Answers by Harshini Yanamala

I would definitely start with speaking to a lender first. Buying a home off-market from a family friend can help you avoid competition, but you still need to approach it like a standard transaction: start by getting pre-approved with a lender (exploring options like Federal Housing Administration loans or conventional financing backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac), then determine a fair price through a market analysis or appraisal so you don’t overpay, use a formal purchase contract specific to the state to protect both parties, and never skip inspections just because you know the seller; if you come in pre-approved with a clean, well-structured offer and flexible timing, you’ve got a very real chance of securing the home before it ever hits the market while still protecting yourself financially and legally. Feel free to reach out to me if you need any contacts for lenders or home inspectors. Good luck!