An off-market opportunity is a property being discussed for sale outside the usual public listing exposure, subject to the seller’s authorization and applicable rules. The label does not prove that a home is available, fairly priced or accessible through a particular agent. Ask David about current opportunities that fit your criteria while continuing to compare public listings.
Establish What Is Actually Offered
Availability and permission come first.
Seller authorization
Confirm that the owner has authorized the property to be offered and that the person arranging access has permission. A rumor, old listing or homeowner contact is not a current offering.
Compass Private Exclusives
Compass describes a private marketing program with availability that varies by market and seller choice. Ask which current opportunities can actually be shared in your search; do not assume every Compass agent has unrestricted access to every private home. Program questions.
Sharing and confidentiality
Confirm how information and showings may be shared and what current brokerage and local listing rules require. Respect the seller’s instructions; do not forward private photos or details without permission.
Evaluate the Home on the Same Evidence
Private exposure is not a substitute for diligence.
Price comparison
Request relevant recent closed sales and current alternatives, with differences in dock access, condition and ownership costs explained. Reduced exposure does not establish a discount or lack of competing buyers. Valuation questions.
Property condition and rights
Obtain disclosures, inspections, title review and property-specific shoreline or club records as appropriate. A personal introduction is not verification of the physical or legal condition. Diligence checklist.
Offer terms
Clarify seller expectations, representation, deadlines and any limitations on access. Compare those terms with publicly listed options instead of assuming a private process is faster or simpler.
Understand the Exposure Trade-Off
Buyer and seller interests need their own comparison.
For buyers
Keep the public search active and record why a private candidate is worth pursuing. Its fit, evidence and terms matter more than the exclusivity label.
For sellers
Compass’s disclosure warns that withholding initial MLS distribution can reduce audience, showings, offers and potentially price. Review the current disclosure and alternatives with your agent before choosing a strategy.
A focused inquiry
Share your budget, timing and required features so any inquiry can be specific. Ask what is verified today and what remains conditional; no site page can promise an unseen inventory.
Sources for Planning
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Confirm current details directly with the operator or provider.
Compass Private Exclusives program and disclosure
Compass Private Exclusives program and disclosure
Compass description of one-to-one private listing sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions buyers and sellers ask David first.
Does off-market mean a better deal?
No. Compare price, condition, rights and terms with relevant public alternatives. Neither a discount nor less competition is guaranteed.
Can David guarantee private inventory that fits my search?
No. Current opportunities depend on seller authorization, market availability and applicable sharing rules. Ask what can actually be verified and shown.
Should I search only private listings?
Compare both public and authorized private options so the exposure method does not unnecessarily narrow your choices.