Commercial property owners typically face two paths when selling:
- Public listing
- Off-market sale
Both approaches work—but they produce very different experiences and outcomes.
Understanding the differences allows owners to choose the strategy that best aligns with their priorities.
What Happens in a Listed Sale
Listed sales prioritize exposure:
- Public marketing
- Broad buyer reach
- Competitive bidding
Advantages include:
- Maximum visibility
- Clear market feedback
- Potential bidding scenarios
Challenges include:
- Tenant awareness
- Market fatigue
- Extended timelines
- Public price reductions
What Happens in an Off-Market Sale
Off-market sales prioritize control:
- Limited buyer outreach
- Discretion
- Precision
Advantages include:
- Privacy
- Qualified buyers
- Reduced disruption
- Faster execution
Challenges include:
- Smaller buyer pool
- Heavier reliance on strategy
- Less public price discovery
Which Is Better?
Neither is universally better.
The right choice depends on:
Some owners even test off-market first, then list later if needed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between listed and off-market isn’t about maximizing hype—it’s about maximizing fit.
The most successful sales align the strategy with the asset and the owner’s priorities.
If you’re deciding between listing or selling off-market, understanding both paths upfront can save time, money, and unnecessary exposure.
