Some of the most desired real estate markets in the U.S. are also non-disclosure states, or states where home sale prices aren’t shared through public records.
At first glance, this lack of transparency may feel like a roadblock. But for professionals who know how to interpret available data, non-disclosure states can actually offer a strategic edge. Lenders, agents, and investors who lean on real estate market trends and advanced data can find opportunities that others overlook.
Understanding how non-disclosure states work is key for accurate comps, valuations, and client guidance. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a state non-disclosure, provide a full list with a map, explain why these laws exist, and share strategies to navigate them effectively.
Non-disclosure states are those where home sale prices are not part of public records. While licensed agents and appraisers can still access this information through Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases, the general public cannot. This can make it more difficult for buyers, sellers, and investors to independently research property values.
As of 2025, 11 states in the U.S. are considered real estate non-disclosure states. Here’s a list of non-disclosure states and unique stipulations in each.
Alaska does not require home sale prices to be publicly recorded, which creates a particularly opaque market. Because of the state’s geographic isolation and diverse property types, MLS data and appraiser expertise are essential for accurate valuations. Without professional guidance, buyers and investors may find it difficult to compare properties or identify fair market value.
In Idaho, sale prices remain private, limiting transparency for individuals conducting their own market research. While this protects the privacy of buyers and sellers, it also means investors, lenders, and prospective homeowners rely heavily on licensed professionals to understand neighborhood trends, assess appreciation potential, and determine fair pricing.
Kansas withholds sales price information from public records, though other details, such as property tax assessments, are available. This partial access makes appraisers, real estate agents, and MLS data central to determining property values. For homeowners, this complicates efforts to challenge property tax assessments without professional documentation.
Louisiana’s approach to non-disclosure stems from its emphasis on transaction privacy, which has deep legal and cultural roots. Because sale prices are not publicly reported, real estate professionals must depend on comparable sales from private networks and MLS systems. This makes accurate pricing especially reliant on local expertise.
Mississippi keeps transaction prices out of public records, meaning buyers and agents must piece together valuation insights from MLS access, appraiser reports, or historic property data. This lack of transparency can make it harder for market newcomers to identify trends without professional support.
Missouri has a mixed system: Some counties disclose sale prices while others do not. St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jackson County, and St. Charles County disclose sales prices—the rest do not. This gives buyers and sellers flexibility depending on location, while highlighting the value of local expertise in understanding the nuances of each market.
Montana treats home sale prices as confidential, meaning property transfers recorded with the county typically exclude financial details. Real estate agents and appraisers fill this gap, offering insight through private data sources like MLS. For investors, local partnerships are a key advantage in understanding market dynamics.
New Mexico restricts public access to home sale prices to safeguard buyer and seller confidentiality. The state’s mix of historic adobe homes, resort communities, and rural ranch properties means market conditions can vary widely by region. Agents and brokers with access to MLS data help bridge that gap, offering insights tailored to both local neighborhoods and unique property types.
Texas is one of the most prominent non-disclosure states, and the confidentiality of residential sale prices is firmly protected by law. Given the state’s booming population growth and diverse markets, professional data sources are especially valuable for keeping pace with rapid changes.
Utah’s non-disclosure laws emphasize transaction privacy, which is significant in a market shaped by fast population growth and one of the nation’s youngest demographics. MLS data and appraiser insights are critical for understanding values in high-demand areas like Salt Lake City and emerging suburban communities where competition remains strong.
Wyoming keeps home sale prices off the public record, aligning with the state’s tradition of valuing privacy and wide-open living. With much of the market concentrated in scenic destinations like Jackson Hole and resort-adjacent areas, local expertise is essential to accurately capture the premium that comes with mountain or ranchland properties.
Non-disclosure laws in real estate exist for a mix of practical, legal, and cultural reasons. While these rules can make market research and accurate property valuation more challenging, they serve specific purposes that benefit buyers, sellers, or local authorities. The main reasons include:
HouseCanary’s CanaryAI can help real estate professionals stay ahead in these non-disclosure states. The tool generates accurate property valuations, accesses predictive market analytics, and uncovers neighborhood trends with the ease of AI.
Analyzing markets and valuing properties in non-disclosure states presents unique hurdles for real estate professionals. Because sale prices aren’t part of the public record, investors, buyers, and even seasoned agents face more uncertainty when trying to understand true market conditions. This lack of transparency can influence everything from setting an asking price to estimating potential returns on an investment.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Successfully operating in non-disclosure states requires creative approaches and reliable tools. Key strategies include:
Combining professional networks, estimation methods, and advanced real estate investment software ensures you can confidently assess properties and guide clients in non-disclosure markets.
HouseCanary’s Property Explorer delivers real-time analytics, from gold-standard AVMs to dynamic comps and neighborhood heat maps, making it easier to evaluate opportunities in non-disclosure states.
With tools that let you adjust property conditions, compare scenarios, and track price growth trends, you can move beyond limited public data and lean on housing market forecasts with confidence.
Explore Property Explorer to see how detailed valuations and forecasts can sharpen your investment decisions.
In non-disclosure states, appraisers can’t rely on public sale price data alone. Instead, they often pull from MLS systems, private industry databases, and direct communication with agents or homeowners to verify comparable sales. This ensures valuations are accurate even when transaction data isn’t public.
A full disclosure state is one where property sale prices are recorded in public records and readily accessible. This makes it easier for buyers, sellers, and investors to research comps and market trends without relying exclusively on licensed professionals.
AVMs can still be highly accurate in non-disclosure states, especially when they use multiple data sources such as MLS feeds, property characteristics, and historical trends. However, since not all sale prices are public, accuracy may vary depending on the quality of available inputs.
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