How to Find Pre-Market Opportunities in Todays's Real Estate 

Have A Well-Connected Agent

The key is to have a well-connected real estate agent. A good agent will have an extensive network that he or she can call upon when searching for the right fit for a client, especially in markets where inventory is low.

Experienced In A Specific Community

Your well-connected agent reaches out to other agents whom he knows are hyper-focused on a specific community that interests one of her clients, “It is not uncommon for them to know someone who may be flirting with selling and may re-evaluate their decision and timeline if an offer is presented, or they may have a listing that they are preparing for market and be open to considering an offer before it’s officially listed.”  A well-connected agent also knows about pre-market opportunities in new homes, even inventory that is not being shared on the MLS.

From A Larger Office - Carolina ONE Real Estate

An agent from a larger broker with a potential seller might reach out to his or her fellow agents to let them know. In many markets, there is also a private listserv  that agents join by invitation only, 

“This is where agents post pre-market opportunities, but also off-market opportunities, as in, homes that literally will not hit the public market but will be sold to someone on the inside track,” Blair Halford says. Buyers can be matched with an agent through this site.

With A Good Reputation

Or maybe your agent just has a good rep. When listing agents perceive a fellow agent as being professional and easy to work with, they are more likely to share a private or ‘coming soon’ listing because they know you will not waste their time.  

Who Will Reach Out To Homeowners Directly

Another tactic that agents will use to help their buyers is reaching out to homeowners directly, even if they haven’t indicated a desire to move. “Perhaps they have never considered selling or have only half-considered the idea but may be open to entertaining an offer,” Halford says. Of course, a determined would-be buyer can “door-knock” themselves, but it’s often better received coming from an agent.