During a typical home sale, the seller wants to generate as much exposure as humanly possible. Traditionally, this has been the most successful path for a reason. The maximum number of eyes on your listing increases your chances of attracting multiple buyers, which could in turn lead to higher offers.

There is never a one-size-fits-all solution in real estate, however. Some homeowners prefer to keep their upcoming move to themselves. During these transactions, the real estate agent will work extensively behind the scenes to find a buyer for the property.

Private listings can present opportunities for buyers and sellers alike, as long as you know where to look and how to protect your interests along the way. In addition, there are rules involved so that you stay on the right side of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and provincial law. In this post, we’ll explore what off-market means in real estate and how it might affect your upcoming move.

Before we continue, have you downloaded our free Selling Tips E-Book yet? It is full of advice to streamline your transaction in any market.

Exclusive Listing Vs the MLS® Vs FSBO

Off-market could mean several things, but primarily, it means a listing that you won’t see advertised on the MLS®.

One example is that a seller has an exclusive listing with a real estate agent. Instead of traditional marketing methods, they rely heavily on their network of other agents and past clients.

Another version of a private sale is when the homeowner uses the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) method where they skip using an agent altogether.

When selling, either approach could impact your ability to reach the highest number of potential buyers. As a compromise, you might end up taking longer to sell or accepting a lower offer than if you used traditional methods.

For a buyer, private listings can provide exceptional value, but they can also be tricky to find. That’s one of the many benefits of partnering with a skilled buyer’s agent; we know exactly how to uncover these hidden gems.

Looking for more home selling tips to give yourself an edge in today’s market? You’ll find plenty of insight in the posts below:

Can I Sell My House Without a Realtor®?

Since we’ve touched on the subject of FSBO transactions, let’s talk about some of the implications and risks of self-representation. There’s nothing stopping you from being your own client, but it’s important to fully understand what might be at stake.

A real estate transaction is far more complex than many people realize. It requires extensive knowledge of the market and no small amount of binding legal contracts. Unlike agreeing to a Netflix subscription, you do not want to blindly accept the terms and conditions!

Navigating the financial and legal hurdles is one thing. If you want to get the best possible price for your home, you’ll also need to know how to clean, renovate, and stage it in a way that stands out.

Once you accept an offer, there’s the closing process. If you’re not familiar with the routine, this is another opportunity for anything and everything that could possibly go wrong.

A better question, perhaps, is should you sell a house without a Realtor®? Under TRESA guidelines, your agent is legally compelled to advocate for your best interests and to do everything legally possible to ensure your sale is a success.

The result of working with a skilled, local professional is more than a sale with less headaches and greater peace of mind. In nearly every single case, you’ll end up with more in your account once all is finalized.

The Pros and Cons of Exclusive Listings

If you’re wondering how to sell a house privately, exclusive listings can be the answer. This type of agreement means that your real estate agent has the exclusive right to find a buyer. The benefit for the Realtor® may be obvious.

They get to earn commission on both the buyer and the seller side, but what’s in it for the homeowner? Privacy is the primary advantage.

Some people are discreet by nature, while others have a good reason for not wanting the neighbours to know that the house is for sale. Exclusive listings mean you can keep your property off the MLS® while your agent works their network of brokerages and other agents.

While this method can limit your exposure, you do have the luxury of more control over who comes in and out of your home. A well-connected Realtor® can often put you in touch with a buyer who is willing to offer a fair price.

Understanding the market is a valuable first step when buying or selling a house. The posts below will give you a solid foundation:

The New Rules Regarding Exclusive Listings

Exclusive listings do come with some limitations.

CREA guidelines changed in 2024, causing many people to mistakenly believe that they are no longer permitted. The good news is you do still have the option, with a few caveats.

Selling your house privately means finding a buyer happens solely through one-on-one communication through networking and word of mouth.

If and when you use a “one-to-many” promotion, such as putting up a “For Sale” sign, emailing a group, posting on social media, or sending out postcards, your listing must go on the MLS® within three days.

Dreaming about a house in beautiful Halton Hills, Georgetown, or the surrounding community? Take the next step by browsing our featured listings.

Finding Off-Market Houses For Sale

Off-market listings can be advantageous for buyers. Often, a seller who wants to stay off the MLS® is open to negotiation, which could mean an opportunity to get great value. Nothing is set in stone, however. Homeowners who are selling a luxury property might actually command a premium price.

Finding the right house at the best value can be tricky, and waiting for a private listing might not be the best path for someone on a stringent timeline. However, if you’re not in a hurry and can wait, you might be able to get a concession on price, better terms, or a stunning house you can’t believe is yours. With a solid strategy and guidance, you can reasonably hope to achieve it all.

The takeaway from all of this is that there’s far more to real estate than what an online search can show you. Whether buying or selling a home, the best opportunities might be waiting just out of sight. By working with a real estate agent, you can often have access to outstanding possibilities.

Is a move coming up for you and your family? Our Georgetown real estate agents can help. Give us a call directly at 905-873-9944, email us at info@lisahartsink.com or fill out the form on this page to get in touch!