Insider Discussion – Here’s Why Selling Off Market Is Risky!

Insider Discussion – Here’s Why Selling Off Market Is Risky!

Insider Discussion - Here's Why Selling Off Market Is Risky! | RE/MAX Results | Hoosier Home Listings | Michael Archbold

Insider Discussion – Here’s Why Selling Off Market Is Risky!

Thinking of selling off-market? Here’s why it’s risky!

No competition = lower offers. Always get multiple opinions before selling! Need a second opinion? Let’s discuss!

I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.

Thinking of Selling Off-Market? Here’s Why It’s Risky!

The idea of selling your home off-market — meaning you skip the public listing process and sell privately to a buyer — can sound incredibly convenient. Maybe a neighbor makes an offer, a friend of the family is “interested,” or an investor approaches you directly. No open houses. No signs in the yard. No need to tidy up every time someone wants a showing.

Sounds like a dream, right?

Not so fast.
While the off-market route might seem easier on the surface, it often comes at a big financial cost. Here’s what sellers need to understand before they take that shortcut:


❌ No Competition = Lower Offers

One of the biggest advantages of listing your home publicly is the competition it creates. When multiple buyers are interested, offers rise — sometimes significantly. It’s not uncommon for homes to receive multiple offers, with buyers waiving contingencies or bidding above asking price just to win.

But when you sell off-market, that competition doesn’t exist. You’re negotiating with one person, not a pool of motivated buyers. And buyers know this. Without market pressure, their offers tend to come in low. You could be leaving thousands — even tens of thousands — on the table.


🏷️ No Market Exposure = No Price Discovery

Think of your home like any other valuable asset. If you were selling a classic car, you wouldn’t take the first offer from someone who knocked on your door — you’d want to know what it’s worth in the current market. Selling your home should be no different.

Listing on the open market gives you a true sense of what buyers are willing to pay. Without that exposure, you’re guessing — or worse, trusting someone whose only goal is to get a deal.


🧾 No Representation = Less Protection

In many off-market deals, the buyer already has an agent or is working with an investor who negotiates professionally. If you’re selling on your own or without strong representation, you’re at a disadvantage from the start. Negotiating terms, understanding inspection obligations, navigating repairs, and handling closing timelines can quickly become overwhelming — and costly if something goes wrong.


📉 Perception of Desperation

Another hidden risk? Off-market listings can create the perception that you’re desperate to sell or hiding something. Some buyers assume that if a home isn’t listed publicly, the seller must be avoiding scrutiny or looking for a quick escape. That mindset can influence how they negotiate — and not in your favor.


✅ The Better Way: Smart Selling Strategies

If privacy is a concern, or if you want to avoid a full-blown listing process, there are other strategies that can still protect your equity. A qualified agent can market your home discreetly through pre-MLS networks, buyer databases, or exclusive showings that generate interest without going fully public.

You don’t have to sacrifice top dollar for the sake of convenience. There’s a middle ground — and it starts with having the right expert in your corner.


Ready to Talk Strategy?

If someone has approached you privately with an offer, don’t jump in blind. Before you accept, get a second opinion. I’ll help you compare your options and determine if you’re getting a fair deal — or leaving money on the table.

Let’s discuss. A quick chat could save you thousands.

Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?

Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.

Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.

The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!

Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.

“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“

We’re Here To Help

Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.

Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.

Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Here’s Why Selling Off Market Is Risky!

… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.

The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.

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