How to Find the Best Real Estate Listings

When it comes to finding the perfect home, the process can feel overwhelming—especially with new listings hitting the market daily. But what if I told you that you don’t need to spend hours scrolling through real estate websites to uncover hidden gems?

The truth is, the best homes aren’t always the ones with the most views. In fact, some of the best real estate deals never even make it to public listings! So, how do you find them? Let’s dive in.

1?? Set Up Custom Alerts—Be First in Line!

Real estate moves FAST. If you’re still manually checking Zillow or Realtor.com every day, you’re already behind.

?? Pro Tip: Set up custom alerts based on your desired price range, location, and home features so you get notified the second a matching property hits the market.

Want to take it up a notch? Expand your search to off-market listings. More on that below.

2?? Tap Into Off-Market Listings (The Hidden Goldmine)

Some of the best properties never get publicly listed. Why? Because savvy buyers scoop them up before they ever hit the market.

?? Where do you find these?

?? Network with local homeowners (some sellers are open to offers before listing)

?? Check “Coming Soon” listings on platforms like Redfin

?? Ask around in real estate investor circles—sometimes they pass on deals that could be perfect for you.

3?? Master the Art of Keyword Searches

Believe it or not, the right search terms can uncover hidden listings that others miss. Try these keyword hacks:

?? Instead of: “3-bedroom house in Scottsdale”

? Try: “Spacious home with mountain views in Scottsdale”

?? Instead of: “Fixer-upper in Phoenix”

? Try: “Motivated seller, needs TLC, as-is”

Sellers (and their agents) use different wording. A few tweaks to your searches could mean finding your dream home before everyone else does!

4?? Be Ready to Pounce! (Seriously, Don't Wait)

In Arizona’s most desirable areas, homes can go under contract within days. If you find something that checks all your boxes, hesitation could cost you.

?? Have your pre-approval ready.

?? Know what terms you’re willing to negotiate.

?? Be prepared to schedule a showing ASAP.

The sooner you move, the better your chances of landing the home you truly want!

Final Thoughts: Arizona is FULL of Opportunities

Whether you’re looking for a home with breathtaking desert views, a vibrant downtown experience, or a quiet retreat in the mountains, there’s something for everyone. The key is knowing where and how to look.

Want to streamline your search and find the best listings without wasting time? Let’s chat. Book a short call with me here.