Judy Boyle, Realtor®
Proudly serving the Borough’s and Beyond with honesty and integrity since 2005
www.judyboylecares.com
[email protected]
508-561-7164
Judy Boyle, Realtor
A few years ago, I started talking about the off-market listing and how it was a viable option for some homeowners who didn’t want to sell their homes in the traditional way. In most cases, those homeowners wanted to take advantage of the strong sellers’ market but didn’t have the time, energy or even the funds to properly prepare their homes for the Multiple Listing Service. Between 2021 and 2024, I had successfully guided numerous homeowners in selling their homes for top dollar and with optimal terms. Entering 2025, I am going to keep talking about the off-market method as it has proven to be the ideal solution for so many home sellers….and the results were just as successful, if not better, than had they gone the traditional route.
Also referred to as a non-MLS listing, the process of listing off-market is simple: first, the Real Estate Agent establishes market value. If the numbers work for the homeowner, a listing contract is signed and the agent taps into his or her network to find ready, willing and able buyers. The buyers are made aware of this “exclusive opportunity” to see the house before anyone else. The buyers are also informed that the property is not necessarily in “show” condition, if that is the case, and will be sold “as is”. For the most part, today’s buyers welcome any advantage, so they comply with all the rules.
Before even scheduling a showing, the agent will verify that all buyers are financially capable of completing the transaction and informs them that the price is the price….no negotiation. Once the buyer passes this rigorous screening, the agent schedules a showing. Once an Offer to Purchase is signed, the transaction continues in the traditional way. The buyer is happy because there is little or no competition. The seller is happy because they sold their house for the price they wanted, without having to do a thing.
While some agents may disagree and claim that the best way to get the highest price is to list on the MLS, this alternative method is working. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear about actual homeowners that have used the off-market method and why it worked for them.
Case #1: Tony is a Master Electrician who works more than sixty hours per week and has a shop full of expensive equipment in the basement of his house. Tony struggled with how he could ever pack up his shop or prepare his bachelor pad for listing….until I introduced him to the off-market method. We found a well-qualified and serious buyer who not only paid Tony’s target price but then allowed Tony to take his time moving his shop and residence after closing.
Case #2: Elizabeth writes: “My husband and I decided to sell our home of 27 years when we had the opportunity to move into my parent’s home after their recent passing. We contacted Judy who located comparative properties and did a market analysis. Our plan was to put our home on the market in the spring, giving us time to purge and prepare our home for the sale. The whole prospect was overwhelming and Judy recognized this. She mentioned the off-market method and within a week, she came back with a young couple who were in the market to purchase their first home. This couple loved our home and made us an offer that we immediately accepted. This process has been very smooth, thanks to Judy. We never put the house on the market, got the price that we wanted, and had four months to clear out. We avoided all the stress.”
Case #3: Homeowners R and J were ready to upgrade but would need to sell their existing home to buy their next one. They had the rare good fortune of getting an offer accepted with a home sale contingency but they needed to get their home under agreement quickly. With three young children and a house full of toys, the only solution was using the off-market method. We took a chance and listed their home at a price point indicative of an “MLS ready” property. Within one day we had multiple offers and the property sold for 5% over asking.
Bottom line: If you have been thinking about selling your home but dread the time and energy that is typically associated with packing, purging and preparation….or just need to sell your home quickly…using the off-market method just might be the way to go.
Boyle has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists. Boyle’s mission is to offer solutions while she empowers her clients to make wise decisions through data-driven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Winter 2025 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.
Proudly serving the Boroughs and beyond with honesty and integrity since 2005.
508-561-7164
