Did you know that roughly 1 in 5 homes in Marin sell off-market? That’s 20% of the market you’re missing if you’re only searching on MLS sites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com.

In a competitive and fast-moving market like Marin, the best opportunities often never make it online. That’s where we come in.

At Own Marin, we’ve built an exclusive network of relationships and resources over decades in the business, giving our clients access to the homes you won’t find on the public MLS. In fact, since 2018, our team has sold over 250 off-market properties—more than any other team or agent in Marin. Year after year, we lead the county in off-market sales.

If you’re serious about buying in Marin, understanding the off-market landscape is essential.

WHAT IS AN OFF-MARKET HOME?

An off-market listing, sometimes called a “pocket listing” or “off-MLS listing”, is a property for sale that is never listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a database that realtors use to publicly list properties that are for sale. Real Estate sites such as Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com pull their information from the MLS, which means you won't see off-market homes listed on these websites or apps.

Off-market homes are typically sold through direct agent-to-agent communication or exclusive channels that only top local agents have access to. As realtors with strong relationships in the community, we’re often among the first to hear about these opportunities.

WHY DO SELLERS CHOOSE TO SELL OFF-MARKET?

Selling a home is deeply personal, and for many homeowners, privacy and control are top priorities. Going off-market allows sellers to avoid public open houses, eliminate foot traffic from curious neighbors, and skip the stress of watching days-on-market stack up, which can affect a home’s perceived value.

Other benefits of selling off-market include:

More discretion around the sale
Flexibility on timing, price, and terms
Ability to feel out demand before the sale goes public
A targeted approach to the right buyer pool
No need to move out in order to prep the home for sale

HOW CAN YOU ACCESS OFF-MARKET HOMES?

Simple: work with the right local team.

As lifetime Marin locals with over eight decades of combined real estate experience, we’re constantly hearing about upcoming listings - often before they’re even available. Through our personal network and longstanding connections with fellow agents, Own Marin clients get exclusive access to these private listings.

Just tell us what you're looking for, and we’ll do the rest.

IS BUYING OFF-MARKET RIGHT FOR YOU?

While off-market homes can offer less competition and unique opportunities, they’re not always a perfect fit for every buyer. Because they’re not widely advertised, there’s often less transparency around pricing and fewer chances to “shop around.” That’s why it’s critical to work with an agent who knows how to evaluate and negotiate off-market deals with your best interests in mind.

At Own Marin, we walk our clients through every step—whether the home is on the MLS or off it. Our goal is to uncover the best opportunities for your unique situation and help you navigate them with confidence.

WANT TO GET A LEG UP IN THE MARKET?

Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll share off-market and coming-soon listings that match your goals. Sign up with your email or reach out directly to get started.

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