Do People Still Find Good Deals Buying Homes Off-Market?

It’s the golden question for investors, house flippers, and deal-hunters alike:
Do people still find good deals off-market?

You’ve probably heard success stories about investors landing great properties before they ever hit the open market. But is that still happening today? Or has the off-market game dried up?

Let’s break it down — what “off-market” really means, why people still use it, and whether it’s still a smart strategy for finding value in 2025.

What Does “Off-Market” Mean, Exactly?

An off-market home is simply a property that isn’t listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That means you won’t find it on sites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com.

But it doesn’t mean the seller isn’t willing to sell.

In fact, many off-market sellers are highly motivated — they just don’t want to go the traditional route. Maybe they’re:

• Trying to avoid agent commissions
• Testing the waters before listing publicly
• Selling to someone in their network
• In a time-sensitive or private situation

For investors, this can be a goldmine — because there’s typically less competition, more flexibility, and room to negotiate creative deals.

So... Do People Still Find Good Deals This Way?

Yes — but the way they find those deals has changed.

Back in the day, investors might’ve door-knocked, mailed postcards, or cold-called homeowners. While some still do, more and more investors are now:

• Using FSBO platforms (like ListLean) to find direct-to-seller listings
• Networking in investor groups to uncover unlisted opportunities
• Monitoring social media and local classifieds
• Building relationships with wholesalers and flat-fee brokers

It’s less about "hustle and hope" and more about targeted connections and smart tools.

Why Off-Market Still Works

Here’s why off-market real estate continues to deliver value — especially for investors:

1. Less Competition = More Opportunity

Homes that aren’t blasted across the internet aren’t getting 20+ offers.
That gives you, the investor, space to structure a win-win deal — maybe with flexible terms, quick closes, or cash offers.

2. Motivated Sellers Like Simplicity

Many off-market sellers just want to avoid the noise:
showings, staging, commissions, long timelines.

They’re often open to working with investors who can offer speed and convenience.

3. More Room for Creativity

With no agent acting as a go-between, deals can get creative.
Think subject-to financing, leasebacks, seller carrybacks, or wholesale flips.

These are much harder to pull off in a traditional, agent-driven deal.

Where to Find Off-Market Properties in 2025

If you’re looking for off-market deals today, here’s where to start:

• FSBO Platforms – Tools like ListLean let homeowners list directly, flat fee, and without an agent — and many are open to investor offers.
• Social Media & Marketplace Posts – Facebook Groups, local investor pages, and even Nextdoor sometimes surface deals.
• Direct Outreach – Still effective if done respectfully. Skip the spammy mailers — try personalized messages or texts.
• Driving for Dollars – Old-school, but still useful in some markets. Look for signs of distress, then follow up with tact.
• Word of Mouth – Never underestimate referrals. Tell your network you’re looking — people know people.

But Are the Deals Still Good?

This is where expectations matter.

You’re probably not going to find a move-in ready house at half its value. But you can still find:

• Fixers priced under market
• Sellers open to creative financing
• Properties with hidden equity or strong rental potential
• Homes where timing or convenience matters more than top dollar

Remember: a good deal doesn’t always mean a “cheap” home. It means the right price, for the right situation, that aligns with your investment goals.

How ListLean Helps Investors Connect with Sellers

At ListLean, we’re building a new kind of marketplace — one where sellers list their homes for a flat fee, no commissions, and no middlemen.

That means real estate investors can reach motivated, unrepresented sellers who are:

• Open to offers
• Looking for simplicity
• Not on the MLS or major listing sites

With pricing starting at just $95, many of our listings come from owners who want control and flexibility — two things investors value too.

Whether you're looking to flip, hold, or wholesale, ListLean is a place where smart buyers and smart sellers meet — without the fees.

Final Thoughts

So, do people still find good deals buying homes off-market?

Absolutely.
But just like anything in real estate, the strategy is evolving.

It’s not just about knocking on doors or sending 1,000 mailers.
It’s about being proactive, connected, and using the right tools to find real opportunities before they hit the mainstream.

And that’s exactly where FSBO sellers come in — many are open to direct offers, flexible terms, and working without agents.

Want to reach more FSBO sellers the smart way?
ListLean helps homeowners list directly — no agents, no commissions.
If you're an investor who works with motivated sellers, tell them about ListLean and make your next deal a win-win.

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