By David Delgado | Freedom Choice Lending

If you’re searching for a home and relying only on Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com, you’re already competing with thousands of other buyers for the same listings.

Here’s the truth most buyers don’t realize:

👉 Some of the best homes never hit Zillow at all.
👉 Others are sold before the public ever sees them.

In today’s competitive market, priority access is often the difference between winning your dream home—or watching it sell to someone else.

Here’s how savvy buyers get ahead.

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Why Many Homes Never Show Up on Zillow

Zillow is a powerful tool—but it only shows publicly listed homes. Many properties are sold through alternative channels, including:

• Off-market (pocket) listings
• Coming-soon listings
• Private agent networks
• Direct seller outreach
• Expired or withdrawn listings
• Homes sold quietly to qualified buyers

These opportunities favor buyers who are prepared, connected, and strategic.

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1. Get Fully Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

This is the single most important step.

Sellers and agents will not show off-market homes to buyers who aren’t financially vetted. A strong pre-approval tells agents and sellers:

✔ You’re serious
✔ You can perform
✔ You can close on time

At Freedom Choice Lending, we help buyers get underwriter-reviewed pre-approvals—the kind that open doors to homes others never see.

Tip: Off-market sellers want certainty, not curiosity.

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2. Work With an Agent Plugged Into Private Networks

Top-producing real estate agents share listings internally before they ever go public.

These private channels include:

• Office exclusives
• Agent-to-agent texts
• Broker previews
• Local mastermind groups

If your agent isn’t actively networking daily, you’re missing opportunities.

💡 The right agent + the right lender = early access.

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3. Tap Into “Coming Soon” Listings

Many homes are marketed quietly before launch to:

• Test pricing
• Reduce showings
• Secure clean offers

With a solid pre-approval and the right team, you can:

• Tour homes early
• Submit offers before competition
• Negotiate with less pressure

These listings often sell before the open house ever happens.

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4. Target Sellers Directly (With the Right Strategy)

Some homeowners are open to selling—but don’t want the hassle of listing publicly.

Strategic outreach can uncover:

• Owners considering downsizing
• Investors ready to exit
• Sellers waiting for the “right buyer”

This approach works best when:

• You’re clear on your budget
• Your financing is ready
• Your team handles communication professionally

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5. Monitor Expired, Canceled, and Withdrawn Listings

Not every home that disappears from Zillow is off the market for good.

Some sellers:

• Priced too high
• Got cold feet
• Didn’t find the right buyer

These properties often resurface quietly—and motivated sellers may welcome strong, clean offers.

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6. Be Flexible on Terms (Not Just Price)

Off-market deals aren’t always about paying more.

Sometimes sellers care more about:

• Flexible move-out timing
• Rent-back options
• Fewer contingencies
• A smoother escrow

When your financing is strong, you can structure an offer that wins without overpaying.

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7. Partner With a Lender Who Creates Leverage

A strong lender doesn’t just approve loans—they help buyers win homes.

At Freedom Choice Lending, we:

• Pre-approve buyers for speed and strength
• Communicate directly with listing agents
• Structure offers that stand out
• Help buyers compete confidently—even off-market

When agents know your lender can perform, they’re more likely to bring you opportunities early.

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The Bottom Line

Zillow shows what’s available to everyone.
Priority access goes to buyers who are prepared, connected, and proactive.

If you want:
✔ Homes before they hit the market
✔ Less competition
✔ Better negotiating power

You need the right strategy—and the right team.

Direct Line (562) 281-6163
Main Office (866) 587-6927
David Delgado – NMLS #349079
Presiden/CEO
Freedom Choice Lending
NMLS #1998153

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