In a seller’s market, it’s not uncommon for eager buyers to make a move before the “For Sale” sign even hits the yard. That’s exactly what happened to one local homeowner recently—only this time, the story took a very different turn.
Before she had the chance to list her home, a relative of a neighbor approached her with an offer. The buyer was polite and direct: they wanted to purchase the house off-market, for $25,000 less than what her realtor had suggested she list it for. To someone unfamiliar with the selling process, it seemed simple—skip the showings, avoid commissions, and be done with it.
But the seller wasn’t comfortable handling the sale on her own. She wasn’t sure how to verify the buyer’s qualifications, navigate contracts, or protect herself legally. So, she called her agent for advice.
Her agent encouraged her to take a breath and consider the bigger picture. The only way to truly know the home’s value was to expose it to the open market—and let buyers compete. It felt risky at first, but she trusted the guidance and listed the property.
The result? Multiple offers. Fierce competition. And a final sales price that was $86,000 higher than the original off-market offer.
While the buyer’s early offer wasn’t malicious—in fact, it was a smart move on their part to try—it underscores an important truth: when sellers take shortcuts to avoid commissions or sidestep the process, they often leave far more money on the table than they realize.
In this case, listing the home publicly didn’t just bring in a better price. It also brought peace of mind. The agent qualified the buyer, managed every detail of the transaction, and ensured the seller got both the best price and the best terms.
The story is true! The agent you choose to work with does matter--so choose wisely! If you're considering selling your home, let's talk! You can reach me at
215-801-2019 or Kathleen@kathleenlayton.com.
I’d love to meet you!
