Have you ever driven through a neighbourhood and suddenly seen a home that you have fallen in love with? But as luck would have it, the home is not for sale.
While the majority of us drive away, feeling sad, there are others who are determined to make that home theirs, whether it is for sale or not.
And often, with the help of the right real estate advisor, they will do just that! For a real estate professional, this is equivalent to a sales “cold call” – the clients point out the home they like, and the realtor plays a sort of matchmaker, contacting the homeowners to see if they are willing to sell.
While some owners will not even consider a sale, there are others who may, if they get the right incentive – price! The idea of selling the home may have been discussed, but the process had not been started. There could also be a chance that the home may have been on the market previously.
So if you are interested in a home that has not been put on the market, this is what you can do:
1. Do a thorough research on the property and the owner. Public records, real estate listings of houses in the neighbourhood, or even old real estate listings in the area can give you a decent idea of the value.
2. If you decide you’re serious about approaching the owner, your best bet is to ask your realtor to do so on your behalf. It will show the owner you’re seriously interested. A good idea would be to send to the owner, via your realtor, a handwritten letter, expressing why you’re interested. It will help personalize the process.
3. If the owner shows interest in selling, work fast to make the deal before he/she changes his/her mind.
Remember you may end up paying more than the market price if the house isn’t officially up for sale. It has to be a home that has left a lasting impression on you if you decide to buy.
Are you interested in buying a home? Please contact us. We can advise you on a property purchase or a valuation. Our experienced Real Estate professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience in these fields.