Most people know enough to understand what a real estate agent is, and what they would expect them to do for them, as a seller. That said, some sellers might not know what to expect when working with a professional home buyer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A seller should expect a professional homebuyer to provide the most simple and straightforward option to sell their house. Below we’ve included some pros and cons of selling your house to a direct buyer in Lancaster.
Pro – Easy, No-Nonsense Closings
Direct buyers in Lancaster, PA typically close much more quickly than your average retail home buyers, and can often close with cash. Retail buyers that might purchase your house on the other hand usually require qualifications from banks, mortgage underwriting time, property inspection time and appraisals. This means that the transaction can potentially fall through for any one of these things, and can often happen late in the process leaving the seller in the lurch. Also, when selling directly to a company like We Buy Lancaster Houses there are no commissions to be paid to a buyer’s or seller’s agent which means thousands of dollars in savings. Direct buyers, at least reputable ones, will not charge other junk fees often charged by the brokerages where real estate agents hang their license. They can also provide “remote” closings which mean that out of state owners can complete their part of the closing near to wherever they live.
Con – Cash Offers Can Be Low
A potential downside for buyers that want to work with direct buyers in Lancaster is that the offers are usually below market, but this is for a good reason! While it’s not always easy to put yourself in the shoes of the buyer, it’s important to understand that the buyer is taking on a big risk by purchasing your house as-is, as there are often surprises that we only find once the house is purchased! Remember however, that because you won’t be spending money on repairs, holding costs, or commissions, the dollar amount of the offer only tells one part of the story.
Pro – Purchasing Homes As-Is
Direct buyers in PA will usually purchase homes in “as-is” condition. This means you do not have to worry about any repairs to the property prior to closing which can save a ton of money. Typically buyers will want to inspect the home so that they at least have some idea of what the condition and expenses will be on their side, but depending on the situation some houses can be purchased “sight unseen.”
Pro – Very Reliable, Low Risk Transaction
When selling to a professional home buyer the process should be very straightforward. A company like We Buy Lancaster Houses will layout every step of the process and uses a simple, easily understood agreement of sale rather than the extremely long, cumbersome and confusing contracts often used by the PA Real Estate Commission. Under most traditional real estate contracts, there is a potential for the buyer to sue you if they feel they didn’t get all of the information, or if they feel the facts were misconstrued. While we do want you to be upfront and honest about the things you know about the property, direct buyers understand the risks involved in buying “as-is” real estate.
Pro – Flexibility on Timeline
Because direct buyers are looking for an investment rather than a home to live in, they can be much more flexible as far as making the timeline of the transaction work for the seller. This will allow the seller to move out in a reasonable, achievable timeframe which can lower stress considerably! This is extremely helpful, especially with such quick closing timeframes. Also, if you’re feeling too stressed out about cleaning out the house, let us know and we can take care of that for you. You can take what you want and leave the rest for us to handle.
Pro – No Constant Showings
When you decide to use a professional home buyer in Lancaster, PA, 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.