If you’re thinking about selling your home in the Lexington area, you probably couldn’t have picked a better time. But just because we’re experiencing a surging seller’s market doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious when offers start coming in.
When a stranger contacts you with a cash offer or something else that sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam. At the very least, there’s a good chance that the party on the other end of the offer doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
What’s up with those “We Buy Houses” signs?
You might have seen handwritten signs on street corners, heard radio ads, or received postcards in the mail with various slogans. They all boil down to the idea that some stranger wants to give you a pile of cash for your home.
In some areas of South Carolina, these slogans are becoming rather commonplace. So what’s behind them? Essentially, real estate investors are trying to buy up as many houses as possible in this hot real estate market, some even sight unseen.
They will approach vulnerable homebuyers and make lowball offers on homes. Their intention is to either quickly flip them for a higher price or to turn them into lucrative rental properties.
If it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is!
While some unsolicited offers are from legitimate companies, there’s no doubt that anyone selling to these companies is not getting the full value that they deserve. If an offer sounds too good to be true, there is probably some hidden catch. It’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified real estate professional before you agree to sell your home.
Just because it’s a seller’s market, it doesn’t mean that everyone is going to walk away with the perfect real estate deal. It’s still important to place your home in its best light and use strong negotiating tactics to secure a favorable deal.
It pays to review the paperwork one more time
Even with the deal you want on the table, buyers and sellers are encouraged to do their due diligence as closing approaches. Particularly when buying with cash, buyers should always examine the title report and be cautious of inadequate disclosures on a property that is sold as-is.
When both parties use adequate caution and use a reputable real estate agent, it can prevent the need to renegotiate sale terms after an agreement has been reached.
Get the best value for your home in this surging seller’s market
If you want to get the best value for your home during this seller’s market, you need a partner you can trust. The Lafayette Team has more than 34 years of combined real estate experience in Lexington and the surrounding South Carolina Midlands. We have extensive knowledge of the area as well as contacts that help us market your home effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our services.