Buzz
Though it’s easy to get lost in endless Zillow browsing, if you're searching for a home within a specific price range or school district and keep losing out in bidding wars or missing the chance to place an offer, it might be time to adjust your approach.
One strategy to consider is seeking out homes that are on the brink of being sold but haven’t yet made it to the market. It’s challenging, but here are three signs that could guide you.
Signs That a Home May Be About to Hit the Market
If you're searching for a new home or simply curious about a property in your neighborhood, here are some signs that it could soon be listed for sale:
The lawn is unkempt
When the grass, bushes, and other plants in a yard that’s usually well-maintained (or at least decently managed) start to grow wild, it may indicate that the property is vacant. This doesn’t automatically mean it’s about to be sold, but it’s definitely a possibility.
It’s possible the homeowners had to relocate quickly without time to list the house, or the property could be in foreclosure. In either case, if you live nearby, consider talking to your neighbors or asking your realtor to check if the property is in default.
There’s a moving or estate sale taking place at the property
Whether referred to as a moving sale, estate sale, living estate sale, yard sale, garage sale, or any other term, if personal belongings are being sold, it’s quite possible that the property itself could soon be listed for sale as well.
The home and/or yard is undergoing a transformation.
Is the house getting a fresh coat of paint? Has a landscaping crew shown up to enhance the garden? Have the outdated outdoor light fixtures from the 1980s been replaced with modern ones? Such exterior updates often boost curb appeal, signaling that the house might be about to hit the market—especially if these renovations are taking place all at once.
