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The Smart Buyer's Guide: 11 Strategies for Finding the Best Real Estate Deals
Leverage the Power of the Internet
Start by combining MLS searches with third-party property sites, classified ads like Craigslist, and paid ads on Google or Facebook. These tools will help you identify opportunities quickly and begin understanding market pricing in your desired area.
In addition, a real estate professional can run targeted email campaigns through their network to uncover off-market listings—often where the best deals hide. At AXIS, our team frequently taps into exclusive listings and uses proprietary tools to help clients get a leg up on the competition.
Shop Around For The Right Lender
Just like you would always get a second opinion from a doctor, you should always get a second (or third, or fourth) offer for a mortgage loan.
Though interest rates from top lenders (major banks being some of the most popular ones) tend to be pretty similar, even a tenth of a percent in a fixed-rate loan makes a huge difference in the long run. Getting quotes from multiple lenders ensures you find the best terms, and may reveal special programs for first-time buyers. The AXIS lending team can help you navigate the lending landscape and uncover your best financing options. Find out more here.
Be The First (Or Last) To Make An Offer
In real estate, timing is everything. Sellers often accept strong early offers to avoid long listing times. Being first with a fair offer—especially if you're pre-approved or paying cash—can secure you a great deal before competition arises.
Alternatively, properties that have been on the market for an extended period may indicate a motivated seller willing to negotiate. Stay flexible and ready to act quickly. Working with AXIS gives you real-time alerts and expert guidance to act fast when the right property hits the market.
Negotiate Closing Costs
While buyers typically cover many closing costs, these fees are often negotiable. If a seller is firm on price, ask if they’ll contribute to closing costs instead. This approach can preserve their price point while saving you thousands.
An experienced AXIS agent can handle these negotiations for you and advocate on your behalf to structure a deal that works in your favor.
Buy During The Off-Season
Real estate tends to slow down during the colder months and holiday season. Sellers listing at this time are often motivated, which could lead to better deals.
The trade-off is a smaller inventory of homes to choose from, but fewer competing buyers and more room for negotiation. With AXIS agents monitoring market trends year-round, we can help identify motivated sellers and seasonal opportunities others might miss.
Consider Bank Owned Properties
Banks want to offload foreclosed homes quickly and are often open to selling below market value. However, these homes can come with repair needs.
Work with an agent who understands the foreclosure process to help you identify worthwhile opportunities and avoid costly pitfalls. At AXIS, we have agents with experience navigating REO (real estate owned) properties and evaluating their true value.
Drive for dollars
This tried-and-true tactic involves physically exploring neighborhoods of interest. Look for homes with "For Sale by Owner" signs, visible neglect, or signs of distress. Reaching out directly to owners may uncover deals not listed publicly.
If no one answers, research public records to contact the owner. Sometimes the best deals are found through persistence.
Explore New & Pre-Construction Developments
Builders often offer discounts on new or pre-construction properties to meet sales goals or finance upcoming phases. You may also be able to negotiate on upgrades, deposits, or closing costs.
Partner with an agent familiar with new construction to access early opportunities and advocate for favorable terms. The AXIS team is experienced in the industry and will be able to negotiate for you.
Research Tax-Delinquent Properties
Homeowners behind on property taxes may be motivated to sell before facing tax foreclosure. These homes can often be purchased below market value.
Tax-delinquent lists are usually public record and available through local tax offices. This list is filled with homeowners that have a HUGE motivation to sell their property, especially if they haven’t paid their property taxes in years. If they’re only a year or two away from losing their home to a tax foreclosure, they could be willing to sell for pennies on the dollar.
Of course, as you may expect, many of these homes fall squarely into fixer-upper territory, and may require significant repairs.
Connect With Real Estate Wholesalers
Wholesalers specialize in sourcing discounted properties and reselling them with a modest markup. These deals can still offer great value to buyers.
Join local real estate investment groups, attend networking events, or search online to get connected. Once you're on a wholesaler’s list, you'll get access to exclusive property deals. An AXIS agent can also connect you to reputable wholesalers and help you evaluate deals.
Work With An Expert Agent
As a buyer, you typically don’t pay out of pocket for your agent’s services—so make sure you hire someone great. A seasoned real estate professional brings local knowledge, negotiation skills, and early access to listings.
More importantly, they can help you avoid bad investments, navigate complex deals, and ultimately secure a property that fits both your needs and budget. At AXIS, our agents are dedicated to helping buyers like you find great deals and avoid costly mistakes.
Take the next step and connect with an AXIS agent. We're here to answer all your questions, and find the right property for you.