sell a house

Before listing a home on the real estate market, homeowners need to make one very important decision: who is going to actually sell the property. Deciding how to sell, either for sale by owner, with a realtor, or with a cash buyer, is a big issue. Selling a home can be a lengthy and complicated process for owners, so many choose to employ the services and expertise of a local real estate agent for assistance.

Other homeowners feel confident in their ability to sell and decide to list a for sale by owner. While selling a house as the owner has enormous benefits, including selling for cash offer, it also comes with unappealing pitfalls for those inexperienced with the process. To avoid these disadvantages, homeowners must become familiar with the for sale by owner process and recognize both the pros and cons.

Listing A For Sale By Owner

When selling a house as the owner, it’s vital to start with pricing the property. Accurately pricing a house is easier said than done, especially when the seller acknowledges their owner’s bias. It’s crucial to correctly price a property from the start of the selling process because it attracts certain buyers and determines how quickly the home will sell. While a good marketing campaign can boost open house attendees, sellers will lose out on many potential buyers if they overprice their property.

To accurately determine the asking price and avoid overpricing – the most common for sale by owner mistake – homeowners must calculate the home’s accurate value. Accurate value is the best price a buyer is willing to realistically pay and is found by browsing comparable properties in the same condition within the same area. Homeowners should also consider the current real estate climate and the cost of financing, if available.

Before finalizing an asking price, homeowners must remember that an asking price is not the selling price. Other home selling prices, tax assessments, and previous values for the home are often not reflective of the true market value of a property. Instead, acquire a professional home appraisal when justifying an asking price.

Successfully listing a for sale by owner also means being able to efficiently advertise your home. This happens by making your home the most attractive by repairing cosmetic issues and keeping the property maintained. To grab the attention of potential buyers, sellers must be willing to develop a clear marketing plan that goes beyond putting ads in the newspaper and a “For Sale” sign in the yard.

As an unrepresented seller, homeowners must be able to compete with homes sold by professional realtors. Using high-grade marketing materials, such as prepared flyers and brochures, as well as advertising online with Multiple Listing Service and home selling sites is necessary to attract serious buyers. Use up-to-date photos of the property and plan open houses on key days of traffic, like the weekends. It’s important to use every advertising tool available to when listing a for sale by owner.

The Pros of Selling a House as the Owner

Once able to fully appreciate the components of selling a house as the owner, homeowners can compare both the pros and cons of listing as an unrepresented seller. The most obvious advantage is that the homeowner is in control. You get to determine the asking price, set the appointment times, decide how to negotiate with a buyer, and when to host an open house. When using a realtor, homeowners must rely on the agent to properly and safely show their property; they entrust the realtor to lock up after showing strangers a property, which doesn’t always happen.

Another positive unique to an owner selling house is that they typically know their home better than any agent. Sellers are able to list a home’s recent updates, accentuate all of its best qualities, and highlight its unique selling point. Real estate agents are often unable to spout of the home’s amenities; while they’re juggling other properties to sell, for sale by owners have a singular focus and dedicate more time and resources on their own home.

One of the most attractive pros of selling your own home is not having to pay a  5-7% commission to your real estate agent. Instead, sellers are able to keep that money to buy additional or higher quality advertising, or pay for any necessary repairs.

The Cons of Selling Without a Realtor

While selling without a realtor offers many benefits, inexperienced sellers may face potential consequences when selling a for sale by owner. The most common disadvantage is not receiving your accurate home value. Unfortunately, some buyers seek out an unrepresented seller in order to con them and purchase a property for less than it’s worth. Homeowners familiar with the process will not be fooled by these illegitimate buyers, no matter how persuasive they are. For help identifying these specific type of scammers, sellers should contact a local cash home buyer; they provide real estate expertise with no strings attached.

Another common disadvantage an owner selling their house might face is having less visibility. Even with the array of free online home selling sites and local magazines dedicated to advertising homes, some sellers have trouble attracting buyers via a strong marketing campaign. Though realtors have more experience and methods available to market a home, sellers have to ultimately pay for the additional advertising through realtor fees. If a homeowner is selling a house for cash, they don’t need to worry about extra advertising fees and writing up detailed property descriptions; cash home buyers typically find you!

The biggest drawback of listing without the aid of a realtor is weeding out unqualified and uninterested buyers. Without prior experience, differentiating between a legitimate buyer and a scammer is a difficult endeavor and can cause serious long term issues. If selling a house for cash, homeowners can forget worrying about attracting the right, serious buyer; cash home buyers are serious about sales and often buy and close on properties within a week. For novice home sellers, they also prepare all the legal forms and disclosures while explaining guidelines and requirements.

Homeowners shouldn’t be discouraged by the negatives if they’re genuinely interested in listing their property without a realtor. With a bit of knowledge and a friendly local cash home buyer, sellers will be able to successfully and easily sell their own homes.

Want to Sell Your Home for Cash?

Don’t waste your time watching your house sit on the market. You don’t have that time, and we understand that. At Matt Buys Houses TX, we specialize in quick home sales for cash. That’s the benefit of selling a house for cash and working with us!

No matter what condition your house is in, we’re here to help you out. We’ll get your house closed, and write you a check on the spot! Call us today to get a no obligations quote for your house, or just to get your questions answered. We’re always happy and ready to talk! Contact us at 210-596-9669.
 

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or as any other type of advice.

Many home sellers ask themselves whether they should sell a house that needs repairs. Some feel that they will be able to sell for a higher price. That way they will get their money back from the repairs. Others just cannot fathom being able to sell an ugly house.

This is a question that can be answered in different ways and takes some thought before coming to a decision.

Can You Afford the Repairs?

Chances are if you want to sell an ugly house you are in a position where you can’t afford house repairs. This may create a frustrating situation for you. Some houses need minor repairs such as a few wall repairs and some painting. Then there are others that own a home that is in need of serious repairs. The roof may need to be done and perhaps the electrical components need updating. These, as well as other major repairs, can be really costly.

If you are wanting to sell a house that needs repairs, it could possibly mean that you are in need of some quick cash. Trying to sell your house as-is may not be an easy task if you are going to go through the traditional methods. This would be putting it on the market and listing it through an agent.

It May Not Be a Good Idea to Do the Repairs

If you are going to sell a house that needs repairs, then be prepared to make an investment. This may be one that you will not get back with the sale. A lot of buyers do so with the intention of doing their own renovations. If you have just completed some interior repairs these may not be of any advantage to a potential buyer.

Selling Your House As-Is

It may be a lot easier to sell a house that needs repairs than you may think. There are buyers out there who make a cash offer for ugly house transactions.

Disclosure

You are going to want to disclose the defects of the home as best you know them. It may be that you inherited the home and are not aware of all its faults. You may be compelled by law to disclose what you do know. Every home has its flaws. You want to point out the ones that are major and may not be readily seen by someone viewing the home.

Your Responsibilities

If you are going to sell a house that needs repairs, then you won’t have any obligations to do any of the repairs that are required. The potential buyer may have a home inspection done. Usually, if they are prepared to buy as is they won’t go that route. They are aware that a home inspector would find the repair issues that they are already aware of. There are some home buyers who really are looking for those who want to sell a house as is. This is because they are prepared to do a substantial amount of work not only for the repairs but for major remodeling. They feel they can get a buy like this at a better price. Then, with what they can save on the purchase they will use to re-do the home to their exact liking.

The Right Cash Offer For Ugly House Sale

While you may have decided to put the house on the market as is, you may have some issues with some buyers. There may be those that want to do the major repairs and renovations, but still need to finance the purchase. There can be some issues with this as a lot of lenders are not keen on loaning money for this type of purchase. The lender may ask for a home appraisal. You may be thinking of asking more than the house is appraised at. In this case, some buyers will not qualify for the purchase if they are borrowing.

Another option that will most likely be available to you is a buyer who can walk in and pay cash for the home. This way there are no concerns for the buyer having to arrange financing. If you are intent on going ahead to sell a house that needs repairs then this type of buyer is your best.

The Advantages To Decide To Sell A House As Is

By not selling in the traditional manner you are not going to have all the headaches of the repairs. Then also to consider with this of a cash offer for an ugly house contract is the time. It takes a lot of time to get all the repairs done. If you can’t afford house repairs and were planning on doing it yourself, this will be even more time consuming.

The “sell a house as-is” opportunity really is your best option. That is if you don’t want to go through the hassles of listing your home. Even if the housing market is hot you may not be able to sell quickly because of the need for repairs.

If you are in need of quick cash and want a deal that is going to close quickly a cash sale is ideal. The decision to sell a house that needs repairs is really your best option. This is especially true if you are in need of quick cash. Plus, you want the deal to close quickly. If you accept a cash offer for ugly house sale then you are most likely going to save additional money. This means you won’t have to pay the regular listing fees.

Rather than put your house on the market with the intention to sell a house as is, do some research. You may find that there are potential buyers in your area that buy these types of houses regularly. These are professional investors that will make a fair deal with you based on the condition of your home. They are well aware of the prices of homes in your neighborhoods. They will take this into consideration when giving you a cash offer for your home.

If you really want to get rid of your home quickly selling for cash as is will be the quickest action you can take. It will probably be a decision that you won’t regret. This type of house selling comes with a lot less hassles.

Need to Sell a House That Needs Repairs?

Selling a house that needs repairs is a stressful situation to find yourself in if you don’t have the cash to afford it. Repairs can add up and keep your house from getting on the market. You don’t have that time, and we understand that. At Matt Buys Houses TX, we specialize in quick home sales for cash.

No matter what condition your house is in, we’re here to help you out. We’ll get your house closed, and write you a check on the spot! Call us today to get a no obligations quote for your house, or just to get your questions answered. We’re always happy and ready to talk! Contact us at 210-596-9669.

 

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or as any other type of advice.

Selling your house can be a difficult process because there are so many options. Should you go with listing with a real estate agent, selling to a cash buyer, or selling it on your own?

One of the many advantages of owning real estate is having plenty of options. There are options for buying as well as selling it. As a homeowner that is interested in selling your home, you need to know what your specific options are.

Selling Your House Yourself

For sale by owner is often the type of sign you see today on homes for sale. This is certainly something homeowners can do. Many don’t understand how difficult this can be. Putting up with the hurdles that come with not listing with a real estate agent can save money.

The Pros of How To Sell Your House By Owner

The Time Factor

If you are not in a hurry to sell your home then listing it for sale by owner can be a distinct advantage. You can set your asking price and hold firm to this. The schedule for showing the home will be dictated by you. This can be done during the times that are most convenient for you.

Change of Mind

If you decide that you don’t want to sell your home you can simply stop your efforts to do so. You have the option of when you want to sell and you can change your mind as often as you like.

Potential Savings

The biggest reason that most people prefer not to use the option of listing with a real estate agent is because they can save money on the realtor fees. This is usually a 6% fee, which can be a big saving on the home sale.

The Cons of Selling Your Home Yourself

 

Time Commitment

Not using a listing with a real estate agent means being prepared to devote plenty of time to the home sale.

You need to be available to take calls from interested buyers who will want to set up an appointment for a showing. You will then have to be available to show the home. Closing without a realtor means knowing the legalities that are involved.

You will need to be involved in some form of advertising. This takes time in writing up the ad copy. Then there will be some research involved as to where to advertise.

Learning Curve That Comes With How To Sell Your House By Owner

When you go the route of listing with a real estate agent you are relying on their expertise. There is a lot that goes into selling a home. You are going to have to learn at least the basics of this to be successful. These professionals know how to sell a home by emphasizing its strong points. With you having a personal attachment to the home you may focus on this. Potential buyers may not find what you consider to be strong points applicable to them.

Safety Factors

It is important to consider the safety factors when allowing strangers into your home. Most often those who want to look at the home come in pairs or groups. This may make you feel uncomfortable as you don’t really know what their true intentions may be. Closing without a realtor can leave you open to making some serious mistakes.

Selling Your House for Cash

Another option besides listing with a real estate agent is to simply sell your home for cash. This is a good solution for a quick sale with a flexible asking price.

The Pros of Selling Your House for Cash

Convenient

You don’t have to go through the inconvenience of having to show your home to potential buyers. Most often when a home is up for sale it means multiple showings before it sells. There may also be a need for several open houses which can be a nuisance.

Quick Cash

Some individuals are in poor financial shape. If you need quick cash then selling your house for cash may help with this

Fast

Selling your house for cash is the fastest method for home selling. It takes very little time for the sales contract to be drafted.  Usually, a very quick closing date can be arranged.

The Cons of Selling Your House For cash

Less Money

A cash sale usually doesn’t give you much room to negotiate the selling price. The buyer has a set amount they are willing to spend. You need to decide whether the cash price is something you feel is fair and that you are willing to accept.

Limited Time

Normally with a cash sale, the closing is much quicker. You need to decide whether it will allow you enough time to make the move and find new lodgings.

Listing with a Real Estate Agent

There are a lot of good reasons why most home sellers want to follow through with a listing with a real estate agent.

The Pros of Listing with a Real Estate Agent

Their Expertise

Real estate agents are professionals. They have all the knowledge necessary to sell real estate. They have the expertise to analyze the market in the areas in which they work.

Their Contacts

Agents have many different resources to draw from when it comes to potential buyers. They usually have access to large databases. These connect to other realty agencies that list potential clients.

Advertising Resources

A real estate agent has the expertise to be able to advertise the home in the right venues. They know how to write the copy and how to promote the sale.

Time

Realtors dedicate their time to showing the home and have the knowledge of how to close the sale. They have the negotiating skills when it comes to the financial aspects of the sale.

Legalities

There is a lot of paperwork and legalities to tend to for a home sale. Real estate agents are trained in this area. They can avoid some of the costly mistakes that can be made during a home sale.

The Cons of Listing With a Real Estate Agent

The Fees

The 6% realtor fee is the biggest disadvantage. You will have to pay this once the sale is closed.

A Commitment

You are making a commitment with your chosen realtor. They will be the only one allowed to sell your home during the duration of the contract.

Being Realistic

You have the ultimate say in what your house should be listed for. Your realtor will encourage you to be realistic in the listing price. This will be based on his analysis of sales in your area.

Sell Your House Now!

Realistically, listing with a real estate agent takes anywhere from 4 – 10 months depending on your market. In San Antonio, it could take a minimum of 6 months. You don’t have that time, and we understand that. At Matt Buys Houses TX, we specialize in quick home sales for cash.

We’ll get your house closed, and write you a check on the spot! Call us today to get a no obligations quote for your house, or just to get your questions answered. We’re always happy and ready to talk! Contact us at 210-596-9669.
 

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or as any other type of advice.