23 Unconventional Real Estate Strategies That Give Buyers and Sellers a Competitive Edge
The real estate market demands creativity and strategy to stand out from the competition. This article compiles 23 unconventional approaches that help buyers and sellers gain an advantage, featuring insights from industry experts who have tested these methods in the field. From personalized seller letters to pre-market positioning tactics, these strategies go beyond traditional approaches to close deals faster and more effectively.
Write a Personalized Letter to the Seller
One unconventional approach I took when buying a property was writing a personalized letter to the seller explaining why I loved their home and how I planned to care for it. In a multiple-offer situation, most buyers were focused purely on price, but I took time to connect on a human level—highlighting shared values and even mentioning specific details, like preserving the garden they had clearly nurtured for years. My offer wasn't the highest, but the seller told me later that the letter made all the difference because they wanted their home to go to someone who appreciated it. This strategy gave me an advantage by adding emotional weight to a financial decision, reminding the seller that real estate isn't just about numbers—it's about people, memories, and trust.
Offer Seller Financing as an Alternative
One time I bought a property using seller financing, and it turned out to be one of the best deals I ever made. The seller had a house that needed a lot of work. Most buyers were making low cash offers, but I could tell he was frustrated. He did not want to handle the repairs, but he also did not want to walk away with very little. So I offered a different idea. I would buy the house, and he would act as the bank. I would make monthly payments directly to him instead of going through a lender.
He liked the idea of getting steady income without dealing with the property anymore. We agreed on fair terms that worked for both of us. I fixed up the house, rented it for a while, and later sold it for a good profit. That deal taught me something important. Real estate is not just about numbers. It is about people. When you take the time to listen and understand what a seller needs, you can often find a way to make it work for everyone.
Highlight What the Space Could Become
I once managed the sale of a small commercial property that had been on the market for months, which hadn't received much attention. Most buyers thought the space was too small or awkward, so traditional listings weren't attracting any interest.
Instead of focusing on size and features, I started to highlight what the space could become. By analyzing the area, I realized it could be perfectly fit for a small cafe or a boutique startup. So, I designed the property with warm lighting, practical furniture arrangements, and visual cues to show how daily operations could flow.
The most effective part was changing the story. I presented it as a "ready-to-launch space for a business with big ideas" and guided buyers to imagine how it could work for them. This approach helped them see potential instead of limitations.
Within weeks, a young couple made an offer slightly above asking. They weren't just buying a building; they were investing in a vision they could picture themselves bringing to life.
This experience taught me that in property sales, helping buyers see the possibilities can matter more than size or price. By connecting with their goals and imagination, even challenging properties can sell quickly and successfully.
Price Below Target to Create Bidding Wars
An unconventional approach that's worked very well for us recently is pricing 10-15% below our target sale price. As more often than not it's created a bidding war, and that bidding war has typically achieved our target price and then some. Your goal is to stand out in this market, and everyone loves a deal! You know what else many people love? Winning! We've found this works especially well with highly desirable properties in slowing markets. While everyone else is continuing to chase the "unicorn pricing" in these markets, you'll be the "deal" and rapidly draw attention to your property. So you're increasing interest, gaining more showings, and this will lead to more offers with attractive terms!
Build Genuine Connections Through Calm Conversations
In real estate, every negotiation is different because every person is different. I've learned that success often comes from building genuine connections rather than focusing only on the transaction. Taking the time to understand what matters most to the other side changes the entire tone of the process. When people feel heard and respected, they are more open to working together to find a solution that benefits everyone.
I approach negotiations by keeping things calm and conversational. Sometimes that means listening more than talking. Other times, it means asking the right questions to uncover what really motivates the buyer or seller. Once you know what truly matters to them, it becomes much easier to create an agreement that feels fair. The goal is never to "win" the deal but to help both parties walk away feeling good about the outcome.
This approach has built a lot of trust over the years. Clients appreciate that I am not trying to push or pressure them, and other agents know they can count on me to handle things with professionalism and respect. That kind of reputation makes future deals smoother and more collaborative. In real estate, relationships are everything, and when you treat people with sincerity, it always pays off.
Create Fast Authentic Video Tours In-House
I don't handle traditional property transactions, but as Marketing Manager at FLATS(r) overseeing 3,500+ units, I took an unconventional approach during lease-ups that slashed our timeline by 25%. Instead of waiting for professional videographers, we created in-house unit-level video tours ourselves and built a YouTube library linked directly to our website using Engrain sitemaps.
The real advantage was speed and authenticity. We could shoot a tour the same day a unit was ready and have it live within hours, not weeks. This cut our unit exposure time in half with zero additional overhead costs, and prospects loved seeing actual available units instead of generic model tours.
We also used resident feedback data from Livly to identify pain points before they killed deals. When we noticed recurring complaints about oven confusion after move-ins, we created maintenance FAQ videos for our leasing teams to share proactively. Move-in dissatisfaction dropped 30%, positive reviews jumped, and our occupancy rates improved because fewer residents had buyer's remorse.
The lesson: Don't wait for perfect marketing materials. Fast, authentic content that addresses real resident concerns will close deals faster than polished videos that take months to produce.
Provide a Video Tour for Remote Buyers
Something I did one time when selling an old property of mine was provide a video tour to a few of the prospective buyers. I had received some interest from a few buyers that lived out of state, and it was clear that one of them might have been willing to give a high offer. Since they couldn't come tour the house right then, I filmed a walkthrough and sent it off to them, and they expressed that that video really helped them get a better feel for the home. I got a good offer from them after that.
Offer a Rent-Back Period After Closing
The seller had multiple offers, and most buyers were focused on bidding higher. Instead, I focused on solving her real problem; she needed more time to move out and close her next home. So, I offered her a 30-day rent-back period after closing at her asking price. It cost me almost nothing, but it gave her peace of mind.
That simple offer won me the deal, even though my bid wasn't the highest. It also set the tone for a smooth transaction, no last-minute pressure or awkward negotiations.
What gave me the edge was understanding that real estate deals aren't just about numbers; they're about needs. Once you figure out what matters most to the other party, you can create a win that feels fair for everyone, and sometimes, that's far more powerful than offering more money.
Try the Rent-to-Own Model Before Committing
I really can't recommend the rent-to-own model enough, and not just because it's central to my business. Buying a rent-to-own home lets you try out a house before you commit to buying it, it gradually eases you into the more stressful elements of home maintenance and repair, and it's an ideal option for those with poor credit who may not be able to afford a traditional mortgage.
Make Quick Cash Offers for Certain Closings
When it comes to negotiating in real estate, speed wins. We can close a deal in often as fast as 7 days.
Our trick? Cash is king. We make a strong and quick cash offer to buyers that want the sure thing. Sellers in Dallas-Fort Worth who are under pressure, whether from divorce, relocation, or mounting expenses, value certainty more than squeezing out the last dollar.
At Wholesale Real Estate Texas, we specialize in quick, clean closings. When sellers realize we can wrap up a deal in a week instead of months, they stop comparing offers and start choosing peace of mind.
The lesson is simple... sometimes the fastest path to "yes" isn't offering more money, it's offering less waiting.
Lead Negotiations with Renovation Value Breakdown
What was a unique strategy you used to purchase or sell real estate that proved to be very successful, and how did it benefit you?
Leading negotiations with renovation value rather than purchase price is an unusual strategy I've employed with success. The majority of buyers attempt to reduce the price through conventional offers, but I've discovered that showing a seller a visual renovation plan that includes material costs, repair schedules, and estimated resale value fosters a sense of transparency and common sense. Instead of saying, "I want a lower price," it says, "Here's the real cost of getting this home market-ready." Instead of a direct request for a discount, sellers are more likely to react favorably when they see the breakdown of effort and investment.
Because it appeals to logic rather than emotion, this tactic has continuously given me the upper hand. Additionally, it aids in establishing trust early on, which can be a useful strategy in markets with intense competition. I've discovered that leading with vision, based on data and craftsmanship, frequently closes the deal more quickly and with less resistance than leading with numbers.
Present a Detailed Investment Profile with Offers
What is something creative you did to secure a deal or bring more value to your seller/buyer that worked out extremely well/had an outstanding benefit for you?
An unorthodox method that I use when buying real estate include to present the seller an in-depth "investment profile" with your offer. I offer a one page summary sheet with my experience, POF and income potential based on low rent estimates and what I plan to do differently as far as management or improvements...not just the number. This approach immediately separates my offers from others, and that's important for sellers, especially in markets where people go on vacation and want to know the deal will move ahead without a hitch. The point is to show the seller I am the most prepared, low-risk buyer in a room, not to give them the highest price.
Even when my offer wasn't the highest, I've used this approach to get properties. Recently I was able to close on a cabin in Tennessee where multiple buyers had offered more cash than I did. But the Seller had no concerns on delay or any last minutes huss and fuss since I submitted a complete package showing how I would operate the property to increase its value. My edge was that trust. Presentation and reliability are two commonly overlooked facets of real estate that can transform a good deal into a great one.
Discover Your Market May Be Bigger
One of the lessons that selling tiny homes has helped me understand is that the market for your property may be bigger than you think. It can be hard to put yourself in the shoes of people who are different than you, but those people may absolutely love your property. For me, learning to market to outdoorsy types and off-grid survivalists was difficult at first, but they've become one of our most important customer groups.
Offer Financing Walkthroughs Before Property Showings
We began offering personalized financing walkthroughs before showing properties—a reversal of the typical process—and it changed the way buyers engaged with us. Instead of starting with location or price, we focused on understanding what each family could comfortably afford and then matched them with properties that fit both their goals and long-term stability. The conversations were educational, not transactional, which immediately built trust.
This approach gave us a clear advantage because it removed uncertainty early. Buyers entered negotiations confident about what was possible, and deals moved faster with fewer surprises. It also attracted clients who valued transparency over sales pressure, creating stronger relationships and higher referral rates. What seemed unconventional at first became one of our most effective strategies: leading with clarity instead of persuasion.
Commission Architectural Feasibility Studies Before Purchase
I've been designing and managing architectural projects for over 30 years, so I've seen plenty of property transactions from the design and development side. One unconventional approach that's worked exceptionally well for my clients is what I call "design before you buy"--commissioning architectural feasibility studies on properties they're considering purchasing.
Here's how it worked for one residential client: Before they closed on a lot in Columbus, they hired us to sketch preliminary designs showing what could actually be built there given zoning restrictions, topography, and their wishlist. We finded the lot they were about to purchase couldn't accommodate their desired square footage without costly variances. They walked away, found a better property, and saved themselves probably $50,000+ in either compromise or legal fees.
For commercial buyers, we've done similar studies that revealed hidden opportunities--like one property that seemed too small until we designed a two-story addition that local codes actually encouraged. The buyer negotiated a lower price knowing others hadn't seen the potential, then we designed exactly what we'd proposed. That building now houses a thriving business and the property value increased significantly.
The advantage is simple: you're making decisions with actual data instead of imagination. Most buyers tour properties dreaming about what's possible, but spending $2,000-5,000 on preliminary architectural work before closing gives you leverage in negotiations and prevents expensive surprises after you own it.
Stage the Home Around a Story
For me, one unconventional approach that's worked exceptionally well when selling a property is staging the home around a story rather than just a style. Instead of the traditional "neutral staging," I focus on creating an emotional experience that reflects how the buyer actually wants to live.
For example, I once sold a home where the layout felt a bit unconventional. Rather than downplaying it, I leaned into its character, staged the dining room as a cozy wine room, added subtle lighting, and even included a printed "Evening at Home" brochure that helped buyers visualize entertaining there. It completely reframed how people saw the space. We received multiple offers within days, above asking.
Real estate is more emotional than people think. Buyers don't just buy square footage, they buy a feeling. When you help them connect to that vision, you're not just selling a property, you're selling the lifestyle that comes with it. That mindset has consistently given me an edge in competitive markets.
Jack Ma
Founder & Realtor, Jack Ma Real Estate Group
https://jackmarealestate.com
Cold-Call Property Owners from Tax Records
I started cold-calling property owners directly from tax records and public data--completely bypassing the MLS and broker networks. Most investors wait for deals to hit the market, but I'd identify owners with deferred maintenance, high property taxes, or long ownership periods and reach out with actual solutions to their specific problems.
The advantage was massive because I had zero competition. One Warren industrial property owner had been sitting on a 12,000 sqft warehouse with 40% occupancy for three years. He'd talked to brokers who wanted him to invest $80K in upgrades first. I offered to buy it as-is with seller financing that let him keep monthly income while transferring management headaches to me. Closed in 32 days.
What made this work wasn't just finding off-market deals--it was using my digital marketing background to build targeted lists and craft messages that addressed real pain points. I'd mention their actual vacancy rate or property tax increase in my outreach. Response rates jumped from 2% to nearly 18% once I personalized based on public data.
The real edge is that distressed owners don't want more marketing promises--they want someone who understands their specific situation and can close quickly. That's why we focus on Class B and C properties with problems. Other buyers run from those deals, which is exactly why the numbers work for us.
Order a Pre-Listing Home Inspection First
When I sold my last property, I ordered a pre-listing home inspection before ever putting it on the market. Most sellers wait for the buyer's inspection, but doing it upfront gave me complete control of the narrative. I repaired small issues ahead of time, priced the home accurately, and handed buyers a clean report at showings.
It built instant trust — there were no surprises, no frantic last-minute negotiations, and the offer I accepted came in above asking because the buyers saw it as a "move-in ready" property. Spending a few hundred dollars on that inspection gave me thousands in leverage and a faster, smoother closing.
Make Offers Based on Timing Instead
One unconventional strategy that has consistently worked for me when buying property is making offers based on timing rather than listing price.
Instead of chasing every new listing or competing in crowded bidding wars, I focus on properties that have been on the market slightly longer, typically 30 to 60 days or more. By that point, sellers are often frustrated, their agents may be advising price reductions, and traditional buyers have sometimes lost interest. I reach out directly with a fast, all-cash offer and flexible closing terms tailored to the seller's situation, whether they need a quick turnaround or extra time to move.
This timing-based approach gives me a significant advantage. I am able to secure quality properties below the asking price without facing multiple offers or drawn-out negotiations, while also providing a solution that reduces the seller's stress. It is a mix of patience, empathy, and precision, knowing exactly when to step in rather than jumping too early or following the crowd.
In real estate, timing often outweighs price, and this strategy has consistently allowed me to close more win-win deals efficiently while building trust with sellers who appreciate my approach.
Read the Entire Lease Word-by-Word
I've been in commercial real estate since 1987, managing the Trout companies and handling transactions across six jurisdictions. One unconventional approach that's saved clients significant money: I actually *read* the entire lease word-by-word, not just the business terms.
Sounds obvious, but most people--even attorneys--skim the dense paragraphs. I caught a lease where "least square footage" was written instead of "leasable square footage" for common area charges. That single word meant my client would've gone from paying 10% of snow plowing costs to 33% if the anchor tenant left. We caught it before signing and negotiated it out.
Another example: I reviewed operating expense escalation clauses for a tenant who thought he was being smart capping increases at 5% annually. Problem was, his base year happened to be abnormally *low* because the landlord got a one-time deal with a startup vendor. When that vendor went under two years later, costs shot back up--but he was locked into that artificially low base forever, actually saving him money. Pure luck, but it taught me these clauses cut both ways.
The advantage is simple: I've administered hundreds of leases over decades, so I know where landlords and tenants get burned by standard language that "sounds fine." One word, buried in paragraph seven, can cost you tens of thousands over a lease term.
Develop Your Own Independent Opinion of Value
One unconventional strategy I've used when buying or selling property is coming up with my own opinion of value—completely separate from what anyone else says the property is worth. Most people rely on brokers, appraisers, or Zillow to tell them what their property's value is. The problem is, all of those numbers are just opinions. None of them represent the actual truth of what a property is worth. Once I realized that, I started walking into negotiations knowing exactly what I thought the property was worth, and that's made a huge difference in how I approach deals.
Here's what I do. First, I pull the tax-assessed value—easy to find on any county website. It's not perfect, but it gives me a starting point. Then, I look at what buyers are seeing online—Zillow, Redfin, etc.—so I know what expectations they're coming in with. Third, I'll have my broker pull comps from actual recent sales to get a more realistic data point.
And finally—and this is the step most people skip—I'll bring in a contractor to walk the property and give me a quote for everything that might need to be repaired or upgraded. That number is key, because it tells me exactly what a buyer will likely have to spend after closing to bring the property up to "like new" condition.
Once I have all that, I can form my own opinion of value that's grounded in reality—not emotion or outside opinions. That gives me confidence when negotiating, whether I'm the buyer or the seller. Instead of reacting to someone else's number, I'm leading with my own. And that simple shift has helped me consistently sell properties at top dollar and negotiate better deals across the board.
Focus on Outdoor Lifestyle Staging Instead
For one East Nashville listing, we had a limited staging budget. Instead of over-furnishing the interior, we kept it minimal — a few accent pieces to show scale and warmth — and shifted the focus outdoors. We added cafe lights, a film projection area, and a small gravel firepit area beneath mature trees.
That simple outdoor refresh completely changed the energy of the property. Buyers lingered longer, imagining evenings outside, and we received three offers within 48 hours. It proved that in Nashville, where people can live on their porches nine months of the year, lifestyle staging can outshine interior perfection.
— Stephanie Crawford, Realtor & Nashville Native, Brokers Cooperative https://NestingInNashville.com
MLS link: https://go.realtracs.com/1cTso4d
Use Pre-Market Positioning for Early Access
Hi Best of Home & Garden,
I'm Vihaan sharma, a Property Consultant at The SK Estates, a real estate consultancy based in Tricity, Punjab, specializing in residential, commercial, and plotted developments.
One unconventional approach that has consistently worked for me — and for many of my clients — is what I call "pre-market positioning." Instead of waiting for a property to officially hit the listings, we build relationships with local developers, brokers, and housing societies to identify homes or plots that are about to be listed or are quietly available for the right buyer.
Here's how it helped us gain an edge:
Early Access: By engaging before public listing, buyers get the first look at properties — avoiding bidding wars and inflated prices.
Better Negotiation Power: Sellers prefer dealing with serious buyers early, especially when they want a fast and smooth transaction. This often leads to better terms, like flexible payment schedules or included furnishings.
Data-Driven Selection: We analyze micro-location growth trends — such as infrastructure updates or upcoming projects — to ensure the investment isn't just convenient now but appreciates strongly over 3-5 years.
Personal Connection: This approach also allows genuine communication between buyers and sellers, reducing stress and improving trust during negotiation.
For example, one of my clients in Zirakpur secured a 3BHK in a prime block at 10% below market value simply because we connected directly with the builder before the official launch.
The key takeaway: Real estate is often about timing and access. Building authentic relationships and working slightly ahead of the market can deliver both financial and emotional advantages that typical buyers rarely experience.
About Me:
Property Consultant at The SK Estates — helping clients invest confidently in residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Mohali, Zirakpur, and Rajpura.
Website: https://theskestates.com/
Best regards,
Vihaan Sharma
Property Consultant | The SK Estates
