Comparing an Off-Market Sale vs. Listing With a Realtor
When selling your home in Albuquerque, you have two primary options: listing with a real estate agent on the MLS or selling off-market for cash. While listing your home with a realtor may result in a higher offer price, the net amount you walk away with and the time it takes to sell can make off-market sales a more appealing choice depending on your needs.
In this guide, we’ll compare both selling methods, break down the costs and benefits, and help you determine which option is best for your situation.
What is an Off-Market Sale?
An off-market sale refers to selling your home without listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) using a realtor. Instead, you sell directly to a cash buyer, an investor, or a company that specializes in quick home sales, like us.
These off-market sales typically involve:
✔ No real estate agents or commissions
✔ A faster closing process (often in 7-14 days)
✔ No home repairs, staging, or showings
✔ An as-is sale with no contingencies
What is a Traditional MLS Listing?
When you list with a real estate agent, your home is marketed to buyers through the MLS.
This method involves:
✔ Showcasing your home to a broad audience
✔ Potentially receiving multiple offers
✔ A longer sales process (typically 30-90+ days)
✔ Possible negotiation on contingencies, price, and repairs
✔ Paying a commission (typically 5% of the sale price, but this varies)
While this method can lead to a higher sale price, it also comes with added costs, uncertainty, and a longer timeline.
Key Differences: Off-Market Sale vs. MLS Listing
These are the differences to consider when selling off-market to a cash buyer or listing your house with a realtor.
Breaking Down the Net Proceeds
While listing on the MLS may result in a higher sales price, the net amount you receive could be similar to an off-market sale due to the associated costs of selling traditionally.
Example Breakdown:
Traditional Sale Price: $300,000
Realtor Commissions (5%) = $15,000
Seller Concessions & Repairs = $10,000
Closing Costs (1-3%) = $6,000
Holding Costs (Mortgage, Taxes, Utilities for 90+ Days) = $4,500
Net Proceeds After Expenses = $264,500
Off-Market Cash Offer: $270,000
No Repairs, No Commissions, No Holding Costs
Net Proceeds After Expenses = $270,000
In this scenario, the seller actually walks away with more in an off-market sale despite the lower initial offer price.
When Does an Off-Market Sale Make Sense?
An off-market sale may be the right choice if:
✔ You need to sell quickly due to job relocation, foreclosure, divorce, or financial hardship.
✔ Your home needs significant repairs that you don’t want to deal with.
✔ You don’t want to go through the hassle of showings, staging, and negotiations.
✔ You want a guaranteed sale with no risk of buyer financing falling through.
✔ You inherited a property and want to sell it as-is without investing more money.
When is Listing With a Realtor the Best Choice?
Listing on the MLS might be a better option if:
✔ Your home is in excellent condition and requires no major repairs.
✔ You have time to wait for the right buyer (30-90+ days).
✔ You’re comfortable with agent commissions and closing costs.
✔ You’re willing to navigate the complexities of negotiations, contingencies, and potential deal fall-throughs.
Making the Right Decision for Your Home Sale
Choosing between an off-market sale and an MLS listing depends on your priorities. If you value speed, convenience, and a hassle-free process, a cash sale with Sage Home Offers might be the best choice. If you have time to maximize your sale price and are comfortable with the added costs and complexities, listing with an agent may be the better option.
At Sage Home Offers, we provide fair, no-obligation cash offers to homeowners in Albuquerque. Our goal is to make selling your home simple, transparent, and stress-free.
📞 Call us today at 505-228-6414 or fill out our online form to get a free cash offer and explore your options.