This can be an excellent way of finding out about properties that are up for sale. Tell family, friends and colleagues of your desire to buy a home. Tell them the area and type of home you are looking for. Think about it, when you have decided to buy anything. Generally, you tell people of your desire and this is exactly how this strategy works. Long before we had MLS and agents, we sought out and purchased homes for ourselves and word of mouth was in many cases the only way we knew property was for sale. You may be fortunate by hearing of a property that has not actually gone up for sale but the owner is considering selling it in the near future. Networking is cheap and convenient way to get the word out that you are looking. Who knows, you may find your gem by this old tried and trusted method.