In this blog post, you’ll learn our best tips on how to sell a house off market in Massachusetts without a real estate agent.
When it comes to selling your house, you have two options:
The first option is to sell your house through a real estate agent. While agents can help you market the property and handle negotiations, they typically charge a commission of around 5–6% of the final sale price. For a $400,000 home, that’s $20,000 or more out of your pocket.
The second option is to sell your house without a real estate agent—commonly referred to as selling “off market.” This approach can be much more affordable, especially if you’re willing to take on the tasks typically handled by an agent.
Below are our top tips for selling your house off market in Massachusetts.
Tip #1: Clean Up the House
The more “move-in ready” your house appears, the better your chances of attracting serious buyers and receiving higher offers. Even if you’re not making major renovations, small improvements like fresh paint, landscaping, and deep cleaning can go a long way.
✅ Finish incomplete renovations
✅ Patch walls and touch up paint
✅ Declutter and depersonalize
✅ Power wash the exterior
✅ Replace outdated light fixtures
These relatively inexpensive efforts can make your home more appealing without the need for full-blown remodeling.
Tip #2: Tell Everyone
Marketing your home off market means you’re in charge of spreading the word. Use every platform and contact you can to increase visibility:
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Post in local Facebook groups and community boards
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List your property on FSBO websites like ForSaleByOwner.com or Zillow’s FSBO section
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Put up “For Sale” signs with your contact info
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Use email newsletters and tell coworkers, friends, and neighbors
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Share it on Nextdoor and Craigslist
Word-of-mouth is powerful. The more people know your home is for sale, the faster you’re likely to find a buyer—especially in a hot real estate market like Massachusetts.
Tip #3: Be Prepared to Show the House
Off-market sales still require home tours. Buyers will want to view the property in person, so prepare your schedule accordingly.
Have the home tidy and ready at all times. Consider flexible showing hours and open house days. Keep printed info sheets handy with:
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Asking price
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Square footage and features
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Lot size and taxes
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Your contact details
Buyers will expect quick answers, so be familiar with your home’s age, roof, heating system, electrical panel, etc. The more confident and available you are, the more likely a buyer will trust and move forward with an offer.
Price It Right From the Start
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when selling off market is pricing the home correctly. Overpricing can scare away potential buyers, while underpricing can leave money on the table.
To price your home accurately:
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Research Comparable Sales (Comps): Look at recently sold homes in your neighborhood with similar square footage, bed/bath counts, and condition.
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Use Online Tools: Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com offer home value estimates. Use them as a starting point, but don’t rely solely on them.
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Consider a Flat-Fee Appraisal: Hiring a professional appraiser for $300–$500 can give you a rock-solid baseline.
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Factor in Market Trends: In Massachusetts, seasonality, interest rates, and inventory can affect pricing. A seller’s market allows for a slightly higher asking price.
If you’re not working with an agent, remember that pricing strategy is one of the most critical elements. A well-priced home will naturally attract more attention and offers, even without MLS exposure.
Understand the Legal and Paperwork Requirements
Selling a home in Massachusetts without an agent means you’re responsible for all contracts and disclosures—and the legal process must be handled carefully to avoid future liabilities.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Offer to Purchase Form: This outlines the buyer’s offer and any contingencies.
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Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S): A binding agreement that finalizes the transaction details.
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Mandatory Disclosures: Massachusetts requires sellers to disclose material defects they are aware of.
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Title Search: A clean title is crucial to sell. Hire a title company or real estate attorney to perform a proper title check.
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Deed Preparation and Transfer: These must be filed correctly at the Registry of Deeds.
We highly recommend hiring a Massachusetts real estate attorney, especially when selling off market. They will guide you through the transaction, help with closing, and ensure you’re compliant with state law.
Skip the Hassle—Sell Directly to a Local Cash Buyer
If all this sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. For many homeowners, the best off-market option is to sell directly to a professional home buying company like Pegasus Home Buyers.
Here’s why this method is increasingly popular in Massachusetts:
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We Buy As-Is: No cleaning, staging, or fixing. We’ll buy your house in its current condition.
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No Fees or Commissions: You skip the 5–6% agent commission entirely.
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Fast Closings: We can close in as little as 7–10 days or on your timeline.
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No Showings: You won’t need to host open houses or allow strangers into your home.
Whether you’re going through probate, relocating, facing foreclosure, or just want a hassle-free way to cash out, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Selling your house off market in Massachusetts can be a smart move when done correctly. By cleaning up your home, spreading the word, preparing to show the property, and handling the paperwork, you can absolutely sell without a real estate agent—and save thousands.
But if you’re looking for an even easier way, Pegasus Home Buyers is ready to make you a fast, fair, all-cash offer with zero pressure.
Reach out today to get started. Let us help you skip the agent and sell your house off market in Massachusetts—on your terms.