Companies That Buy Houses – One Way to Sell Your Home

If you need to sell your home fast, you should investigate your options and choose the path that works best for your financial situation. The three most well-known options are:

• Work with companies that buy houses.
• List with a real estate agent.
• Sell it yourself – For Sale by Owner.

Companies that Buy Houses
Companies that buy houses are the fastest way to sell your home. You don’t have to clean your home, make repairs, or stage to sell. Most house buying companies can close within days.

If you choose this option, do your research and ask friends or family for recommendations. In the DC Metro area, we at Express Homebuyers have a respected reputation that we value. We have bought over 800 houses since 2003. Not every company that buys houses follows the same process, but ours works.

When you call us, we give you a fair offer on your house. We visit you to verify the details, and we provide you with a written offer. If you accept, we assign a specialist who works with you and is available to answer any questions you may have. We handle the settlement, and we give you the proceeds. This generally happens in days and requires no work on your part.

Ensure you choose a reputable company that buys houses. The company must have a physical office that you can visit and should not use overly aggressive sales tactics. Check the Better Business Bureau for accreditation. Some companies may claim to be national so they don't need a local office. If the stories don't add up or you feel uncomfortable, hang up the phone or walk away.

List with a Real Estate Agent
If you are not in a hurry to sell your home, listing with a real estate agent is another option. Unlike working with companies that buy houses, this option is a little slower. The agent will add your listing to a database of available properties for sale. They will schedule open houses and bring prospects through to visit your home. At the closing, you will pay them a prearranged percentage of the price of the home.

Homes in great condition sell the fastest in today's market. Make sure you complete the necessary repairs and improvements so your home is in pristine condition. Companies that buy houses don't require you to make any repairs or improvements.

It is imperative that you take the time to stage and thoroughly clean your home. Buyers will notice if you don't, and it may cost you an offer. You will most likely need to remove personal items to help stage the home. Don't shove furniture into a room you consider "storage." The prospective buyers may have a hard time imagining their daughter sleeping in a room that is currently piled with furniture, extra clothes, and old window treatments. Consider renting a storage unit to hold the extra furnishings during this time.

Sell it Yourself
Unlike working with companies that buy houses or real estate agents, "for sale by owner" or FSBO leaves the bulk of the work on your shoulders. If you don't need to sell fast, are a do-it-yourselfer, or you want to save paying the real estate agent's commission, this may be the option for you.

FSBO requires the same level of repairs, cleaning, and staging as working with a realtor. You will also want to look into advertising your home through the paper, online sources, and through yard signage. You will have to schedule home visits at prospective buyers' convenience, so a flexible work schedule is necessary. Make sure you can handle criticism of your home! You may also want to rent a storage unit to hold extra furnishings.

Choose What's Best for You
There's no magic answer as to which option is best for you. Choose one that matches your schedule, financial situation, and comfort level. If you choose to work with a company that buys houses, we hope you'll call us. We know the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. area, and we will help get you a fair price for your home so you can get a fresh start. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Get an offer online or call our offices at 1-877-804-5252 now! We always keep your information private. Please read our Privacy Policy.