Every buyers agent gets off-market or pre-market opportunities on a daily or weekly basis. Some of the best deals I’ve done have been off-market but they tend to be less common. So what's the verdict?
I’m fortunate to have good relationships with property managers & sales agents that flag properties likely to come up for sale & in some instances my input is sought in establishing a likely market value 😁. These opportunities and relationships have formed a strong part of my clients’ success.
For the majority of off-market opportunities, the key is understanding whether they are worth pursuing. In my experience the vast majority are not suitable and can often be just a “test the waters” mechanism for the selling agent & seller. An opportunity to get market feedback before they genuinely commit to sell. At a minimum they are being often shopped around all buyers agents anyway.
Note in this current market, testing the waters with lofty ambitions is a complete waste of time for everyone. If the seller is committed they will have gone to the trouble and expense of producing a Form 2 Sellers Disclosure which is a good sign, but still doesn't mean the stars will align.
Naturally I never rule any property out on face value. It’s always in my client’s best interest to explore every suitable possibility available, but an engagement with a buyer’s agent or property search shouldn’t be predicated on buying off-market as a solution to buying well.
If you're searching on the Gold Coast and want a process built on exploring and exploiting all of the above, I'd love to have a conversation.