🏡 Where's the Inventory? 23 Places You Haven’t Looked (Yet)

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Good morning, agents. ☀️ Low inventory doesn’t mean no inventory. It just means it’s hiding—and today, we’re handing you the map.

In this issue, you’ll uncover 23 unexpected, overlooked, and underused sources of listings that most agents never think to explore. From hidden gems in your database to off-market opportunities, it’s all about knowing where (and how) to look.

If you're tired of saying “there’s nothing out there,” this is your game changer.

Let’s go find it.🔥🏡

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WHERE'S THE INVENTORY? 23 PLACES YOU HAVEN’T LOOKED (YET)

Where's all the inventory? Yes, it's growing—but it's also selling nearly immediately. Buyers are standing by—many of them all cash, loan-committed, or at least pre-approved—just waiting for you to find what they want.

That puts you in a powerful position: everything you do to find your buyer their next home can also result in listing appointments and more inventory under your name.

In this 2-part article and podcast series, we’ll show you how to get your buyers in contract and build your personal listing inventory.

Before we get to the secret sources and strategies, here are some critical thoughts to consider:

Know What Your Buyers Truly Want

Are your buyers overly specific about areas, amenities, or school zones? It’s time to separate their must-haves from nice-to-haves. More flexibility means more opportunities.  Being too specific may mean you'll never find the right house.

Stop Relying Only on the MLS

The MLS is one tool—not the entire toolbox. Relying solely on it in today’s low-inventory, fast-moving market is a recipe for buyer burnout and missed opportunities.

Commit to Strategy

If you're not proactively deploying these methods, you're doing your buyers a disservice—and you're missing listing opportunities. Either commit to these strategies for every motivated, qualified buyer, or refer them to someone who will.

What Are We Solving For? TWO Things At Once!

• Help buyers avoid bidding wars by discovering off-market or overlooked inventory

• Generate seller leads and get listing appointments as a result of your efforts

Let’s get into the exact strategies to make it happen:

23 Proven Strategies to Find Inventory

1. Dig into your MLS for aged listings (60+ days)

They’re sitting unsold for a reason. Often it’s price or presentation—but they may work for your buyers with a few adjustments or creative negotiations.

2. Expand your buyers' search zones

Ask why they’re stuck on certain zip codes or schools. Then show them comparable areas with better availability.

3. Connect with real estate investors

Many don’t buy every deal they see. Get their leftovers—and maybe their next flip or rental. Look on Meetup.com or investor Facebook groups.  'We buy ugly homes' and 'We pay cash for homes' always have homes they know about but decided not to buy.

Bonus: This is also a great way to find YOUR next rental or flip!

4. Befriend new home sales reps

They know who's buying but need to sell first. They’ll share that info—especially if you offer a referral fee, gift cards, or just good rapport. Build and nurture these relationships.

5. Ask about homes falling out of contract

New build reps know when a deal is collapsing. You may get first dibs on a nearly completed home—before it hits the market again.

6. Call 'For Rent by Owner' listings

These landlords often make business decisions about their properties. Offer to bring a buyer before they spend another dollar on maintenance or vacancies.

7. Build connections with Assisted Living intake staff

They frequently deal with clients who must sell their home to pay for care. Offer value to these staff members—like vendor lists or your Pre-Listing Package.

8. Target Notice of Defaults (NODs)

These are homes at risk of foreclosure. They may match your buyers’ criteria and aren’t yet listed.  There are always pre-foreclosure notices in every market.

9. Search your own database

Look for homeowners whose homes match your buyer’s needs. You could unlock 2–3 transactions from just one conversation.  Who in your database owns a home that's a match for your buyers?

10. Call your sphere

Ask: “If you knew your home was worth $X today, would that change your plans?” Use current comps to spark curiosity.  What listings will you uncover just by asking?  Offer a free market analysis.

11. Scout out half-finished flips

Material and labor costs have halted many projects. Some flippers are willing to sell as-is.  Drive or doorknock the neighborhoods your buyers want and notice who's rehabbing.

12. Investigate condo/apartment conversions

These properties may be quietly shifting from rentals to resales.  Pull building permits and see what the plan is, or simply call the owner or developer of the building.

13. Revisit expired listings

Old expireds may be more motivated now—and may get their original price in today’s market.  Use RedX to efficiently find Expired homeowners phone numbers.

14. Call or Visit For Sale By Owners

Focus on FSBOs that haven’t sold in 2+ weekends. They’re usually tired and ready for help.  Visit their open houses or set up a private showing.

15. Absentee Owners

Get lists from services like RE-InvestorList.com. These owners may be more likely to sell and often aren’t occupying the property.

16. Vacation Rental Owners

Many are ready to sell due to increased regulations and reduced profitability. Contact VRBO or Airbnb owners directly.  Easiest phone numbers to find!

17. Probate

When heirs need to sell a property, you can provide expertise. Use AllTheLeads.com/Harris for data, training, and letter templates.

18. Estate & Garage Sales

These can signal an upcoming move or sale. Monitor Facebook Marketplace or drive neighborhoods on weekends.

19. Non-MLS Zillow Listings

Watch Zillow for listings by out-of-area agents who aren’t members of your MLS. These can be hidden gems.

20. Door Knock with Value

Use your 'Wanted Flyer'

21. Expand Your Sphere

Join clubs, organizations, or community groups to meet new people and get organic referrals. Think kids' sports, gyms, or art classes.

22. Show Up Everywhere

Participate in or sponsor community events—parades, clean-ups, farmer’s markets. Make it so people say, “You’re that real estate agent, right?”  Real estate leads live right under your nose all the time...just don't be a 'secret agent'!

23. Prospect Your Professional Network

Mortgage lenders, stagers, inspectors, and movers often know who’s moving before anyone else. Ask them for referrals—and return the favor.

REMEMBER

Your buyers are depending on you to be proactive—and every buyer lead is a hidden seller opportunity in disguise. Stop waiting. Start finding.

Don't let your buyers be more proactive than you are!

For more help, come to our Mastermind today! HarrisMasterMind.com

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Your next big win is waiting. 🏆,

—Tim & Julie Harris
Harris Real Estate Daily

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