Admin

Selling Off-Market Properties

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

I read an article today about agents who are selling "off-market" properties. The article mentioned several reasons why selling "off-market" properties would be negative, mentioning that the missing data would impact future sellers. While this could be one factor to consider, there are other considerations.

1. For investors, off-market properties offer a unique opportunity, allowing them to acquire a property while out of the spotlight. The advantages to an investor in these cases allow them to perform their due diligence without the typical constraints that could alter, impede, or impact the outcome. 

2. Commercial sellers who don't want their current business affected by showings, an off-market, private sale provides them with the luxury of staying under the radar while operating their business. Often, a business does not wish to alert their employees until a sale is iimminent. It's just good business sense.

3. More buyers and sellers are seeking great privacy. Not everyone needs to know your business. For whatever the reason, all parties should respect the privacy requirements of those involved. For this reason, a solid Non-Disclosure Agreement is the way to go.

4. Depending on the type of business, security is another reason why many choose to go the "off-market" route. Many high-worth individuals have valid reasons to remain in the background.

5. Rare inventory-type properties often have more restrictions for showing potential clients. Many of these are high-end luxury homes, and historic properties. When the property is not your typical asset, there will be more restrictions to showing and touring these properties as well as remaining confidential.

Whatever the reason, there are some properties and clients who desire to remain private. As REALTORS®, it is our duty to provide services while also respecting privacy. I sell many investment-type properties that never hit the market due to many of these points. Each situation has been unique and all parties have appreciated the process.

Posted by

Comments(7)

Show All Comments Sort:
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I can see the value of selling off-market in commercial dealings.

How do you feel about "secret" residential listings?

I once had a listing appointment with a woman who didn't want anyone to know her home was for sale. She warned me not to come to the house in a vehicle with real estate signs on it. Then said she didn't want a sign in the yard or to have the house listed in MLS. No one was to know! 

I also once met with a local bank manager who said she wouldn't list with anyone because it might offend the other agents in town. So - an open listing. Years later that house was still for sale. 

Jun 09, 2026 09:44 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I've had those as well, Marte. I had to turn down one listing because the people were super "secretive" and unrealistic.

Jun 09, 2026 09:58 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

This is an excellent perspective on a highly debated topic. You made fantastic points regarding the necessity of privacy, security, and discretion—especially for commercial entities, high-net-worth individuals, and unique luxury or historic properties. It really is our duty as REALTORS® to balance market data with our clients' strict confidentiality needs. Thank you for sharing such a well-rounded and professional breakdown!

Jun 09, 2026 10:20 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Gwen. There are good, compelling reasons to sell off-market.

Jun 09, 2026 11:50 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

good information. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

 

Jun 09, 2026 10:46 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

You make a good case for the 'why's of selling 'pocket listings', especially in the commercial arena Paula. I can't tell you how many texts I still get every day from investors looking for off market properties to buy - and I'm retired!

Jun 09, 2026 12:18 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I can understand why you are still getting calls - it's because you are a real estate force in this industry!

Jun 09, 2026 12:58 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good afternoon Paula,

You make some excellent points especially when it comes to selling commercial property. I've always felt we have a duty as Realtors® to balance the market data so it services future clients as well as clients with strict confidentially needs. 

Jun 09, 2026 02:41 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Dorie. There are many times when we must walk a fine line and remember what the client's needs are.

Jun 09, 2026 03:48 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I think that off-market works for certain listings, but for the majority of listings, I don't think that the audience is big enough.

Jun 10, 2026 09:53 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Brian. I have found these situations are for very specific and unique properties.

Jun 10, 2026 10:32 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

I like that our MLS has a rule that if an agent is involved with the sale, it has to be input to the MLS after the fact, to help with the stats.

Jun 10, 2026 01:54 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I know of several MLS's in our state that have this requirement. Thankfully, we have listing agreements with our clients that spell out if they desire to remain off that platform.

Jun 10, 2026 02:33 PM