Buying a house is a lot like running a race: Once a listing goes live, buyers have to sprint off the starting block before tons of other buyers start bidding. Making moves to get ahead of the general public when you’re the buyer is wise if you want to get the perfect house. If you want to get ahead of the curve here are some secrets for beating the crowds.
Ask Your Agent
Don’t just ask your real estate agent about current listings; ask if there are any listings he or she is working on where the seller hasn’t signed on yet. Basically, the agent will try to find an interested buyer before they have even locked down the listing, and use that to entice the seller to sign the listing agreement with them. Of course, you aren’t promising to buy the place, but if you are seriously interested, that can be enough to get your foot in the door before the rest of the world.
Hone in on Homeowners Undergoing Life Changes
One great place to seek out budding homes sales in a neighborhood is to infiltrate their local parenting groups. After all, parents are all in “transitional periods” with newborns, babies on the way, or young children heading off to school. Thus the likelihood of these families looking to move is very high.
Additionally, paying attention to the “life events” of people in these areas can provide solid leads. utilize social clubs as a forum to ask if anyone is selling a home. Clubs like the Junior League, Lions Club, or Knight of Columbus can be great places to inquire about people thinking of moving.
Mass Mailing
Sometimes, a little retro outreach can also work wonders. Which is why you should consider doing a mailing to the people in the neighborhood where you wish to live.
Hit Up HOA Boards
If there’s a certain building or community you’re interested in, contact its HOA or condo board and inquire if anyone has heard rumblings of any places that might soon be up for sale.
In fact, many neighborhoods and buildings have their own online sites, Facebook Pages, or online communities, which can be a perfect way to get the inside scoop on homes or apartments about to be listed.
Use Current Listings as a Springboard
Current listings may be out of the bag, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them to find listings that may be waiting in the wings. Go to open houses in the area where you are looking, and chat up the neighbors if you see them. Ask the real estate agent and neighbors about the neighborhood, and try to work in a question about if they know of other home becoming available.
