Going private doesn't mean going unprepared. Most of this checklist would apply to any sale — the difference with an off-market approach is mainly in who sees it and when.
Before You Decide
- Get a realistic pricing conversation grounded in comparable sales — public or private, this is the foundation
- Decide what matters most to you: price, speed, privacy or ease, since a private sale trades some of these for others
- Ask what rules apply to marketing your home before it's listed, so you know the boundaries upfront
- Decide whether you want the option to switch to a public listing later if a private sale doesn't produce the right buyer
Getting Ready to Show Privately
- Handle the same basic prep you'd do for any sale — declutter, minor repairs, a clean and presentable home
- Decide how much notice you want before a private showing, and who coordinates access
- Have a simple story ready for "why isn't this on the market?" — buyers may ask, and a straightforward answer builds trust
Required Regardless of How You Sell
- The legally required seller disclosures — these don't go away just because there's no public listing
- A real purchase agreement, drafted properly, not an informal handshake deal
- Title work, to confirm there are no surprises on ownership or liens before you're in escrow
- A plan for the buyer's inspection and (if they're financing) appraisal — both still happen
If You Decide to Go Public Later
- Keep photos, any pricing research and notes from private showings — they're not wasted if you switch approaches
- Understand how a prior private attempt might be discussed if you do list publicly, and talk it through with your agent
- Reassess pricing before a public launch, since private-market feedback isn't the same as public price discovery
Not sure which route fits your situation? A short pricing conversation with Rudy is usually the best first step either way.