When I was living in Toronto and hoping to get into the housing market, I was out-bid three times and felt defeated.

So I forged another path; I handed out flyers at one of the buildings where I wanted to buy, asking if there was anyone interested in selling privately.

I got three responses, and suddenly the ball was in my court. Not only did I have my pick, but I could negotiate a lower price since I was saving the seller commission fees.