Not sure if still a thing, but years ago some registrars would register an available domain as you searched for it. They could do this instantly, at zero or nea

Not sure if still a thing, but years ago some registrars would register an available domain as you searched for it. They could do this instantly, at zero or near-zero costs, and then release it later if the purchase did not go through. In other words, be careful which tool you use to search for the availability of domains.