Beyond the MLS: Off-Market Properties

Maybe your heart is set on a certain architectural style. Or you’re only interested in a particular neighborhood. Or perhaps you feel like you’ve seen everything on the market but still haven’t found your dream home. There are lots of reasons why we might need to go beyond what’s officially “for sale” in the multiple listing service (also called the MLS). And that’s why I pride myself on being a persistent researcher, networker, and problem solver when it comes to finding and securing off-market properties. Because that’s what it takes to get things done.

Properties For Sale in the Past

Sometimes I’ll do a deep dive into the MLS archive to find homes that were on the market in the past 5-10 years but never sold. Why? Because if one of those owners wasn’t able to sell their house then, they might still be interested. Perhaps they’re using it as rental property but would be open to selling if they received the right offer. The thing is, they’re often amenable. In fact, I’ve sold multiple properties specifically by doing this kind of detailed research.

Repeat Clients

I have a lot of repeat clients I’ve worked with over the years, and because I stay in touch with them, I often know whether they’d be open to selling their current home if the right opportunity presented itself.

Succession Properties

Succession properties are those that get transferred upon someone’s death. And sometimes those properties transfer to family members who aren’t interested in keeping or maintaining the property. I’ll often talk to other realtors to find out the story behind a particular property and the family who owns it — doing my due diligence before I approach the owners. 

Sometimes, family members have trouble coming to a consensus on what to do with a property they own. And if the home needs updating, a solid offer from an interested buyer can make it a little easier for family members to sell – as well as relieve them of the hard work needed to get the property market-ready. 

Connections and “Coming Soon” Listings

Finally, I have connections with many New Orleans agents I’ve worked with over the years, and that kind of networking is how I find out about all kinds of properties. In addition, over 100 Rêve Realtors within our brokerage regularly share their “coming soon” listings internally, before those listings go on the market. Which means I’m getting a constant stream of new information from my co-workers.

In fact, I usually have a few properties that I am getting ready to list as the seller’s agent. And if I have a buyer client who’s looking for something similar, I’ll make sure to let them know about it before I list it.

If you’re interested in finding an off-market property, please get in touch! I’ve had great success with off-market properties in the past and relish the challenge to find the perfect one for you.