An Insider’s Guide to Buying & Selling Off-Market in Marin

Off-market real estate is exactly what it sounds like: homes that are bought and sold without being publicly listed. It’s quieter, more intentional, and often far more strategic than people realize.

In Marin, this is not rare. About twenty-five percent of homes trade off-market, meaning a meaningful portion of the market moves before anything ever shows up online. Understanding how and why that happens makes a real difference, whether you are buying, selling, or simply paying attention.

What “Off-Market” Actually Means

An off-market home is not listed on the MLS. There are no open houses, no public days on market, and no broad exposure.

Instead, these homes are shared privately through agent relationships and direct conversations. Sometimes a seller is fully ready and priced. Other times they are exploring, quietly testing timing, price or interest before committing to a public launch.

It is not about secrecy. It is about being selective and thoughtful with how a home is introduced.

Why Sellers Choose to Sell Off-Market

Most sellers who consider off-market are looking for control over privacy, timing, and the overall experience. Some want to avoid open houses. Some are coordinating a purchase at the same time. Others want to understand demand without the pressure that comes with public exposure.

In the right situation, selling off-market can also create leverage. When a home is introduced quietly to the right buyer, scarcity can work in a seller’s favor.

Off-market works best when it is strategic. It is not a replacement for preparation or smart pricing.

When Off-Market Makes Sense

For sellers, off-market is a tool, not a rule. Some homes benefit from discretion and a quieter, more controlled process. Others benefit from full exposure and the energy that comes from buyers competing in the open market. The right approach depends on the home, the timing, and what matters most to you.

Off-market tends to work well when privacy is important, when timing needs flexibility, or when there is value in testing interest or price before committing to a public launch. On the other hand, if a home has a standout location, great bones, and broad buyer appeal, the strongest strategy is often letting the market see it and compete for it. That kind of demand is hard to replicate privately.

Our job is to assess the situation honestly, test both paths, and choose the strategy that delivers the best result.

Why Buyers Want Off-Market Access

For buyers, finding off-market homes can feel like a relief. There is often less competition, more room for real conversation, and greater flexibility around timing and terms. It allows buyers to move thoughtfully instead of reactively or under pressure.

That said, off-market does not automatically mean a deal. Many of these homes trade at market value or higher. The advantage is not always price. It is access, fit, and timing.

How to Get Access to Off-Market Homes

Buyers often wonder how they missed a sale they later see pop up on Zillow. If you want access to off-market inventory, that access comes from one place: your agent.

Off-market opportunities are shared through relationships and agent networks, not portals. Buyers who consistently see these homes are working with agents who are deeply connected locally, trusted by other agents, and known for bringing serious, prepared clients to the table.

Off-market is not only about being “in the know.” It is about how you are represented.

The House Approach

At The House, our goal is simple: we want sellers to clearly understand their best options, and we want buyers to have access to all opportunities so nothing is missed.

If you’re curious about what’s quietly moving, or want to understand the best approach for your situation, we’re always happy to talk it through.

A Collection of Our Off-Market Sales

These homes sold quietly, without ever being publicly listed. They’re real examples of how off-market works in practice and why access, timing, and strategy matter.