Unfortunately, a traditional real estate listing is not a one size fits all sales method. Read on as we explore the pros and cons of hiring a real estate agent to sell your house in Baltimore.
1. Showings
Pro
Hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore should mean plenty of foot traffic touring your home during showings, both in person and through virtual tours online. You can rest easy with your real estate agent in your corner, representing your home professionally during walk-throughs while you carry on with your life. The more activity regarding your house online and in person, the better your chances of selling your home to a qualified buyer.
Con
Often, showings are the main obstacle to hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore. For many, just the thought of strangers walking through their home, either in person or virtually, is disquieting. Especially in today’s pandemic environment. Rather than go through the stress of being always ready for a showing and feeling overexposed, you could sell your home directly to a cash investor. Doing so resolves the issue of showings because other than the investor and their team, one else will now view the property while you still reside in the home.
2. Property Condition
Pro
If your home is new or in excellent condition and everything is updated, hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore is a perfect fit. Properties that are in move-in condition are desirable to many buyers. By working with an agent with a network of real estate industry connections, homes often sell before ever having the chance to hit the market.
Con
If your home is in less than perfect condition or needs significant updates or repairs, hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore may not be your best choice. Selling directly to an investor means that there is no need to schedule inspections or appraisals because they buy homes as they are. You don’t even need to clean, just pack up what you want to keep and leave the rest to the investor.
3. Holding Time
Pro
A traditional property listing with a real estate agent is better suited as the sales method when time is not a concern. While agents can only provide an average amount of time that listings similar to yours have taken to sell, working with a real estate agent improves your odds significantly of a quick sale. Buyers tend to shy away, thinking that there may be an unseen problem that others found and are avoiding. Hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore may be your best choice because the longer a home sits on the market, the less likely it is to sell. You’ll also save time because top agents only work with prequalified buyers.
Con
When time is of the essence, hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore may not be the right option for you. Selling directly to an investor offers the benefit of a speedy closing, sometimes in as little as just seven days. Professional investors call upon their team of experienced professionals to swiftly process every aspect of your transaction. Having this team at hand means everything happens quickly. You also save time by selling directly to a cash investor, with the ability to skip all the traditional red tape. In addition, you eliminate the time-consuming steps that a traditional buyer must go through to qualify for a loan.
4. Costs
Pro
Top agents include all the latest technology innovations in their marketing plans, including professional photography and virtual tours. These agents will sell your house in Baltimore, listing on the MLS as well as the most highly trafficked sites online. Knowing that you have a professional agent representing you during all phases of the process, meeting every deadline, and handling everything, including all of the complicated paperwork, is well worth the expense.
Con
When hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore, you may pay commissions and other fees associated with the transaction, including broker fees and closing costs. You’ll also be responsible for expenses related to marketing. There is no marketing to pay for out of pocket by selling directly to an investor. No commissions or other professional inspection or appraisal fees will come off the top. A direct investor will make an offer that you agree is fair. The offer you receive is the amount of cash you’ll walk away with from the closing table.
Maryland Home Buyers can do it all! We have combined all of the benefits of a real estate agent with those of a cash investor. At Maryland Home Buyers, working with one of our professional buyers means they can act as cash investors, thereby eliminating any of the cons you may find in hiring an agent to sell your house in Baltimore. Ready to learn more about how Maryland Home Buyers can help you with our investor buyers? Tell us a bit about your property or call (410) 657-2523 today!