Why does off market selling exist?

[Michael Masters]

As somewhat of a newbie to REI I’m curious as to why a seller would want to sell their property off market? What are the advantages? It seems to me the more people who see your property the better, so why limit the audience?

[Ben Freiman]

I just purchased a property off market and the reason was for the seller to not have to pay commissions to an agent. Saved them a few thousand dollars. I got a pretty good deal too, so I’m not complaining.

Also if a buyer is willing to pay what the seller is asking for then there is no need to list the property. Listing can require the seller “sprucing” up the property and some people may not want to go through that hassle.