How To Find a New Home Before Anyone Else in 2024

The world of home buying can often be a competitive place, so finding, and even securing, a property before it officially hits the market can be a game-changer. You can’t always avoid competition, but you can get a head start on the competition, so you can potentially snag a hidden gem. To help you gain an edge in the property hunting game, here are five effective strategies to find properties before anyone else.

Establish Strong Relationships with Estate Agents

One of the most common ways to find properties is through estate agents, but building a strong relationship with those agents is an even better way to potentially gain early access to properties. 

Drop into local agents regularly and ask about upcoming listings and think about engaging with estate agents on social media to build connections. The stronger your network, the more likely you are to be informed about off-market opportunities, such as high-end listings where sellers don’t want several viewings.

Use Online Platforms

Platforms such as Rightmove are great for searching not only recently listed properties but also properties that have been on the market for a long time (and where sellers may be open to more negotiation on price). Be sure to use these sites for more than just registering for occasional email updates. Stay active on these platforms and be quick to respond to potential leads.

Go Offline

While online platforms dominate home buying and selling, don’t overlook traditional methods. Keep an eye on local newspapers, classified ads and community bulletin boards. Also, get out and about and look for sales boards. There may be some sellers, particularly in areas with high footfall who may be selling themselves and who may have their own sales board outside their property. Sellers who prefer a more discreet approach may choose these channels to advertise their properties. In smaller communities especially, word of mouth and community boards can be a goldmine for off-market opportunities.

Reach Out

The saying goes that the early bird catches the worm. Take a proactive approach by reaching out to homeowners in areas that you want to live in. Send personalised letters or postcards to property owners in your target area expressing your interest in buying. You never know who is thinking of selling, so you may just stumble upon an opportunity with homeowners who want to move but who haven’t officially listed their property. This could be a win-win situation as sellers could save on hefty estate agent fees.

Harness the Power of Social Media

Social media is not just for connecting with friends; it can also be a powerful tool in your property search. Pay attention to your contacts whno might might share their intentions to sell or those of someone they know. You can use social media platforms to connect directly with property owners or real estate professionals who may have insider information.

Conclusion

Successfully finding properties before they hit the market requires a combination of networking, online savvy, and proactive strategies. By building strong relationships, using online platforms, exploring traditional avenues, engaging in direct outreach, and leveraging social media, you can increase your chances of discovering hidden property gems.