Skip to content
a house on top of a blueprint with the words off market commercial property

13 Pros and Cons of Selling Off market Commercial Properties

Selling off-market commercial properties has pros and cons, but it can be a great way to get a good price for your property. For many, the commercial off-market property space is shrouded in mystery, with the pros and cons of selling off-market often debated.

It’s important to know the risks involved, such as the buyer not having the financial resources to make all necessary repairs. However, working with a broker or directly contacting potential buyers are effective strategies.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling off-market commercial properties so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right move for you.

off market properties

What is an Off-market Commercial Property?

First, we need to understand what an off market commercial property means. Off-market commercial properties are commercial real estate properties like apartment buildings or office spaces that are not publicly listed for sale. These properties are typically off the radar of most investors, making them a good deal for those who can find them.

Off-market commercial properties can be a great way to get a good deal on commercial real estate. Many off-market properties are sold before they are listed, so it’s important to have a network of connections in the industry to learn about these opportunities.

Why Do Owners Decide to Sell Off-market

There are several reasons why an owner might choose to sell their commercial property off-market. 

  • They’re hoping to avoid a lengthy and costly marketing campaign;
  • They don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of listing their property on the open market;
  • They may be trying to avoid attracting attention from the general public;
  • They want to sell to a select group of buyers whom they know are interested in the property;
  • They may be in a hurry to sell, and off-market offers allow them to sell quickly without having to go through the marketing process;
  • They believe they will get a better price by selling off-market.

Whatever the reason, selling off market commercial real estate can be a great way to get a property sold quickly and without too much fuss. However, it’s important to remember that not all buyers will be aware of off-market properties, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

off market properties for sale

The Pros of Selling Off-market Commercial Properties

There are several benefits to selling off-market commercial properties in today’s market. Let us list and explore a few of them.

#1: Selling off-market commercial properties offer increased privacy for both the seller and the buyer.

By avoiding the traditional listing process, both the seller and the buyer can enjoy increased privacy. This can be especially beneficial for high-profile individuals or businesses who wish to avoid publicity. For both the seller and the buyer, increased privacy provides a greater sense of security and peace of mind.

#2: No need to stage or prepare the property for sale of an off-market commercial property sale.

When you sell your property off-market, there is no need to stage or prepare the property for sale. This will help you save time and money by preventing you from having to make any major modifications or repairs. Instead, you can focus on marketing the property to potential buyers. This is an excellent choice if you want to sell your commercial property quickly or aren’t concerned about obtaining the highest possible offer.

#3: Off-market commercial properties sale has a faster sales process.

Off-market commercial properties may be the way to go if you’re looking for a faster sales process. These properties are often closed in a shorter period than the numerous months it can take to sell a property on the open market. Plus, off-market deals can be more advantageous for buyers, as there is less competition, and the seller may be more motivated to negotiate.

#4: It’s easier to negotiate terms and conditions when there is no competition in off-market commercial properties sale.

When it comes to negotiation, competition is not always advantageous. In some circumstances, it can be helpful to be the only party involved in the negotiation. This is often the case with off-market commercial properties. Because there is no competition from other potential buyers, the seller is more likely to be open to negotiating on price and terms. As a result, purchasers who are prepared to go off-market may be able to save money on their purchases.

#5: More control over who buys the property and when it closes.

When you list your commercial property on the open market, you give up a certain amount of control. You can’t choose who buys the property or when the sale will close. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to sell a commercial property. Fortunately, there’s an alternative: off-market listings. Working with a private buyer gives you more control over the sale process. You can negotiate the terms of the sale, set a closing date that works for you, and even choose who buys the property. As a result, off-market listings offer a unique opportunity for commercial sellers to regain some control over the sale of their property.

#6: A commercial property can be sold as-is without any repairs or renovations needed.

Most off-market commercial properties require some repairs or renovations before you can sell them. This is frequently the case because the previous owner was unable to keep up with maintenance or because the property had been vacant for a lengthy period. However, some off-market commercial properties can be sold as-is without any repairs or renovations. Investors looking for a value add property may find this appealing.

#7: Since it’s not a “formal” sale, there is more flexibility with price and terms.

Off-market commercial properties can offer potential buyers much more flexibility regarding price and terms. Because these properties are not formally listed for sale, sellers are often more willing to negotiate on price and other terms of the sale.

#8: Negotiating directly with buyers and their representatives is easier.

One of the main benefits of working with an off-market commercial real estate specialist is that negotiating directly with buyers and their representatives is often easier. This is because the professional will have a thorough knowledge of the market, property type, and both parties’ needs.

off market listings

Cons of Selling Off-market Commercial Properties

#1: It can be more difficult to find a buyer.

One consistent problem is how does a buyer find off-market commercial real estate? The same can be said in reverse: Finding a buyer willing to pay your asking price can be difficult. On the other hand, off-market commercial properties are not represented by an agent and are only marketed to a restricted number of potential purchasers. This limits your pool of buyers. 

#2: The property may not be marketed as well as if on the open market.

The off-market commercial property may not be marketed as aggressively as if it were on the open market, meaning that there could be hidden problems that the seller is hoping to avoid. It’s important to do your due diligence when considering an off-market property sale and to consult a professional who can help you assess its true value.

#3: It might be a risky investment for the buyer.

It’s critical to know that it might be a high-risk investment for the buyer of an off-market commercial property. There are a few things you should keep in mind when considering this type of investment:

  • The client may not have the financial means to complete all of the necessary improvements, which might result in you spending more in the long run.
  • The buyer might not have the experience or expertise to manage the property, which could lead to problems.

#4: Getting a loan for off-market commercial properties can be more difficult.

Off-market commercial properties can be a great investment, but they can also be more difficult to finance. That’s because lenders are typically more conservative regarding these types of purchases. They might need a bigger down payment or be prepared to give a loan for a certain portion of the purchase price.

#5: There’s no market feedback or comparable sales data to help you set a price.

There’s no easy way to set a price for off-market commercial properties. There’s no market feedback or comparable sales data to help you gauge what the property is worth. And without an asking price, it can be hard to generate interest from potential buyers.

off market property sales

How to Sell Off-market Commercial Properties?

Selling off-market commercial properties can be a great way to find the right buyer for your property. However, this does not mean that selling off-market is easier. Off-market properties are not publicly listed, meaning they are not exposed to the same level of marketing and visibility as other properties.

You can use the following strategies to sell off-market commercial properties successfully.

  • One of the best ways to sell off-market is to work with a broker with experience in this transaction. A competent real estate agent will have a list of potential buyers and the skills to market the property to them. Furthermore, a broker can provide valuable guidance throughout the negotiation and closing process.
  • A proactive approach can greatly increase the chances of successfully selling your off-market commercial property.
  • Another effective strategy for selling off-market is to directly contact potential buyers who may be interested in the property. This can be done through direct mailings, referrals, or even by attending industry events where these individuals are likely to be in attendance.
  • There are several locations where you may sell commercial properties off the market. One alternative is to put the property on an online marketplace. These platforms provide a way for buyers and sellers to connect and typically have a large pool of potential buyers.

In the end, the best actions to take will be determined by your unique circumstances. However, no matter where you decide to sell, keep in mind that off-market commercial properties might provide you with a wonderful business opportunity.

In Conclusion

Selling off-market commercial properties can be a great way to find the right buyer for your property. You can use several strategies to sell off-market successfully, such as working with a broker or taking a proactive approach. You may also want to consider selling in locations like online marketplaces or contacting potential buyers directly. Do not forget to consult with a professional to make sure you are aware of all taxes on commercial real estate sales.

Regardless of your route, keep in mind that off-market commercial properties can provide you with a great opportunity for your business and a Kickstarter to your future in commercial real estate.

About The Author

Jesse Shemesh

With a wealth of experience in nurturing diverse commercial real estate investment portfolios across multiple markets, I actively engage in the development and execution of deals spanning all asset classes. My expertise lies in collaborating with strategic partners, including corporate real estate professionals, fund managers, developers, and investors, to source, identify, and entitle opportunities. At Point Acquisitions, we take pride in our unique, proprietary platform that specializes in property acquisitions, generating a steady stream of organic deal flow that sets us apart from the competition. As a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, I am dedicated to creating lasting partnerships and delivering exceptional results for all stakeholders.

Disclaimer

Please note that Point Acquisitions is not a tax expert or tax advisor. The information on our blogs and pages is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Any information provided does not constitute professional advice or create an attorney-client or any other professional relationship. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor or seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on our blogs and pages. Point Acquisitions is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided on our blogs and pages.

An image featuring two professionals in conversation in front of a modern building. The man, sporting a beard and a suit, holds a tablet and gestures while talking to the woman, who is attentively listening and dressed in a professional suit. The title "SELLING YOUR 1031 EXCHANGE PROPERTY" is prominent at the top with "A Strategic Guide for Investors" below. The Point Acquisitions logo is visible, indicating a focus on the strategic considerations of what happens when you sell a 1031 exchange property.

What Happens When You Sell a 1031 Exchange Property?

February 4, 2024

In a 1031 exchange, when you sell a property and use the proceeds to buy another, you defer capital gains taxes. This simple process lets business owners reinvest without immediate tax consequences, making it easier to upgrade or diversify their…

Read More
An image featuring the title "1031 EXCHANGE FORM" in bold white letters on a blue background at the top. Below the title, a subtitle reads "Mastering Tax-Deferred Investments in Real Estate." The logo for Point Acquisitions is displayed in the lower-left corner. The photo shows a desk with miniature wooden houses arranged in a line, a magnifying glass held by a person examining the details, and a pen resting on a notebook, implying a careful review of the 1031 exchange form for property investments.

1031 Exchange Form: Your Guide to Tax-Deferred Real Estate Investments

February 4, 2024

With over 36% of Americans invested in real estate outside of their primary residence, understanding the nuances of a 1031 exchange is more than just a niche interest—it’s a financial imperative for a growing number of investors. Imagine deferring thousands,…

Read More
1031 exchange timeline

1031 Exchange Timeline: A Full Guide for Investors

January 31, 2024

Attention commercial real estate investors, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, 12% of commercial real estate transactions in 2022 used a 1031 exchange. This powerful strategy could be your key to unlocking significant tax deferrals when selling your properties.…

Read More