So you are thinking of selling your house. Do you list your home with a realtor? Think you can sell it yourself? How do you choose which is best ? Read ahead and we’ll cover the pros and cons of each.

Selling your property can be a major decision, one that comes with a plethora of choices. Among these decisions, perhaps one of the most significant is whether to go the traditional route of working with a realtor or to opt for a cash home buyer. Both options have their merits and drawbacks, and understanding these distinctions is crucial in making an informed choice that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each approach:

Selling with a Realtor:

1. Market Exposure: One of the primary advantages of working with a realtor is the exposure your property gets. Realtors have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which significantly increases the visibility of your listing to potential buyers. Once your property is on the MLS it automatically gets blasted on other sites like Zillow and Realtor.
2. Price Negotiation: Realtors are skilled negotiators (or should be) who can help you secure the best possible price for your property. They can assess market trends, conduct comparative market analyses, and negotiate on your behalf to maximize your profit. This is homeowners favorite part to outsource. The hands off aspect can be pretty appealing.
3. Guidance Through Process: Selling a property involves navigating a complex process, from listing to closing. Realtors provide valuable guidance at every step, including staging advice, marketing strategies, and handling paperwork, easing the burden on sellers.
4. Time and Effort: While realtors offer extensive support, the process of selling through a realtor can be time-consuming. It may take several months to find the right buyer, complete inspections, and finalize the sale, which can be a drawback for those seeking a quick transaction.
5. Expensive: Commissions are in turmoil at the time of this writing. However a good real estate agent is not going to come cheap. You will have to pay out for their services in the form of a commission. The amount you pay should be negotiated between you and the listing agent.

Selling to a Cash Home Buyer:

1. Speed of Sale: One of the most significant advantages of selling your home to a cash home buyer is the speed of the transaction. Cash buyers often bypass traditional processes like inspections and financing approvals, enabling a swift closing. This is particularly appealing for sellers in need of immediate funds or facing foreclosure. Often times cash home buyers can close anywhere from 7-15 days.
2. As-Is Sales: Cash home buyers typically purchase properties in their current condition, eliminating the need for repairs or renovations. This can be advantageous for sellers who lack the time or resources to invest in home improvements before selling. This is a HUGE time saver for sellers that have inherited a home and its brimming over with personal items. Or if the home has a laundry list of deferred maintenance and the homeowner has no money to fix the property. Cash home buyers have a list of vendors they work with often. So what seems like a massive feat for the seller is “no big deal” to the cash home buyer!
3. Certainty of Sale: Cash transactions are less susceptible to falling through compared to traditional sales that rely on financing. With a cash buyer, there’s a higher likelihood of closing the deal, providing sellers with greater certainty and peace of mind. To go one step further you can ask for a higher deposit in escrow or even a proof of funds letter.
4. Simplicity: Selling to a cash buyer often involves a streamlined process with fewer contingencies and paperwork requirements. This simplicity can be appealing for sellers seeking a hassle-free transaction without the complexities of traditional sales. Keeping things simple is the best way to go. It alleviates that burden from many homeowners.

Common QUestions:

1. If I decide to list with a realtor am I locked into a contract?
   • Typically yes. The listing agent with give you a listing contract that explains the relationship between seller and agent. The idea of the listing contract is generally the same. However, it can very greatly from brokerage to brokerage. If you are uncertain on anything it is highly recommended that you have an attorney take a look at the verbiage for your own protection.
2. How much will I have to pay for commissions?
   • The cool part about commissions is that they are negotiable! Always have been. If you settle on paying 3% and your agent is requesting 4% you two come to an agreement in the middle or walk away. It really should be that easy! However discussing money/commissions can be a tricky topic.
3. How long will my house sit if I choose to list with a Realtor?
   • This is a great question. It also varies from market to market. In some markets the houses are still selling like hot cakes. In others they are setting back to normal and taking anywhere from 30-90+ days.
4. If I list my house with a realtor can I still only accept CASH?
   • Yes. Typically homeowners with a lot of deferred maintenance will HAVE to accept cash. If your roof is damaged, have mold in the interior, septic issues, electrical, plumbing etc.; these items will exclude you from getting insurance on the property. The bank will not lend to on a house that is uninsurable. In this type of sale CASH IS KING!
5. How do I find a Cash Home Buyer?
   • CONTACT US Today!
   • Cash Home Buyers are EVERYWHERE! It seems they are all around us in our everyday life. You see the bandit signs on the road “We Buy Houses” or they are constantly texting and calling you to see if you want to sell your house. They are even vehicle wraps that say “Do you need to sell your house? We Buy Houses AS-IS!” If you need help on finding a Cash Home Buyer read this article.
6. If I sell my house FSBO (FOR SALE BY OWNER) how do I manage the paperwork and the marketing?
   • These are both great points if you are considering selling your house FSBO. When you sell by owner you can hire an attorney to help you cover the contract. You will do the negotiating with the buyer. You’ll also be in charge of getting pictures of the property and marketing it on the internets. You’ll also be in charge of handling showings.
   • Zillow and Realtor are both great sites to list your property on.
   • OR you could simply GET YOUR CASH OFFER from Particular Properties and skip all the hassles of listing your property! Our Cash offers are always cash, always free, and always no obligation!

Making the Decision:

Cash Home Buyer Vs. Realtor

Ultimately, the decision between selling your property with a realtor or a cash home buyer depends on your priorities and circumstances. If you prioritize maximum profit, market exposure, and are willing to invest time in the selling process, working with a realtor may be the best option. On the other hand, if you value speed, simplicity, and certainty of sale, selling to a cash buyer might better suit your needs.

Before making a decision, it’s essential to thoroughly research and consider the pros and cons of each approach. Consulting with real estate professionals and weighing your priorities will empower you to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals. Whether you opt for the traditional route or explore alternative methods, selling your property is a significant milestone, and finding the right approach can make all the difference.

If you still have questions we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help! Contact Us today!

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Particular Properties is your Central Florida Cash Home Buyer. We have been buying real estate since 2006. Currently we operate in Altamonte Springs Beverly Hills Brooksville Casselberry Citrus Springs Cocoa Crystal River Homosassa Homosassa Springs Inverness Lecanto Longwood Orlando Oviedo Rockledge Sanford Spring Hill and Titusville

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Jessica is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida. She has been buying and selling real estate since 2006. She is an investor at heart. Specializing in Tax delinquents, foreclosures, and creative financing. All publications are opinion based formed by experience. If you are seeking tax or legal advice it is recommended that you contact a licensed CPA and/or Attorney for your specific needs. If you’d like to learn more about how Particular Properties can help you please click the button below!

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