What Does Off Market Mean in Real Estate? Full Guide

Ever drive by a house with no sign out front, but someone tells you it’s for sale? That’s what we call “off market.” These homes aren’t listed on the MLS, and you won’t find them on Zillow either. But they’re still up for grabs if you know where to look.

Some sellers go off market to keep things private. Others just want to test the waters without the pressure of showings and open houses. Whatever the reason, off-market deals can move faster and feel way less stressful if you know how to navigate them.

What Does “Off Market” Really Mean?

When a home is “off market,” it simply means it isn’t listed on the MLS. The MLS, or multiple listing service, is the main tool real estate agents use to share homes for sale. If a home isn’t on there, it won’t show up on popular sites like Zillow or Realtor.com.

But off market doesn’t always mean it’s not for sale. Sometimes the owner is open to offers, but they don’t want to advertise it widely. These homes are often shared through word of mouth, agent networks, or private contacts.

Some are even past listings that didn’t sell, but the seller is still open to the right buyer. It’s kind of like shopping at a store that’s closed to the public, but you know someone who can get you in.

Off Market vs. On Market

An off-market home keeps things quiet. It’s not listed on public sites, and fewer people know it’s for sale. On-market homes, on the other hand, get full exposure. They show up on the MLS, open houses are common, and agents compete to sell fast.

Going off market gives sellers more control. They can test the price, skip showings, and avoid the pressure of cleaning up for strangers. Buyers might find better deals too, since there’s usually less competition.

Here’s a simple way to think about it: on-market homes are like shelves at a grocery store. Off-market homes are the stuff in the back that only insiders know about.

Who Uses Off Market Deals and Why?

Off-market sales attract a mix of sellers and buyers. Sellers might go this route for privacy, especially if they’re not in a rush or want to avoid too many eyes on their home. Some just want to test the market before going all in.

On the buyer side, real estate investors love off-market deals. Fewer bids mean better chances at a lower price. Regular buyers benefit too, especially those looking for less competition and more room to negotiate.

In many cases, both the buyer and seller prefer a quieter, more flexible process. It’s about control, not hiding. And when both sides agree, the deal can move fast without the chaos.

Types of Off Market Properties You’ll Encounter

Not all off-market homes are the same. Some are pocket listings, which means a real estate agent shares the home privately with a small group of buyers. These often happen when a seller wants a quiet sale with little fuss.

Here are some of the most common off-market property types:

• Pocket listings shared privately by agents
  
• FSBOs (For Sale By Owner) with no agent involved
  
• Pre-foreclosures or financially distressed homes
  
• Real estate auction listings you’ll find on niche sites
  
• Expired or withdrawn listings where the owner is still open to offers
  

Each type has its quirks, but they all fall under that same off-market umbrella. These deals often fly under the radar, which is exactly what makes them interesting for the right buyer.

How to Find Off Market Properties That Aren’t on MLS

Finding off-market homes takes a little extra legwork, but it can really pay off. Since these homes aren’t on the MLS, you’ll need to get creative and tap into a few different sources.

Try these methods:

• Work with a real estate agent who has access to pocket listings
  
• Drive around neighborhoods and look for signs of homes that might be available
  
• Check real estate auction websites for pre-market or foreclosure deals
  
• Use mailing lists or door-knocking to connect with owners directly
  
• Join investor groups or networking events in your area
  

Real estate investors use these tricks all the time to find hidden gems. If you’re a buyer who wants less competition or a seller testing the waters, these off-market paths are worth exploring.

Can You Buy or Sell Off Market Without an Agent?

You can go off market without an agent, but it takes more effort. Sellers might try FSBO to save on fees, while buyers may think they’re getting a better deal. But without a pro in your corner, things can get tricky fast.

An agent can help with pricing, paperwork, and spotting red flags. They might even know about off-market homes before anyone else. Local real estate agents often have private networks that aren’t online.

For sellers, having a trusted agent can mean a smoother process. For buyers, it can mean getting in early before a home ever hits the market. You don’t have to use an agent—but having one can be a game changer.

What the National Association of Realtors Says About Off Market Listings

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has clear rules about off-market listings, especially pocket listings. Their “Clear Cooperation Policy” says agents must add a listing to the MLS within one business day of marketing it to the public.

This rule helps keep the market fair and open. It stops agents from only sharing listings with a small group, which can leave other buyers out. Still, some off-market sales are allowed, like private sales between friends or family, or when a seller asks for it.

So while off-market deals are legal, there are limits if an agent is involved. Always ask questions and make sure things are above board.

Reilly’s Two Cents

I’ve worked with plenty of sellers who wanted to go off market for reasons like privacy or timing flexibility. While I’m licensed in Florida and can’t speak to every market, I’ve seen that off-market deals can really work when both sides are clear about their goals.

If you’re thinking about selling this way, here are a few tips that might help:

• Know your reason. If privacy or speed is important, off market might be a good fit.
  
• Still prep your home. Just because it’s not listed doesn’t mean it shouldn’t shine. Clean, declutter, and get solid photos.
  
• Set clear expectations. Talk through price, timeline, and access with any potential buyer up front.
  
• Lean on your network. Friends, agents, investors, you never know who might be looking.
  

Off-market doesn’t mean low-effort. It just means you’re keeping things a bit quieter. And when done right, it can save time, money, and a lot of stress.

Should You Go Off Market?

Off-market sales aren’t for everyone, but they can be a smart move in the right situation. If you’re looking for more control, fewer showings, or just want to test the waters, going off market might be the way to go.

Buyers can also find unique opportunities here, homes that haven’t been picked over or pushed up by bidding wars. But you’ve got to be proactive and ready to move when something good pops up.

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Reilly Dzurick

Reilly Dzurick is a seasoned real estate agent at Get Land Florida, bringing over six years of industry experience to the vibrant Vero Beach market. She is known for her deep understanding of local real estate trends and her dedication to helping clients find their dream properties. Reilly’s journey in real estate is complemented by her academic background in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from the University of North Florida.