For homebuyers who don’t have a PLN search running:

  • You’re not seeing all of your options.

  • You may lose out on properties you would have loved.

  • You’re competing blind against buyers who do have access to these off-market opportunities.

Some of these properties are priced well, in desirable locations, and showing now, meaning they could be under contract before the weekend open houses even begin.


What the Current Inventory Tells Us About Downers Grove

Downers Grove continues to be a highly sought-after suburb, great schools, strong community, convenient commuter access, and beautiful neighborhoods. But traditional inventory has been limited:

  • Buyers keep outnumbering sellers.

  • Quality homes move fast.

  • New listings sometimes sell before you’ve even had a chance to tour.

That’s why the PLN is so critical right now. With only a handful of homes on the open market and 39 additional Downers Grove properties in the PLN, you could literally be missing out on dozens of options just because you’re not set up to receive them.


What to Expect for the Spring Market

Spring typically brings an influx of new listings, but after several years of low inventory, this year could look different:

✔ Early activity before traditional spring shows up. Many sellers are listing earlier as interest rates stabilize.
✔ Multiple offers on well-priced homes. Demand is still strong among buyers who are ready and certified.
✔ PLN activity increases. Smart sellers list privately first, testing price and demand before going public.
✔ Inventory may remain tight. Even with spring listings, the number of available homes could still trail buyer demand.

With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to have every tool at your disposal to see homes before your competition does.


Why You Need a PLN Search ASAP

If you don’t have a PLN search set up, you’re operating at a disadvantage. Here’s why:

You See Less Than 100% of the Market

Public portals show a fraction of what’s actually available.

Homes Can Be Under Contract Before Public Exposure

That dream home could be gone before it ever shows up in your search results.

You’ll Miss Hidden Inventory

Some sellers choose to go private first to avoid the hassles of staging, open houses, and long marketing periods.


Bottom Line

There are 39 homes in Downers Grove right now that many buyers aren’t seeing and some of them are already allowing showings and generating interest. If you’re serious about buying this spring, missing out on the Private Listing Network search means missing out on opportunities.


Ready to see every home available — including the private ones?

Let’s get your PLN access set up so you’re seeing every available option in Downers Grove and surrounding communities before someone else snaps it up. Contact Wenzel Select Properties to day to get started!

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