Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that selling your home is a significant decision, and you likely have questions. You’re not alone—many of our clients come to us wanting to know more about the process and what to expect. In this article, we’ll explore a few of our most frequently asked questions along with the answers to help you gain a better understanding of how it all works. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
Q: What exactly is a professional home buyer, and how do they differ from traditional real estate investors?
A: A professional home buyer is a company or individual that purchases properties directly from homeowners as a primary business, typically with cash offers.
Unlike traditional investors who might buy properties occasionally or as a side business, professional home buyers have established processes, dedicated funding sources, and typically operate at a larger scale.
They can often provide faster closings and more flexible terms than investors limited to making cash offers at a steep discount.
Professional home buyers focus on creating win-win solutions for homeowners who need or want to sell quickly without having to go through all the hassles and expense of a traditional sale.
Q: How does the process of selling to a professional home buyer compare to listing my house with a real estate agent on the open market?
A: The professional home buyer’s process is typically much more streamlined than a traditional sale.
When listing with an agent, you’ll need to repair and prepare your home for showings, wait for potential buyers, negotiate offers, and deal with buyer financing contingencies. This can often takes 2-3 months or longer.
With a professional buyer, the process usually involves just four main steps:
- Initial contact and property information sharing
- A property evaluation and offer presentation
- Acceptance and paperwork
- Closing, which can often happen in as little as 7-14 days.
There’s no need for staging, multiple showings, or waiting for an end buyer’s financing approval.
Q: How quickly can I expect to close on my home sale with RealPro Homebuyers, and what factors might affect this timeline?
A: We can typically close in as little as 7-14 days, and the timeline can be adjusted to your needs.
The main factors that can affect closing speed include:
- Possible title issues needing to be resolved
- The current occupancy status of the property if you and/or others are living there
- Any existing liens or judgments that need to be cleared
- Your preferred moving timeline.
Because we typically purchase with cash or existing financing on the house, there’s no need to wait for bank approvals, which often drag out for weeks in a traditional sale.
Q: Will you be listing my house on the MLS or actually buying it?
A: That’s an excellent and frequently asked question! Unlike real estate agents who list properties, we are professional home buyers at RealPro HomeBuyers. This means we buy houses directly from homeowners in Boulder. You won’t have to worry about whether we can close a deal since we don’t rely on bank financing—we pay with cash! After purchasing your home, we may make repairs and resell it or keep it as a rental. Our goal is to provide you with a seamless, stress-free experience.
Q: How are you different from a real estate agent?
A: Real estate agents typically list homes and hope for a buyer, which can take 4-6 months, and they charge commissions ranging from 3% to 6%. For instance, if you sell a home for $500,000, you could pay between $15,000 and $30,000 in fees. At RealPro HomeBuyers, we cut out the middleman and purchase your home directly. Because we use our own cash, we can make an offer within days—sometimes even on the same day! We take on the risk of buying the property and handle all repairs, so you can enjoy a fast, hassle-free sale.
Looking for this to be broken down further? Here’s a comparison chart to give an overview:
| Selling w/ A Boulder Agent | SOLD To | |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions / Fees: | Up to 6%, paid by you, the seller | None |
| Who Pays Closing Costs? | 2% on average is paid by you, the seller | We pay all costs. |
| Inspection & Financing Contingency*: | Yes, sales can fall through. | None needed |
| Appraisal Needed: | Yes, the sale is often subject to appraisal. | No, we make cash offers. |
| Average Days Until Sold: | +/- 91 Days | We provide immediate cash offers. |
| Number of Showings: | It Depends | 1 (Just Us) |
| Closing Date: | 30-60+/- days after accepting the buyer’s offer | The date of YOUR CHOICE. |
| Who Pays For Repairs? | Negotiated during the inspection period | We pay for all repairs. |
Q: Will I need to make any repairs or improvements to my home before selling if I choose to work with RealPro Homebuyers?
A: No, we most often purchase “as-is”, meaning you don’t need to make any repairs or improvements before selling. In fact, if there are items you’d rather just leave behind, such as an old sofa, etc., we can take care of that for you, leaving you free to move without needing to dispose of it!
This is one of the main advantages of selling to a professional buyer — We handle all necessary repairs after purchase. Even a home with major damage or maintenance issues can be sold without you needing to invest in repairs. The condition of the property will be factored into the offer price, but you won’t need to spend time or money on improvements.
Q: Do you pay fair prices for properties?
A: This is one of our most frequently asked questions! We strive to offer fair cash prices that reflect the condition of the home and the market. Many homes we purchase may be below market value, but our clients value the speed and convenience of a cash sale. We recognize that many homeowners aren’t looking for a massive profit; they simply want a quick and easy solution to challenging situations. With our no-obligation pricing commitment, you can see our offer and decide if it works for you or not—no strings attached!
DOWNLOAD our free guide that walks you through the Pros and Cons (plus the cost and timeline) of selling your house to a real estate investor versus the pros, cons, and costs of the other two alternatives – listing with an agent or selling it yourself.
Q: How do you determine the price to offer on my house?
A: Transparency is key in our process. We consider various factors, including the location of your property, its current condition, any repairs needed, and comparable sales in the area. By analyzing all this information, we work hard to come up with a fair cash offer that works for both parties.
Q: What documentation and paperwork will I need to provide when selling to a professional home buyer?
The required documentation to sell your house to us directly is typically minimal but important.
We’ll probably ask you to provide:
- Proof of ownership (deed)
- A recent mortgage statement if applicable
- Any existing surveys or property reports you have
- Recent utility bills
After coming to agreement, the title and escrow company will require identification, and possibly other information about you and/or the house.
We’ll handle most of the paperwork for you, including preparing a purchase agreement and closing documents. This is so much simpler than a traditional sale, which often requires extensive disclosure documents and repair negotiations.
Q: Are there any fees or commissions to work with you?
A: One of the best parts of selling your home to us is that there are no fees or commissions—unlike the traditional selling process, where you could pay up to 6% for an agent to simply list your property on a multi-list service. We often cover closing costs, too! Once we purchase your home, the responsibility shifts to us, allowing you to walk away with cash in hand and free from the burdens of the property.
Q: Can you buy my house if I still have a mortgage or if I’m behind on payments?
A: Yes, you can sell your home to us here at RealPro Homebuyers regardless of your mortgage status.
If you have an existing mortgage, it will typically be paid off at closing from the sale proceeds. Or if you’re open to creative financing terms, which can net you a higher price in the long run, the mortgage may be included in a purchase agreement.
If you’re behind on payments, we can often expedite the closing process to help prevent foreclosure. We frequently work with homeowners in pre-foreclosure situations and can sometimes even negotiate with lenders on your behalf. The key is to contact us or your lenders as early as possible if you’re facing financial difficulties.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after accepting your offer?
A: We’ll typically include a period in the purchase agreement during which you can cancel without penalty if you change your mind. The specific terms and timeframe vary, but it’s important to read the purchase agreement carefully and understand any cancellation terms.
At RealPro Homebuyers, we prioritize maintaining a good reputation and although there may be certain deadlines after which cancellation could have consequences, we’ll do our best to work with you if your circumstances change.
Q: Is selling to a professional home buyer a legitimate option, and how can I verify the credibility of the buying company?
A: Yes, selling to a professional home buyer is a legitimate option that has become increasingly common in recent years.
To verify a professional home buyer’s credibility, you should:
- Check their Better Business Bureau rating
- Read online reviews and testimonials
- Ask for references from recent sellers
- Verify their business registration with your state
- Ensure they have a physical business address
Legitimate professional buyers will be transparent about their process and happy to provide documentation of their business status and past transactions.
Q: What are the tax implications of selling my home to a professional buyer versus through a traditional sale?
A: The tax implications of selling to a professional buyer are generally the same as selling through traditional methods. If the property is your primary residence and you’ve lived there for at least two of the past five years, you may be eligible for the capital gains tax exclusion ($250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married filing jointly).
However, since each situation is unique and tax laws can be complex, it’s recommended to consult with a tax professional about your specific situation before selling. Professional buyers can often provide documentation needed for tax purposes but cannot offer tax advice.
Note: See answers to frequently asked questions about the tax consequences of selling an inherited home if this pertains to your situation.
Q: Is there any obligation when I submit my information?
A: Not at all! When you provide us with details about your property, we will review the information and may reach out for a brief conversation to understand your needs better. After that, we’ll present you with a fair all-cash offer. Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours—there’s no pressure, just support as you consider your options.
Want To See What We Can Buy Your House For?
At RealPro HomeBuyers, we understand that selling your home is a significant decision that often comes with many questions.
Whether you’re unsure about the selling process, the cash offer, or how we operate differently from traditional real estate agents, we’re here to provide clarity and support. Our dedicated team believes in transparency and open communication, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
If you still have questions after reviewing our FAQs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a phone call or message away and ready to assist you with personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.
We pride ourselves on making the selling experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Unlike traditional real estate transactions that can be lengthy and complex, we focus on quick, hassle-free cash-in-hand experience, allowing you to sell your home on a date and time of your choosing.
With no hidden fees or commissions, you can expect a straightforward process where you walk away with cash in hand. Our goal is to help you achieve your real estate objectives while alleviating any burdens associated with selling a home. We’re committed to providing a compassionate, one-stop solution for homeowners in any situation, ensuring that you feel valued and supported throughout the process.
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Learn The Pros and Cons Of Selling Your House To A Local Professional Home Buyer – Your FREE Guide:
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Get your FREE Guide and then give us a call at (720) 740-2575. We would love to discuss what your home is worth and what we can offer to buy it with our Cash Offer Program.