How to See Coming Soon Listings Before They’re Active

“Coming soon” listings are properties not yet available for showings but expected to enter the active market within a short timeframe. This pre-marketing status generates interest and anticipation among prospective buyers. Sellers use this period to finalize preparations, such as staging, photography, or minor repairs, before the home is ready for public viewings.

For buyers, these listings offer an early glimpse into housing inventory. Discovering a “coming soon” property allows buyers to prepare for a competitive market, potentially reducing the rush once the home becomes active. This early awareness leads to a more informed and strategic home search.

Partnering with a Real Estate Professional

Collaborating with a real estate agent is an effective strategy for gaining access to “coming soon” listings. Agents often have access to these properties through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a private database where professionals share listing information. While “coming soon” properties are not fully active, they are frequently entered into the MLS, allowing agents to view them before public release. This early visibility enables buyer’s agents to inform their clients about upcoming opportunities.

Real estate agents also leverage their professional networks to learn about properties before they hit the broader market. They maintain relationships with other agents, brokers, and industry contacts, often receiving direct communications about properties still in the pre-marketing phase. This network is a valuable source of information not readily available to the public, providing a head start in a competitive housing landscape.

To maximize access to these early listings, buyers should seek an agent with strong local expertise and a robust network within the desired area. An agent familiar with local market dynamics and well-connected with other professionals can proactively identify and share “coming soon” opportunities. Proactive communication from the agent is important, ensuring buyers are promptly notified of relevant listings.

Establishing a working relationship with an agent involves discussing specific home preferences, desired neighborhoods, and financial parameters. This detailed understanding allows the agent to filter through available “coming soon” data and present only the most suitable options. Maintaining open communication ensures that as new properties emerge, the buyer is among the first to know and can act swiftly.

Leveraging Online Resources and Local Exploration

Beyond working with an agent, buyers can independently explore online resources to uncover “coming soon” listings. Major real estate portals often feature filters or dedicated sections for these properties. Websites like Zillow and Realtor.com allow users to select a “coming soon” search filter to view homes expected to be listed within 30 days. Setting up email alerts ensures notifications are received as soon as a relevant “coming soon” listing is posted.

Many individual brokerage websites also display their firm’s “coming soon” properties, sometimes before they appear on larger public portals. Regularly check the websites of prominent real estate companies operating in the target neighborhoods. Some MLS systems also feed “coming soon” data to Broker/Agent IDX sites.

Social media platforms are another avenue for discovering pre-market homes. Real estate agents frequently use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to announce new listings, often including “coming soon” properties. Joining local real estate groups or community forums on these platforms can also provide early insights, as agents or residents might share information about upcoming homes.

Local exploration methods remain effective for identifying properties. Driving through desired neighborhoods can reveal “coming soon” signs placed by listing agents. These signs often indicate a property is preparing to enter the market. Engaging with local community groups, attending neighborhood events, or visiting local businesses can sometimes yield informal information about homes that will soon be for sale.

Engaging with Coming Soon Listings

Once a “coming soon” listing is identified, express interest and understand its typical timeline to active status. While properties are “coming soon,” showings are generally prohibited by MLS rules. However, buyers can often pre-schedule showings for the date the listing becomes active.

The “coming soon” period typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, often capped at 14 to 21 days. During this time, the listing agent uses the period for pre-marketing and final preparations. Buyers should communicate their interest to their agent, who can then connect with the listing agent to gather more details about the property and its expected active date.

Although showings are usually restricted, it is sometimes possible to make an offer on a property during its “coming soon” phase. Listing agents are generally required to present all offers to the seller, even if the property is not yet active. However, sellers may choose not to review offers until the home officially hits the market.

Engaging with “coming soon” listings requires clear communication between the buyer and their real estate agent. The buyer’s agent can facilitate interest, monitor the property’s status, and advise on timing for viewing or submitting an offer once the property transitions to an active listing. This proactive approach helps buyers position themselves effectively for desired homes.