Always had your eye on that one house in that one neighborhood at the end of that one cul-de-sac? Have you driven by it so many times that you are worried the neighbors might think you are a stalker? Can you see just exactly what you would do to the outside? To the shutters? To the planters? Can you imagine yourself living there?
If you want to get that house before it ever goes on the market, the one tried and true thing to do is simply put a note in the mailbox. And then take a big breath and wish. While this method may actually work on occasion, there is a bit of science to find homes that are off-market. This means, technically, that they are not yet formally under contract and would not appear on any REALTOR® listings.
If the mailbox method seems a little too much like playing the lottery, here are a variety of options:
1. Find a REALTOR® you would like to work with
A REALTOR® from the Yosha Snyder Group might just fit the bill for you. You want someone who is willing to do what it takes to get you in your forever home. When you have the right REALTOR®–one who really understands exactly what you need, where you want to live, when you want to move, and what you can afford–they may have access to owners who are considering selling but have not yet listed their home. There are a variety of reasons for this, but whatever the reason, the result can work in your favor. In this instance, you would not be subjected to Open Houses and the competition. Instead, the sale and purchase becomes about relationships–yours, the sellers, and your REALTOR®. Literally, your real estate professional, once they know your wants and needs, can get you in the front door first.
2. A pocket listing is another option
This is exactly what it sounds like; everything is kept, metaphorically, in the “pocket.” A pocket listing remains a valuable option for certain sellers in today’s market. Just like the name suggests, everything about the sale is kept “in the pocket” —private and discreet. Sellers often choose a pocket listing when their home is particularly exclusive, whether due to its design, location, or the high-profile identity of the owner. They typically prefer to avoid public marketing, including yard signs and online exposure. Instead of listing the home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), the property is quietly shared through the REALTOR®’s private network. In 2025, pocket listings are most often used by sellers who value privacy and trust their agent to connect them with serious, qualified buyers. It’s a strategy that requires experience and confidence but can lead to highly targeted, low-stress transactions.
3. Consider a FSBO
Everyone loves a good acronym, and FSBO (“Fizbo”) has a nice ring to it. FSBO stands for “For Sale by Owner.” Many first-time sellers like to hope they have the time and patience to sell their home on their own. Often, they will try to list their home for a month or so and then realize enlisting the help of a Realtor takes a lot of the pressure off of the transaction. Even if you discover the perfect FSBO, having a relationship with a Realtor who can represent you in the purchase process is of great benefit. Their job is to make sure you leave the closing with your patience–and finances–in hand.
4. Be patient
Selling a home is rarely a quick or simple process. From clearing out closets to refreshing the interior, preparation takes time. Today, many sellers partner with a REALTOR® early on to help guide them through these critical first steps. Once a listing agreement is signed, even if the home isn’t fully ready for showings, it can be marketed under the “Coming Soon” status. This is a powerful tool that alerts potential buyers and agents that the property will be hitting the market soon. In 2025’s competitive real estate landscape, “Coming Soon” listings offer a key advantage: they build anticipation while giving sellers time to finish preparations. Homes listed as “Coming Soon” must have a signed contract with a licensed REALTOR®, ensuring serious intent to sell. This strategy helps maximize early exposure and can generate buzz, creating stronger demand before the first official showing.
5. Leverage your real estate agent’s built-in network
An experienced real estate agent will have connections that you can leverage to find listings. Note two important words: “experienced” and “connections.” When you work with a real estate agent, you’re not just gaining their expertise — you’re tapping into their built-in network of trusted professionals. A seasoned agent has strong relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, stagers, and even other agents. This network can help speed up the buying or selling process and connect you to reliable experts who can make the journey smoother. Need a last-minute handyman to make repairs before listing your home? Your agent likely knows someone who can jump in quickly. Looking for a mortgage broker with competitive rates? They can recommend someone they’ve seen deliver results. In competitive markets, an agent’s network can even give you an edge in negotiations, thanks to connections with other realtors. Leveraging your agent’s network saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you’re working with professionals who are already vetted, helping you move forward with confidence.
In every case, finding the right REALTOR® is the right idea. The Yosha Snyder Group wants the job of helping you find your forever home–no matter how it is listed. They are the experts in your neighborhood.