03/11/2026
Whether you’re in the process of buying a home, or just keep up with real estate news, you’ve probably heard about the lack of inventory in the housing market. While fewer properties on the market means increased competition for buyers, there are still ways for home buyers to navigate inventory challenges and have an edge in the marketplace.
A few tips :
👍🏼 Tap into Pre-Market Opportunities
Pre-market (or private market) listings are homes that are for sale, but not yet publicly listed on the MLS. As a result, buyers won’t find these listings on major search portals like Zillow, Trulia, or Realtor.com. This could be for a variety of reasons. For example, a seller may want to do some prep work to get their home ready for sale or may just want more privacy.
Private listings make up a growing segment of the market, and they are typically on networks only available to brokers. When inventory is low and there is strong competition, it’s important to work with an agent that can tap into these networks and keep you informed on new opportunities.
👍🏼 Get Pre-Approved
An up-to-date mortgage pre-approval (or proof of funds if you’re a cash buyer) is essential if you’re looking to purchase a home. As a buyer, this not only lets you know what you can afford, but also lets the seller know that you’re a qualified buyer, which is especially important in today’s environment. It's a non-negotiable.
Talk to your lender to make sure your pre-approval is current, and if you don’t have a mortgage broker, I'm happy to share recommendations.
👍🏼 Make Your Offer Stand Out
When inventory is low, multiple offer scenarios are common. If you’re ready to make an offer on a home you love, we can work together to do everything you can, to make your offer stand out, especially if the seller has other offers.
To win, your offer needs to flat out be more appealing. Things like increasing your earnest money, waiving certain contingencies, or being flexible on terms that may be important to the seller, such as the closing date can help.
Let's talk if you are interested in learning more!
Emily Glasgow | Broker
The Jeff Kallas Group
Christie's International Real Estate