If you are looking to Sell your home at the highest price in the shortest amount of time with as little hassle as possible I have a plan for you. Listing your home, with a REALTOR®, on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and sharing that listing out to real estate portals like Zillow, Realtor.com, etc gives your home the most exposure to potential Buyers. That is the tried-and-true path to getting the best price for your home. But sometimes, selling off-market—meaning not putting your home on public listings—might be what you need for your particular circumstance. Here are some reasons why skipping the MLS and marketing on Real Estate portals may be the right move for you.
1. You Want to Keep Things Private
Not everyone wants their home sale to be public knowledge. Maybe you're a public figure, going through a divorce, or just prefer to keep things low-key. Selling off-market lets you control who knows your home is for sale.
2. Testing the Waters
Not sure if you’re asking price makes sense? Going off-market lets you quietly see if there’s interest in your home without committing to a full-on public listing. You can gauge offers, adjust your asking price, or rethink your strategy before going all-in.
3. Avoiding the "Stale Listing" Effect
When a home sits on the MLS for too long, buyers start wondering what's wrong with it. Even if there's nothing wrong, they might assume it’s overpriced and use that to negotiate against you. Selling off-market means you avoid that issue altogether.
4. Attracting Investors and Cash Buyers
Investors and cash buyers love off-market deals. They get to avoid bidding wars, and you may get serious offers with flexible terms, like quick closings or selling "as-is" with no repairs needed. If convenience is your top priority, and top dollar isn’t as important, this could be a great option.
5. Skipping the Showings Circus
Showings can be a hassle—constant cleaning, last-minute scheduling, and strangers walking through your space. If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience, an off-market sale means fewer disruptions and a more streamlined process.
6. Taking Advantage of a Hot Market
In a strong seller’s market, you might not need to list publicly to get a great offer. Some buyers, especially those with Realtors® in the know, will pay top dollar to avoid competition. If demand is high, you could still get a premium price without ever going on the MLS. However, there are limitations to your Realtor® letting other Realtors know about the property that might get in the way. If this is your plan, seek out a Realtor® that has an established network of ready-to-buy clients looking for off-market opportunities.
Is Selling Off-Market Right for You?
Selling off-market has its perks, but it also means fewer eyes on your home, which could mean missing out on multiple offers. The right choice depends on your priorities—whether it's privacy, speed, hassle reduction or maximizing your sale price.
Thinking about selling? Let’s chat about your options and figure out the best plan for you!
Jeffrey Clonts is a licensed real estate broker and director of operations for the Cape House team at William Raveis Real Estate.
