Are We Buy Houses Legitimate?
One of the questions I commonly get asked by the public is “Are we buy houses legitimate?” I know what they are talking about.. the handwritten signs on the side of the road, the billboards, the commercials on the radio, everything! I’ve been a licensed Realtor and Broker here in the Tucson area for 23 years, and over that time, I can tell you that I have seen a lot of changes when it comes to the services that are offered to homeowners!
If you have an unwanted home, it used to be that a homeowner would sell their home by owner, or list their home with an agent. Today however, homeowners have an ever growing amount of choices that they can use to dispose of a home that you can’t sell, or do not want.
Nowadays, companies like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Zillow have now joined companies like We Buy Houses companies in offering services to homeowners who have properties that need work, or unwanted homes that they have acquired through inheritance, rentals, or divorce.
The appeal of these services are apparent. A guaranteed closing date, no repairs, no showings, and simplicity. All of these benefits come at a cost however. A cost many homeowners do not consider when selling.
Legitimate Companies Tell You The Value
One of the advantages of using a Realtor who also Invests (like myself) is that there is an external accountability. When I buy a house directly from you, the Realtor Code Of Ethics states that I need to provide you with current comparables for the neighborhood you live in.
Why Is This Important?
As there is no licensure requirements for an investor to buy your home, there is no requirement for them to tell you the truth when it comes to your home’s actual value. This means that it is entirely possible for you to think your home is worth X, and it is actually worth far more.
Legitimate Companies Use State Contracts
A common trend amongst the “We Buy Houses” crowd is a tendency to use single page or two page contracts. While these contracts are simple, and are used because they are easy for Homeowners to read, they are often deceptively written in favor of the Investor.
If you are asking “Are we buy houses legitimate” then you needn’t look any further than the contract they are offering you. While there is no need for the contract to be on any particular type of form, I use an Arizona State Contract as it is able to be examined by any attorney in Arizona and verified to be safe.
One thing to consider is the Investor who is buying the home. Examine their contract carefully. Ask to take it to an attorney. If they have any trouble whatsoever with you taking it to an attorney for review, then you already know what you need to know!
Why Is This Important?
Many so called “Investors” aren’t interested in getting your property closed as quickly as you are. Many times, they will use hidden clauses in the contract to protect their interests at the detriment of you or your loved one. I cannot tell you how many times in the 23 years that I have been buying and selling real estate in Tucson that I’ve heard a horror story about how a homeowner was delayed because of contracts. Before signing a contract with an Investor, call me and let’s review it to ensure you aren’t selling too cheap, or signing for something you don’t understand well. I am not an attorney, nor do I provide legal advice. However, as a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Arizona, I don’t mind taking a free look at your contract!
Legitimate Companies Pay ALL Closing Costs
Companies like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Zillow Instant Offers all charge fees to the homeowner looking to sell their home. Fees from 3% to 10% BEFORE REPAIR deductions aren’t good alternatives. Not when there are legtitimate We Buy Houses companies that are available for you.
If you are looking to sell your unwanted home, a legitimate we buy houses company (like KarlBuysHouses) will pay ALL your typical closing costs. Unlike Offerpad, and Opendoor, there are never any fees, nor commissions when selling directly to me. You can even leave your personal items behind that you do not want anymore, and I will dispose of them for you! This truly is a service where you can simply negotiate a price with me, and that is the price you get.
Why Is This Important?
If you are selling your home at a discount for the convenience of a direct sale, or for a guaranteed closing date, or even to sell a home without any repairs; then you don’t need to be “nickeled and dimed” at closing. When you sell your home directly to me, I pay all typical closing costs, and there are no commissions. Resulting in an easy, straightforward amount direct to your bank!