How to Find Off-Market Properties: A Step-by-Step Guide for Real Estate Professionals 

What Are Off-Market Properties and How Are They Different from Listed Properties? 

Off-market properties are real estate assets that are not publicly listed for sale on platforms like the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or public listing websites. These properties may still be owned by motivated sellers, long-term holders or distressed owners, but require more effort to discover. Off-market sales happen privately, either through direct negotiation between the seller and buyer or through an agent or broker that facilitates the deal.  

Pre-market listings differ from typical real estate listings, since they are not yet made public or marketed towards buyers. For real estate professionals like brokers and investors, knowing how to find off-market properties is essential since it creates additional opportunities and provides a competitive edge. In fact, off-market deals account for up to 40% of transactions, a significant share that remains underexplored even in dynamic markets like NYC real estate. 

How to Find Off-Market Properties 

While the benefits of targeting unlisted real estate are clear, finding off-market properties can be challenging. Public sources are free but often require manual research to uncover the actual owners, while paid platforms simplify the process by providing verified ownership and contact details in one place. 

Free Methods: 

• NYC ACRIS: deed and mortgage documents 

• NYC DOB: permits, violations, listed owner info 

• NY State DOS: business entity searches for LLCs 

• On-site canvassing: building signage, staff conversations 

• Word of mouth: networking, professional and personal relationships 

Paid Tools: 

PropertyShark: Consolidates ownership data, shows both LLCs and the true owners behind them, provides contact info and advanced search filters. PropertyShark provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform that includes in-depth details on both listed and off-market properties, with 100% coverage in NYC. Here’s a simple, proven method to discover off-market leads on PropertyShark using our advanced filters and Property Lists tool.

Find Off-Market Assets with PropertyShark: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log into PropertyShark 

Visit PropertyShark.com and sign in with your account. If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can create a free account and preview one full property report which will help you get started with how to find off-market properties. 

Step 2: Use the Search Tool 

Navigate to the Search bar under the Properties tab. Enter your location of interest and choose from a wide range of filters to narrow down your search: 

• Property type  

• Square footage 

• Year built 

• Sales history  

Tip: To increase your chances of finding a motivated seller, select properties that haven’t sold in 10+ years. 

For the best results, look for properties with no recent sale activity and no listing status. These are most likely to be off-market assets. 

Step 3: Check Ownership Details 

Click on any property from your results. You’ll see: 

• The registered owner’s name, often an LLC 

• Real owner info, when available, including their full name, phone number, email, and mailing address 

Step 4: Build a Property List 

Use the Property Lists tool to: 

• Save your filtered search results 

• Export ownership and contact data to a PDF or spreadsheet 

• Create targeted prospecting campaigns for outreach 

What Are the Key Features of PropertyShark’s Off-Market Search Tools? 

PropertyShark supports professionals looking to learn how to find off-market properties through the following key features: 

• True owner identification: Unmasks LLCs to reveal individuals behind ownership entities. 

• Verified contact information: Includes phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses. 

• Consolidated reports: Sales history, zoning, permits, violations and comps, all in one place. 

• Property Lists tool: Build, save, and export lead lists for outreach. 

• Interactive maps and filters: Visually canvass neighborhoods for high-potential properties. 

What Are the Advantages of Off-Market Properties for Real Estate Professionals? 

While listed properties are typically the bread and butter of real estate professionals looking to sell or buy, finding off-market properties gives real estate professionals a strategic edge. Many agents, brokers and investors prefer targeting properties with high potential that are not yet on the market but have significant deal potential if the seller is motivated enough and receives a fair evaluation.  

The main reason why real estate professionals leverage off-market properties as additional revenue sources is that they can provide: 

• Less competition: These properties aren’t being widely marketed, which means other brokerages or buyers are not competing for the listing. 

• Better deals: Sellers may be more flexible on pricing since they won’t have to deal with the hassle of a large public and several agencies. 

• Direct access to owners: Ideal for brokers, investors and developers seeking exclusive opportunities that will give them a competitive advantage. 

FAQs About Off-Market Properties 

What qualifies a property as off-market?  

An off-market property that is a property not currently listed for sale on the MLS or public listing websites. 

Can I find off-market properties without paying for a tool?  

Yes, you can find off-market properties without paid tools, but it typically involves time-intensive cross-referencing across public records like ACRIS, DOB, and the NYS Department of State. 

How accurate is the ownership data in PropertyShark?  

Ownership data accuracy is essential: PropertyShark provides verified owner contact info, including LLC unmasking, which is not available through public sources alone. PropertyShark obtains property information only from official and vetted NYC real estate data sources such as government agencies and employs significant property research efforts to verify the validity of property data. 

Who benefits most from using PropertyShark to find off-market properties? 

Investors, brokers, developers and anyone pursuing off-market deals for acquisition, development or outreach can benefit from using PropertyShark. 

Can I try PropertyShark without subscribing?  

Yes, you can sign up for a free PropertyShark account and preview one full property ownership report. 

What percentage of real estate deals happen off-market?  

Recent industry surveys show that up to 40% of real estate transactions occur off-market, with investor participation reaching similar levels. 

Do off-market properties sell for less than listed properties?  

Yes, research indicates off-market properties typically sell for $4,975 less on average, with MLS listings commanding 13-20% higher prices.   

---

About PropertyShark

PropertyShark is an online real estate database and property research tool that provides building details, ownership information, comparable sales and foreclosure data. Founded in 2003, PropertyShark serves real estate professionals and consumers in New York and other major U.S. markets.

Fair Use & Redistribution  

We encourage and freely grant permission to reuse and repost information, analysis, charts, tables and images included on this page. When doing so, we only ask that you link back to this page or PropertyShark.com as the official source. 

Disclaimer

Information provided on this page is purely informational and is not and should not be regarded as investment advice.