Why "Off-Market" Doesn't Always Mean "Better"

Headline: The Off-Market Myth: Why Transparency Trumps Secrecy

I’m often asked the same question by eager property buyers: "Michael, do you have any off-market deals?"

There is a romanticised idea in Australian real estate that the best properties are traded in secret, away from the prying eyes of the public. While we certainly have deep industry connections that grant us early access, I want to pull back the curtain on the "off-market" phenomenon.

The Reality Check Often, a property is off-market because the vendor is testing an unrealistic price or isn't truly committed to selling. Without the pressure of a public campaign, there is no competition to keep the price anchored to fair market value.

What We Look For Instead:

• Quality properties: I don't care if a property is on-market, off-market, or pre-market. I care if it meets our standard for what defines a good property and something above average.

• Data Over Hype: A quiet deal is only a good deal if the numbers stack up.

• Negotiation Leverage: Sometimes, the best value is found in a public listing that has been overlooked by the masses due to poor marketing—that’s where we strike.

At Specific Property, our value isn’t just in finding the "secret" house; it’s in having the discipline to say "no" to the wrong ones, regardless of how exclusive they seem.