Ever thought about selling your house to a direct buyer?
Most homeowners are familiar with who real estate agents are and the service they provide. After all, realtors have been helping people sell and buy homes for years.
On the other hand, some sellers might not be aware of investors who buy homes directly.
Over the years technology has increased the popularity of selling directly to homeowners. Large companies like Zillow and Offerpad have created a national appeal for selling your home directly.
Although many homeowners in Houston are getting acquainted with working with investors, there continues to be a lot of ambiguity.
Not to worry here in Houston sellers can expect a professional homebuyer to provide simple, stress-free transactions. Here are some pros and cons of selling your house to a direct buyer in Houston.
Pro – Simple Closings
Direct buyers in Houston, TX typically close faster than traditional home buyers, and usually pay in cash.
Traditional home purchases usually require qualifications from banks, mortgage underwriting time, property inspection time and the buyer may not end up qualifying in the end.
There are also normally no commissions paid to a buyer’s or seller’s agent which means thousands of dollars in savings.
Direct buyers also may not charge transaction fees; if they do, they are extremely low in comparison to the commission or closing costs you would have to pay otherwise.
They also provide mail-away closings which is a wonderful thing for out of state owners.
Con – Below Market Offers
One of the biggest complaints buyers have about working with direct buyers in Houston is that the offers are usually below market, but this is for a good reason!
The buyer is taking on a huge risk by purchasing your house as-is, for your home may be more damaged than you realize! Plus, you won’t spend any money on commissions or holding costs.
It’s a fact that many investors who buy homes below market value still lose money from unforeseen issues and property values decreasing.
Pro – Purchasing Homes As-Is
Direct buyers in TX will usually purchase homes as-is. As a seller, this means you do not have to worry about repairs before closing or any other additional expenses you were not planning on.
There are some companies that do not require inspections which makes it a truly as-is transaction.
Pro – Lower Risk Transactions
Selling to a professional home buyer is extremely straight forward. They will provide every step of the process and usually have shortened, very clear contracts that are simple as-is purchase agreements.
You will also have lessened exposure to legal risks. You won’t have to worry about the buyer finding something you didn’t know you didn’t disclose or something they don’t like about the home or the neighborhood.
Under most traditional real estate contracts, there is a potential for the buyer to sue you if they feel they didn’t get all the information, or if they felt that facts were misconstrued.
Direct buyers already know the state of the property, and they are willing to take on that risk.
Related: If you want to read a more in depth article on who we buy houses companies are click here
Pro – No Showings
When you decide to use a professional home buyer in Houston, TX, you will not have to worry about going through a roller coaster of emotions.
There are no frustrating, middle-of-dinner phone calls asking if you are available to show your home.
You don’t have to worry about leaving your home spotless every day before heading to work, just in case there is a showing while you’re gone.
You don’t have to worry about possibly running into a buyer’s agent or their clients or dealing with them asking you questions that you really shouldn’t answer anyway.
You also don’t have to worry about buyers arguing with you over which furniture you are taking and what you are leaving.
Pro – Move Out Time
Direct buyers are in it for the investment. They are not expecting to move into the home on the day of closing. Most home buyers will allow a move-out timeframe after closing to allow you to relocate at your own pace.
This is extremely helpful, especially with such quick closing timeframes. Also, you may not even have to clean the home when you leave. You can simply pack your personal items and furniture and leave anything you don’t want.
Conclusion
The traditional way of selling your home through a realtor is tried and true. However, it doesn’t always work for all homeowners.
Selling your home to an investor is gaining popularity, and it makes the selling process faster and more convenient.
DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE FOR A REALTOR TO SELL YOUR HOME?