off-market saleOff-market sales have a nasty reputation, and deservedly so because the sellers usually get screwed by their listing agent who spoons the sale to their own buyer.

A buyer for an off-market sale is typically found from pre-marketing done by the listing agent prior to inputting the property onto our MLS.  The trouble starts when the sellers, in their excitement about having an offer, don’t verify that the listing has been exposed to the open market.  If the listing agent doesn’t present that as an option, and instead enriches him/herself unjustly, then they should be held liable for the resulting damages.

Here’s how I inadvertenly found myself in this situation, and how I handled it:

7 Comments

  1. Susie

    Jim, remember when HGTV wanted to do a real estate reality show with you in it? But you declined, because you wanted to educate buyers/sellers instead.

    Do more of these explanations, Jim. This presentation not only showcases your integrity, but educates viewers as well. You could become a RE professor–maybe once a month!

    PS. The red “power” tie is a nice touch too…

  2. joe

    Nice Jim! Very informative.

    It just amazes me that agents would do something….other than that. Like hiding other offers (or not trying). Won’t be me though!

    I have a listing in LA coming up actually and I’ll be sure to put it up for everyone to get a crack at it.

    You’re a good role model Jim!

  3. Jim the Realtor

    But you declined,….

    Actually, they hung up.

    America wants to be entertained, because it is shorter and easier. Education takes time and commitment.

    Remember the documentary that was being filmed last summer? There is hope with them.

    They are coming back next week.

  4. ljinvestor

    I enjoyed the first year or two of those real estate reality shows, but after that it was too obvious they are trying way too hard to entertain and staging too many scenarios.

    I do believe a well produced “reality of real estate” would work initially but not sure how many seasons it could hang on. You are probably best passing on those TV opportunities and focusing on daily biz and educating people. If I focused on North County, I would use you…

  5. elbarcosr

    Win. Win. Win. Well done.

  6. avgjoe

    well it looks like you pretty much paid for your commission in the negotiations process. those sellers should have treated you like royalty. they essentially got there house sold for free. I guess that’s why people pay for experience.

    Dont 10% of the agents do 90% of the business?

  7. Susie

    “Remember the documentary that was being filmed last summer? There is hope with them. They are coming back next week.” = JtR

    A documentary, Jim? Does this mean I shouldn’t delete your funny phone messages from a couple years ago? *Chuckle* You know, now that you’ll soon be “famous”.

    Seriously, Jim, I’m a huge fan of documentaries and hope this project is completed.

Klinge Realty Group - Compass

Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group

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