The Manhattan luxury market moves fast. Really fast. I've watched stunning properties go from "for sale" to "under contract" in less time than it takes to get a coffee in most neighborhoods. For buyers who wait until homes hit the public market, that window of opportunity often closes before they even realize it opened.

If you've ever lost out on a property you loved to another buyer, you're not alone. The United States has a significant housing shortage that, for now, shows little end in sight, creating intense competition among buyers looking for the perfect property. The good news? There's a strategy that lets you get ahead of this competition, and it doesn't involve obsessively refreshing your browser all day.

The Reality of New Listings in New York

Here's something most buyers don't realize: the best real estate deals rarely start on the MLS; they begin where few buyers are looking. By the time a home appears on popular property websites, multiple agents already know about it, savvy investors have toured it, and a bidding war may already be brewing.

New York's real estate market operates on a layer most people never see. According to the National Association of Realtors, 20% of transactions in some markets happen off the MLS, showing the importance of exploring these hidden opportunities. That's one in five homes being sold through private channels, pocket listings, or "coming soon" status before ever hitting the public market.

What Are Pre-Market Listings?

Coming Soon Homes are properties listed for sale before they officially hit the market. These pre-market listings give buyers a sneak peek at homes that are about to be available, providing an early opportunity to explore, schedule viewings, and make offers before the competition grows.

There's also the "pocket listing" phenomenon. A pocket listing is a real estate agreement in which the property never makes it to a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Instead, it's shown to buyers through the sellers or real estate agent's private network. For buyers, there's an obvious benefit: less competition. If hardly anyone knows the house is available, there are fewer offers, and yours has a much better chance of succeeding. There's less stress, and you might get a better deal too if you avoid a bidding war.

So how do you access these opportunities? The answer comes down to relationships and strategy.

Build a Relationship With Your Agent Early

This is the foundation of everything. Agents who sell homes in the neighborhood you want to move to should have your contact information. Building a relationship with an agent beforehand can pay off once that person catches wind of a potential listing.

When you work with me as your real estate agent, I'm not just sitting passively waiting for new listings to appear. If your agent has been working in the same area for many years, they have likely developed relationships with local real estate agents. Perhaps they met at a local networking event, or maybe they have worked together on deals in the past. This benefits you as a buyer because they will often hear about new properties from fellow agents before they come onto the market. Listing agents will often tell other realtors in the community about homes they are preparing to sell in case they are currently working with any buyers who might have interest in seeing the property.

Throughout my years as a real estate professional in New York, I've built a deep network of connections across Manhattan and the boroughs. When other agents hear about upcoming listings, I'm one of the first calls they make—and I make sure my buyer clients hear about opportunities before they become public knowledge.

Access Pocket Listings Through Your Network

They will likely know of folks looking to move or want an off-market, quiet sale. Sellers choose pocket listings for privacy, speed, or because they prefer a more discreet transaction. Your agent needs to be connected enough to know about these deals.

As an agent with HOUSEJET, I help my clients access these exclusive opportunities. I understand why sellers choose private sales and can position your offer in a way that appeals to their needs. I've developed relationships with other agents, attorneys handling estates and divorces, and corporate relocation specialists who often have access to properties before they hit any public platform.

Watch for the "Coming Soon" Advantage

Once a listing agreement is signed, even if the home isn't fully ready for showings, it can be marketed under the "Coming Soon" status. This is a powerful tool that alerts potential buyers and agents that the property will be hitting the market soon. In 2025's competitive real estate landscape, "Coming Soon" listings offer a key advantage: they build anticipation while giving sellers time to finish preparations. This strategy helps maximize early exposure and can generate buzz, creating stronger demand before the first official showing.

The critical window is between "coming soon" and "active." That's when many offers come in with less competition. I track these listings carefully and notify my clients immediately. It's one of the reasons being connected to the right agent matters so much.

Don't Overlook the Detective Work

Sometimes you need to do a little investigative work yourself. A savvy homebuyer should view a yard sale as an early detection. Homeowners preparing to sell often start by decluttering and downsizing. Estate and yard sales can be early indicators that someone is getting ready to list their property. Stopping by these sales or even just noting where they're happening in your target neighborhoods can give you a valuable lead.

Also, keep an eye out for visual clues like dumpsters, moving pods, or renovation crews. These often signal that a homeowner is preparing their home for sale—whether it's a light refresh or a major update before listing. Regularly driving through your desired area increases your chances of spotting these opportunities.

As your New York real estate agent, I do this for you. I drive neighborhoods regularly, I know which homeowners are planning to move, and I have conversations that give me insights into the market you might never find online.

Use Word of Mouth Beyond Real Estate

Don't underestimate the folks you interact with regularly, such as your cleaner, landscaper, mailman, hairstylist, barber or dentist. Mention what you are looking for. They may know someone looking to make a move.

I've found homes for clients through conversations with handymen, renovation contractors, building managers, and countless other professionals who hear about people planning to sell before anyone else. It's one reason why a connected local agent makes all the difference.

Get Pre-Approved and Be Ready

Here's the unglamorous truth: Often, sellers only entertain offers from pre-approved buyers, so it's important to work with a buyer's agent who has experience with off-market properties. When an opportunity comes up, you need to be able to move fast. That means having your finances in order, your pre-approval letter ready, and a clear understanding of what you're looking for.

Work with me, and I'll make sure you're positioned to move quickly when the right property appears. Off-market opportunities don't wait, and neither should you.

The Bottom Line: Your Agent Is Your Competitive Edge

Online property searches are useful for getting a general sense of the market, but they're not going to get you to the best homes first. Real estate professionals who are deeply embedded in their local markets—who have relationships with other agents, who know the neighborhoods intimately, who understand both sellers' and buyers' needs—those are the agents who unlock hidden opportunities.

If you're looking to buy in New York and you want access to homes before other buyers even know they're available, reach out to me. I specialize in helping New York buyers gain that competitive edge. Whether you're looking for your first apartment in Manhattan, a brownstone in Brooklyn, or a luxury property overlooking Central Park, I have the connections and the strategy to get you first access to what's really on the market.

Visit my HOUSEJET profile to learn more about how I can help you find your next home—before your competition even starts looking.