In the United States today, there is an ongoing lack of housing options with no clear resolution in sight. This has led to intense competition among potential homebuyers who are eager to find their ideal property. As a result, some buyers believe their best chance of securing a home lies in making an offer before the property is officially listed for sale.
Real estate professionals, with their experience and connections, often know how to discover homes that are about to hit the market. However, for those who aren’t in the industry but are looking to secure a property early, here are some tips shared by experts:
1. Attend Estate Sales and Yard Sales
According to experienced agents, many sellers go through a routine before listing their home—this often begins with decluttering and removing unwanted items. Some homeowners may discard these items, while others choose to sell them at estate or yard sales.
Tezea Roro, a real estate agent from Keller Williams in New Jersey, suggests prospective homebuyers attend local yard or estate sales as a way to spot potential upcoming listings. “Homeowners usually organize sales when they’re considering downsizing or planning to relocate,” Roro explained. “Visiting a few of these sales can offer you insight into who may be preparing to sell.”
2. Drive Around the Neighborhood
Tristain O’Donnell from Engel & Völkers in Atlanta recommends that serious buyers drive through neighborhoods regularly to look for signs like dumpsters or storage containers parked out front.
“This is often a sign that a homeowner is preparing their house for sale,” she noted. “It could indicate anything from minor updates to full renovations—or even an investor flipping the property and getting ready to list it.”
3. Watch for Pre-Foreclosures
When a homeowner falls behind on their mortgage payments, the property can enter what’s known as the pre-foreclosure phase. During this time, the lender has not yet taken full possession, but the foreclosure process has started.
Adam Hamilton from REi Hub emphasized that these types of properties are listed in public records. “You can often get a head start by checking with the county recorder’s office—sometimes called the clerk’s office or register of deeds,” he said.
In addition to public records, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) may also provide access to pre-foreclosed properties, though it often requires a subscription or fee. Elena Novak from PropertyChecker.com added that the most lucrative opportunities aren’t usually found on the MLS. “They’re often in overlooked properties—homes that appear abandoned or where the owners have been absent,” she explained.
4. Build Relationships with Real Estate Agents
Experts recommend sharing your contact information with local real estate agents who specialize in the area where you want to buy. Building rapport with an agent early on can pay off when a new listing becomes available—especially one that hasn’t hit the market yet.
“They’re likely to know of people thinking about selling quietly, without going public,” said Roro. She noted that during the height of the COVID-19 housing rush, agents were often able to secure homes for clients through these insider connections.
Ryan David, a real estate investor from Pennsylvania, suggested attending real estate investment club meetings as another way to network with agents. “These meetings are full of professionals—agents, wholesalers, and investors—who are active in the market and often know about private deals,” he said.
5. Tap into Your Network
Real estate agents aren’t the only ones who may have leads. Dylan Calvo from the Realty Association in Tennessee recommends staying in touch with homebuilders and construction companies, many of which post updates about new developments on their websites.
Roro also encourages buyers not to underestimate the power of everyday connections. “Don’t overlook people like your housekeeper or gardener,” she said. “Let them know what you’re looking for—they might know someone who’s getting ready to sell.”
6. Use Social Media and Community Forums
Social media platforms and virtual community forums can also be great resources. Many neighborhoods have dedicated groups where locals post about garage sales, local events, and sometimes even upcoming moves.
Roro advised buyers to share their home search details—including desired property features and budget—within these groups. “It’s a great way to connect with potential sellers before the home ever hits the market,” she added.
By staying proactive, building strong local relationships, and paying attention to early signs, buyers can increase their chances of finding hidden gems before they’re officially listed. In a competitive market, every advantage counts.
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