By: Andi Stark
For the world’s wealthiest individuals, privacy is not merely a luxury—it is a critical safeguard. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking to buy or sell properties worth tens of millions of dollars encounter unique challenges, from maintaining anonymity to minimizing security risks. Public listings can attract unwanted attention, ranging from opportunistic bidders to intrusive onlookers, potentially compromising financial interests and personal safety.
Private Listings, a discreet real estate platform headquartered in Hawaii, was created to address these concerns. The firm has become a trusted partner for buyers and sellers seeking more than just another luxury property by offering an off-market portfolio of residential and commercial properties to an exclusive, pre-vetted clientele. “We serve individuals for whom privacy is a central priority,” explains Harold X. Clarke, founder of Private Listings. “Our clients are focused on results delivered discreetly and efficiently, rather than public visibility.”
Curated Opportunities in Complete Confidentiality
Private Listings distinguishes itself by curating an entirely off-market inventory. Unlike traditional real estate agencies that rely on public advertisements, the firm emphasizes confidentiality, showcasing architectural masterpieces, oceanfront estates, and prime development opportunities shielded from public view.
Many of these properties are located in some of the exclusive communities on the Big Island, such as The Bluffs at Mauna Kea Resort, Hualalai Resort, and Kukio. These coveted enclaves are renowned for their world-class amenities, breathtaking views, and tight-knit, select audiences. Private Listings takes careful measures to ensure access to these communities is limited to highly qualified buyers, thereby preserving their exclusivity and prestige.
Access to these properties is restricted through a password-protected website, available only to clients who pass a thorough vetting process. This commitment to confidentiality aligns strongly with UHNWIs’ priorities: according to a 2023 Wealth-X report, 82% of UHNWIs identify privacy as a key factor in real estate transactions.
For buyers, this secure environment means access to opportunities unavailable elsewhere. For sellers, it ensures their assets are presented discreetly to a select audience, safeguarding both privacy and value.
Tailored Services for a Discerning Clientele
The firm’s focus is not merely on properties but also on the people behind them. Private Listings serves a clientele as diverse as their investment portfolios, ranging from global CEOs and entertainment moguls to international diplomats. Despite their varied backgrounds, these clients share a common need for discretion, efficiency, and a personalized transaction strategy.
Understanding the unique preferences of such individuals is central to the firm’s operation. Sellers trust Private Listings to quietly market their assets to qualified buyers, while buyers benefit from access to properties not available elsewhere. Clarke describes the process as “a thoughtful dialogue, aligned with each client’s expectations, where privacy is a priority and discretion is the standard.”
Privacy in an Increasingly Public World
The real estate market has grown increasingly transparent, with online platforms making property information widely accessible. While this has democratized access for the broader market, it has left UHNWIs searching for alternatives that safeguard their privacy. Private Listings has entered this gap, offering a contrasting model prioritizing confidentiality alongside visibility.
This approach aligns with broader market trends. According to the 2024 Knight Frank Wealth Report, private property sales have grown by approximately 36 percent globally over the past three years. As UHNWIs gravitate toward private transactions to maintain control and reduce exposure, firms like Private Listings are reshaping traditional practices to better meet the needs of their clientele.
Harold X. Clarke: A Vision for Exclusive Transactions
Harold X. Clarke is at the helm of Private Listings, whose career in real estate reflects a commitment to understanding and serving the world’s elite. Raised in Peru and educated in Paris, Austin, Miami, and San Francisco, Clarke combines a cosmopolitan worldview with a meticulous eye for detail.
Clarke’s leadership is rooted in trust and precision, enabling Private Listings to navigate complex transactions while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. “We aim to be more than brokers; we strive to act as advisors and facilitators in a process where every detail matters,” he notes. His ability to build meaningful client relationships has cemented the firm’s reputation as a reliable partner in high-stakes real estate.
The Growing Need for Privacy-Driven Solutions
The demand for platforms like Private Listings appears to reflect a luxury real estate market shift. UHNWIs are no longer content with one-size-fits-all solutions; they increasingly seek services that cater to their needs, including enhanced security, personalized interactions, and access to unique properties.
Private Listings has demonstrated its commitment to addressing this shift, combining rigorous client screening with an exclusive portfolio of properties that remain off the public radar. With these elements, the firm aims to meet the immediate needs of its clients while also building long-term trust in an industry often dominated by mass-market strategies.
What’s Next for Private Listings?
The market for private property transactions seems to be expanding, and Private Listings is actively evolving to meet this rising demand while staying true to its ethos of discretion and exclusivity. The firm has carved out a unique niche in real estate, offering services beyond the typical transaction by focusing on the specific needs of its elite clientele.
Under Harold X. Clarke’s leadership, Private Listings strives to refine its model, providing a haven for UHNWIs who value privacy and trust above all else. For those seeking more than just another real estate deal, the firm seeks to deliver a rare blend of security and sophistication, ensuring every transaction is handled with care and confidentiality.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.
Published by Stephanie M.
