Karen DeGasperis REALTOR

OFF MARKET PROPERTIES

The Pros and Cons of Off-Market Properties

Buying an off-market home, also known as a pocket listing, can have its advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Less Competition: Off-market properties are not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or public real estate websites, so there may be fewer buyers competing for them.
  • Potential for Lower Prices: Because off-market homes don’t go through the traditional marketing process, sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price. You might find a good deal.
  • Less Stress: Off-market deals can often proceed more smoothly and quickly because there’s less competition and a reduced chance of bidding wars.

Cons:

  • Condition:  Because the home did not go through marketing process, the condition is usually not as good as homes you would find on the market
  • Limited Inventory: Off-market homes are not widely advertised and can take longer to find. 
  • Lack of Transparency: Off-market listings may not have the same level of documentation, inspection reports, or public records as on-market properties, making it harder to assess their true condition and value.
  • Potentially Higher Prices: While some off-market deals can be bargains, others may come with higher price tags because sellers believe they can command a premium for exclusivity.

In conclusion, buying an off-market home can be a viable option, especially if you value privacy and potentially less competition. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, including limited inventory and transparency issues.

Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your specific circumstances and preferences, so it’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons and seek advice from a trusted real estate professional.

Check out our list of some off-market opportunities and contact us if you are interested.

AreaPriceDescriptionContact Agent Name
Hillcrest$400,0001 bedroom condoKaren
4S Ranch$550,0002 bedroom condoKaren
Poway$2.1M3 bed, 2 ba, large lot with opportunity to lot split to 4 parcels. Best for developer, horse ranch. Previously was an avocado grove.Karen
Carlsbad$2.5M3 bed, 2 ba. large lot, great view. What makes this a unique property is the size of the lot and ability to add on to the house, ADU, pool in this areaSusan
La Mesa$900,0003 bed, 2 ba with ADUTichina
Encanto
$608,0002 bed fixer/complete rehab. Approx 1900 SFTichina
Oceanside$700,0003 bed, 2 ba, 1600. Desireable beach zipcode in Oceanside 92054. Needs cosmetic repairsSusan
San YsidroSusan
Last updated:9/27/2023

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DISTRESSED PROPERTIES

Distressed property sales include short sales, foreclosures, bankruptcy or probate sales which can cause an owner to sell their property under duress.

TENANT OCCUPIED PROPERTIES

Tenant occupied homes are a good choice for investors.  Many tenants want to stay so you have no vacancy or upfront capital improvements.  There is often less competition and sellers may be more motivated.

Looking for an off-market home or investment property, fill out the form below.