The Off Market Advantage-And Why its Helpful for Buyers AND Sellers
Feb. 10. 2025
Why Selling Your Home Off-Market Might Be the Right Move
As a Realtor in Austin for the last 15ish or so years, I’ve seen my fair share of real estate market shifts. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been pricing and inventory (Thanks Covid!) The pandemic created a frenzy that led to skyrocketing prices, and unfortunately, now that the dust has settled, many homeowners who purchased at peak pricing have seen values come down. For those looking to sell, this can be a tough situation.
While I could dive into seller financing options another time, today I want to focus on off-market selling—a strategy that may be the right fit for certain homeowners.
Top Three Reasons to Sell Your Home Off-Market
- Generate Buzz & Test Market Interest
Listing off-market allows you to gauge the desirability of your home and neighborhood before fully committing to a sale. This approach can help you determine buyer interest without the pressure of publicly listing. - Maintain Privacy
Some sellers prefer to keep their sale discreet and avoid publicly disclosing pricing details. Especially those over the $2M mark which is why more luxury homes are sold off market, which we have access to a private luxury network as well. While Texas is a non-disclosure state and sales prices are not to be released, some of this data is still shared and especially for the purpose of protesting property taxes. Off-market listings allow for more controlled exposure, shared only with vetted buyers and trusted agents. - Wait for the Right Opportunity
If you’re open to selling but only under the right circumstances, an off-market approach can attract serious buyers who are willing to negotiate favorable terms. This is particularly useful for unique properties or those in desirable locations.
Is Off-Market Right for You?
While I firmly believe in maximizing exposure for a property (more eyes = more potential offers), off-market selling can be a strategic move for specific sellers. Different markets have various off-market networks, and this is where agent relationships are crucial. Having a strong network ensures your home is still seen by the right buyers, even without a public listing. And here is a seller focused video about pricing HERE on my YouTube channel.
However, it’s important to note that selling off-market does not necessarily mean less work. Our process in working with sellers remains the same—your home will still need to be prepped and ready for potential buyers. Presentation, pricing, and positioning are just as critical in an off-market sale as they are in a public listing.
For buyers, working with agents who have great relationships, are part of multiple networks, and go the extra mile to uncover hidden opportunities is key. At the end of the day, whether the home is off-market or you found it online, the most important factor is having a Realtor who is resourceful and resilient—someone who will go to bat for you and negotiate and educate you as best as they can–to make you feel informed and good about your decision. I have some great videos on my YouTube with home buying tips-as an example–HERE.
I’m grateful to be connected with top agents in Austin and beyond. I also teach and collaborate with colleagues in multiple real estate groups because I believe in collaboration over competition—there’s plenty of business to go around!
If you’re considering selling and want to explore off-market options, let’s chat. I’d love to help you navigate the best approach for your unique situation.