11 Smart Ways to Find Inventory in a Low-Inventory Housing Market
11 Smart Ways to Find Inventory in a Low-Inventory Housing Market
If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably noticed homes are selling fast, and options can feel limited. But “low housing inventory” doesn’t mean there's no homes for sale.
The truth about a competitive housing market?
There are still plenty of opportunities for prepared, strategic homebuyers — you just need to know where to look.
Here’s how top REALTORS help their clients find their dream home, even in the tightest markets:
1. Work With a Well-Connected, Local REALTOR
Your real estate agent's personal and profssional network is your biggest asset. Experienced and local REALTORS often know about off-market or “coming soon” listings long before they hit the Zillow. They can potenitally show you homes for sale, before everyone else knows about them.
Are you looking for a local REALTOR? Click HERE to connect with a real estate agent near you.
2. Explore Off-Market & Pre-MLS Homes
Ask your REALTOR about New Construction Builder Inventory, Sellers testing the market before putting it on the MLS, or their real estate brokerage's internal exclusive listings. These are often the “hidden gems” others miss and may be your dream home waiting for you.
3. Check Expired, Withdrawn, or Canceled Listings
Homes that didn’t sell last year might be available again — and Sellers could be ready to deal. If the Seller didn't relist yet with a new real estate agent, your REALTOR may be able to work a great deal out with them.
4. Revisit Homes That Have Been Sitting on the Market for a While
If a home has been listed for a while, the Seller may now be open to price adjustments or creative terms to get it sold. Properties with high DOM (Days on Market) become less visible everyday they are up for sale. If the Seller has a need to move, you could have a a great oppurtunity to negotaite a great deal.
5. Be Flexible on Your Search Criteria
Even small adjustments — like expanding your search radius into other neighborhoods and towns or reconsidering a must-have vs a like-to-have — can reveal more home options and better deals.
6. Tap Into Home Builder and New Construction Communities
Custom Home Builders and New Construction Developers often have quick move-in or spec homes not yet online. REALTORS who stay in touch with home builder reps often get early access and additional incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns, closing cost assistance, appliance packages and more.
Are you considering buying a new construction home or building your dream home? The Zack Grimmer Group, Powered by Real, is here to help guide you through the process and represent you to ensure you're getting the best deal. Click HERE to learn more about how we can help with New Construction Home Sales.
7. Social Media & Local Networks
Neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and community chats often surface homeowners “thinking of selling.”
8. Use Reverse Prospecting Tools
MLS platforms can connect REALTORS with real estate agents representing Sellers whose homes match your Buyer’s needs — even before they list their house for sale.
9. Consider Rental Listings
Some Landlords may be ready to sell their investment property — especially if the property has been vacant or management has become a hassle. This could be a great oppurtunity to get a deal on a home.
Are you a Landlord tired of dealing with vacant properties? Click HERE to learn more about how we help real estate investors optimize their ROI on their investment properties.
10. Watch “Coming Soon” and “Back on Market” Homes
Deals fall through all the time for a wide range of reasons, some that have nothing to do with the quality of the home. These homes are often overlooked, giving ready homebuyers an edge.
11. Think Beyond Move-In Ready
Consider homes that may need small updates or cosmetic work. Fewer homebuyers compete for these properties — and they can offer big value with just a little elbow grease.
Even in a low-inventory housing market, strategy beats luck. When you partner with a local REALTOR who knows how to network with other agents and builders, negotiate a great deal, and uncover hidden homes not yet on the market, you’ll find opportunities others miss out on.
👉 Ready to uncover homes others can’t find? Let’s build your personalized home buying strategy today.
Click HERE to learn more about our Real Estate Services | Click HERE to learn more about our Mortgage Services
The Zack Grimmer Group, Powered by Real, is a Residential & Commercial Real Estate and Mortgage Team that was founded in 2021 by Zachary ‘Zack’ Grimmer. We assist our clients who are looking to BUY, RENT, SELL or INVEST in real estate throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida! We are tech-enabled and data-driven, giving our real estate team the necessary tools to successfully broker real estate in any market. Our mission is to provide white-glove service to our clients and investors. Browse our website at www.ZackGrimmerGroup.com to learn more about all the real estate and mortgage services we offer to our community.
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Zack Grimmer
Associate Broker | Team Leader | REALTOR | Mortgage Loan Officer | License ID: RS346782 | 1973175 | BK359849