What Does “Off-Market” Mean?
When you’re exploring the real estate world—whether as a buyer, seller, or investor—you’ll quickly notice there’s a whole vocabulary that comes with the territory. One term that tends to raise eyebrows and spark curiosity is “off-market.” What does off-market mean in real estate, and why should it matter to you?
As a local Southern California realtor, I often get this question from clients who are surprised to learn that some of the best real estate opportunities never even hit the public market. Let’s dive into what “off-market” really means, why it happens, and how it can be a powerful advantage for both buyers and sellers.
What Does “Off-Market” Mean in Real Estate?
In real estate, “off market” simply means that a property is not actively listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the primary database agents use to share and view homes for sale. Most public platforms like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com pull their listings directly from the MLS, so if a home is off-market, you typically won’t see it online.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the home isn’t for sale. It just means it's not being marketed publicly through traditional channels. And in a highly competitive market like Southern California, where demand often outpaces supply, these quiet opportunities can be golden.
4 Common Scenarios When a Home Is Off-Market
1. Pocket Listings
A pocket listing is when a real estate agent has a signed agreement to sell a property but doesn't list it on the MLS. Instead, they share it within their private network of agents and clients. These are often high-end or exclusive properties where the seller prefers a low-profile sale. In some cases, sellers want to avoid public open houses or simply test the waters before going fully live.
As a realtor with deep connections across Southern California, I often get early access to these types of listings before they become publicly available—giving my clients a serious edge.
2. Temporarily Off Market (TOM)
Sometimes, a home is listed and then pulled from the market temporarily. This could happen for a variety of reasons—home repairs, personal issues, or a pause in showings. In this case, the home is not officially off the market forever—it may be relisted soon.
Keeping an eye on TOM properties is a great strategy for buyers who want to get ahead of the curve before the home is relisted and attracts more attention.
3. For Sale by Owner (FSBO)
Homes being sold directly by the owner, without a listing agent, often aren’t listed on the MLS. These are considered off-market listings because they exist outside the traditional agent network. Sometimes sellers take this route to avoid commission fees, though working with a buyer’s agent (like myself) can still give you access to these deals and help you navigate them smoothly.
4. Sold or Delisted Properties
A home that has sold, expired, or been removed from the market for any reason also falls into the "off-market" category. However, these may still be worth tracking. A home that didn’t sell could come back at a lower price, or a previously hesitant seller may be open to offers.
Why Off-Market Matters—Especially in Southern California
In hot markets like Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego, the best properties can move fast—and competition is fierce. Off-market homes offer unique advantages:
Less competition: Fewer buyers know about the property.
Direct negotiations: You may be able to negotiate directly with the seller, potentially leading to better terms or pricing.
Exclusive access: Sellers may prefer to work with a qualified, motivated buyer quietly rather than deal with the stress of open houses and bidding wars.
On the flip side, sellers might go off the market to:
Maintain privacy, especially in luxury or high-profile sales.
Test buyer interest before investing in staging or marketing.
Avoid having their home sit on the MLS if it doesn’t sell quickly.
How I Can Help You Access Off-Market Deals
As a real estate professional deeply rooted in the Southern California market, I don’t just rely on the MLS. I work proactively—networking with agents, builders, investors, and homeowners—to uncover opportunities before they become public knowledge.
Whether you're buying or selling, having access to off-market real estate is a game-changer. These hidden opportunities can save you time, money, and stress while giving you a competitive edge.
Let’s Talk Strategy
If you're curious about buying off-market properties, or if you're a homeowner interested in a more discreet selling process, I'm here to help. Let’s sit down, talk through your goals, and build a strategy tailored to your situation.
Written By: Bryce Yould
Bryce Yould is a trusted realtor serving Southern California with a focus on premium service, local expertise, and results-driven strategies. Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring off market opportunities, Bryce is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call or text: 949-287-3888
bryce@notchluxury.com
