The Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and Real Estate Investor
Deciding to sell your house can be a stressful decision. It can seem complicated and overwhelming because you probably have several important decisions to make before the sale. To ensure that you’re guided along the way, find a real estate professional you can trust. But you can also talk to a real estate investor to determine what selling path is the right way to go.
For some people, the term “real estate investor“has a lot of connotations to it. We’ve included all the information you need to know in order to make a smart and well-informed decision on whether you should sell your home “to” a real estate investor or “with” a real estate agent.
It is not easy to sell your home. There are many different services that can help though, with their own advantages and disadvantages. For now, let’s focus on the difference between a realtor and an investor.
| REAL ESTATE AGENT | REAL ESTATE INVESTOR | |
| Commissions / Fees: | Plan on about 6% of the final sale price going to your agent for commissions. | R 0 – Direct Buyers |
| Who Pays Closing Costs? | Sellers will spend money to get clearance certificates, Compliance Certificates | R 0 – Handle all costs |
| Bank Inspection Needed: | Required by lenders before the loan is funded | No – Funds are in place before Making an Offer |
| Average Days Until An Offer: | +/- 83 Days | 24 hours |
| Number of Showings: | Unknown – but you will have to keep it ready for showings | Only to the Home Buyer |
| Closing Date: | Anywhere from 30-60 days after an offer has been accepted | Whenever is the most convenient for you. Can close in 14 days after the offer has been accepted. |
| Who Pays For Repairs?: | Negotiated between the buyer and seller after the inspection. | Home buyer will pay for all Repair Costs |
The Benefits of Selling Your House to a Real Estate Investor
1. All Cash Offers
Investors have their own money. Professional property investors typically close faster than traditional buyers as they don’t have to deal with loans. most real estate investors pay in cash so you don’t have to worry about whether or not a buyer has been approved for a loan.
2. Purchase Houses As-Is
With a direct sale to a property investor, you will be able to sell your property without spending any time or money on the house. They buy properties as-is, so you can hold on to that cash and use it toward your next property.
3. Flexible Timeline
It can be very hard to find a time frame that suits both the buyer and the seller. Perhaps you could extend your search by being more flexible? or you need a short sale transaction where you’re in a situation to leave the house quickly. You usually have more control over the close date with a real estate investor, since you’re not timing a move-in date the same way a traditional home buyer is.
4. No Hidden Fees
Home cash buyers are direct buyers, which means there is never any cost to work with them. There are no commissions to consider or expenses to get your house listed online. Good Investors help by not overcomplicating the process of selling or give you the runaround, straightforward professional buyers who are ready to help you with any difficult situation or property.
When you consider all of the time and money, selling your house directly to a real estate investor can save you. You might find that a direct and straightforward sale is the solution you have been waiting for. That said, we will always encourage you to explore your selling options so you can make the decision that is right for your situation.
5. Save You Time
You won’t have to deal with any of the time-consuming processes required with a direct sale. There are no open houses, lengthy paperwork processes, or hoops to jump through from the bank. There are also little to no expenses you will have to deal with in order to sell. Making things easy, without any cost to you.
A great perk of a fast sale is the elimination of holding costs. By selling in a few days vs. months down the road, you’ll be able to potentially save thousands on utility bills, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and other costs that you would otherwise be paying to own the home.
Final Thoughts on Selling Your House to a Real Estate Investor
Sproud is dedicated to helping you make the best decision regarding your home selling options. We want to partner with you to find the best way out of a stressful situation. Our process is direct and to the point. We strive to give back in all we do. We’re here to help you throughout the entire process, even helping you find a new home!
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