Finding Unlisted Homes for Sale

There are a few different reasons why a home might be for sale, available for purchase or soon to be available for purchase but not be listed on the local MLS.

For sale by owner (FSBO) homes aren’t normally listed on the MLS unless the seller pays a flat fee to a realtor with MLS access to list their home. This is an added cost for FSBO sellers, which is why many are never listed.

Alternatively, homes that are being foreclosed upon typically aren’t listed, nor are the homes that are for sale at real estate auctions. There can also be scenarios where a homeowner may be interested or open to selling but has not taken the step of formally listing their home yet. Some of these individuals may jump at the chance to get a good price for their home if they were approached with a fair offer.

All of these scenarios may exist within the community or neighborhood where you want to buy – but finding those homes can be difficult without help. This also means there is normally less competition for unlisted homes, since other homebuyers who are actively looking for real estate in the area won’t be aware of these purchasing opportunities.

How Can a Motivated Buyer’s Agent Find These Homes?

Networking is a powerful tool for experienced and well-connected real estate agents. Agents with connections in the community may hear about FSBO sales through word-of-mouth. Some FSBO homeowners also invest in DIY advertising through classified ads, flyers posted in the area or through social media or other online platforms. Motivated agents pay attention to these sources and will be on the lookout for FSBO purchase opportunities that are flying under the radar.

Some agents may also pursue direct outreach or canvassing by actively contacting homeowners in the area where you want to buy and inquiring about their potential interest in selling. This is usually done through phone calls, mailers or door-knocking. They can also put up flyers in the area encouraging FSBO sellers to get in touch.

Although FSBO sellers don’t usually have access to the MLS, they can list and advertise their home for sale on other platforms, like Zillow, Craigslist or dedicated FSBO websites.

Some real estate agents, especially those who are motivated and committed to the profession, participate in real estate investor groups that hold regular meetings, or they may be active in relevant online forums. This can be a highly effective way to learn about off-market listings before they become widely known.

There are also potential signs that can be spotted in public records or other databases, like finding properties that are in pre-foreclosure in the area a buyer wants to move into.

Many local real estate agents who are engaged with the community have a strong network of not only other real estate agents but friends, family, past clients and business contacts. They can ask informed individuals if they know of any unlisted FSBO homes or anyone who may be interested in selling. People often tell friends and family they are thinking about moving weeks or months before they actually contract with a real estate agent to list their home.

Agents might also know local attorneys or estate planners who learn about life events (like a divorce) that might result in homes going on the market in the near future.

There are also periodic real estate auctions of properties that aren’t always listed on the MLS. Agents may be invited or know when these auctions occur and how to participate.

Should You Work with a Real Estate Agent?

The average home shopper may be able to use some of these methods to find unlisted homes on their own – but many of these strategies are only possible, or made far easier, with the help of an experienced local real estate professional.

Before you buy a new home, you may want to line up the sale of your current home. If you want to maximize the sale price of your home to ensure you have as much money as possible to invest in your next home, call 72SOLD. Our proven strategy leads to higher-than-average sale prices, with many clients receiving multiple competitive offers in just eight days after listing.

Find out how much your home may be worth by filling out the Get Your Price form on our website.