Got a Los Angeles property that you want to sell fast for cash? You’re in luck, because buyers such as real estate investors do just that. From speed of the sale and lower costs, to convenience and fewer complications — the advantages of selling your home to a real estate investor are definitely worth considering.
However, just because they offer a fast and seamless transaction doesn’t mean you should just blindly trust every direct homebuyer you come across. You need to do your research and learn how to ask the right question to make sure your cash buyer is legitimate and trustworthy.
Here at Inhouse Offer, we want to help you understand the process of selling your home to a real estate investor. We’ve listed down some questions you should ask a professional cash homebuyer in LA to ensure the best deals on your property.
Questions To Ask Before Selling To A Cash Buyer
1. How Long Have You Been Buying Houses In Los Angeles?
Protect your interests by making sure you know exactly who you’re working with. One way to find out more about the professional cash buyer looking into buying your home is by asking them how long they have been buying houses in the area, particularly in Los Angeles.
Research their history and you may opt to ask the following sub-questions:
- Are they local to the Los Angeles area?
- How long have they been working in the community?
- How many houses have they successfully purchased?
Their answers should give you a good look at the standing of the company and their expertise in the real estate market. This information is important because for every legitimate cash buyer out there, there are many pseudo-investors that may take advantage of your situation. A local company with a strong local presence will be transparent about their history. They’ll be more likely to have you and your community’s best interests in mind.
2. Are There Any Hidden Fees Or Closing Costs?
It’s important to ask this question because you don’t want to be surprised by hidden fees along the way. A legitimate real estate investor should pay for all of the closing costs associated with the deal. In most cases, the only fees that you might be responsible for paying are the prorated portion of the property taxes, the state tax and any leftover mortgage payment. There are never any hidden costs when you use the services of a reputable professional cash home buyer.
3. What Do Past Clients Say About Your Experience? (Do You Have Any Reviews I Can Check?)
One thing you should always check before engaging in any transaction is the company’s reviews. Reviews will tell you what you should expect while working with the professional cash home buyer. Look for consistently positive experiences that show the investor is trustworthy and honest. Check the company’s website, it’s google reviews, it’s rating in the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or its social media pages. A reputable company is bound to have quite a number of positive reviews about their services.
4. Will The Property Be Purchased As Is?
You should clarify whether or not your property will be purchased in as is condition. Now, while most real estate investors or direct buyers advertise that they’re buying properties as is, it doesn’t hurt to ask or clarify before deciding to sell your home to them. This is to ensure later on that the company can’t use the lack of repairs, renovations, or upgrades to shortchange you on your property’s value.
5. Can You Provide Immediate Proof Of Funds?
A great way to weed out a shady buyer is to ask for proof of funds. Don’t think twice about asking this question as it can potentially save you from interacting with a fraudster! Asking for proof of funds is an industry standard and there is absolutely nothing wrong with making this request. If the investor has the cash, it’s easy for them to show you proof with a certified bank statement or letter. If the direct home buyer refuses to show you proof or makes excuses as to the state of it’s accounts, this may be a glaring red flag. Proceed with caution.
Keep these questions in mind before deciding to partner up with a direct home buyer. Another helpful advice you should consider is to trust your gut. If you feel like you’re dealing with a shady investor, don’t be scared to back out.
Ready To Sell?
Here at In House Offer, we buy houses for cash in LA regardless of the condition. You don’t have to shell out money to cover renovations and repairs as we buy your home as is. When you choose us as your home buyer, you can expect us to provide you with the best cash offer for your home and ensure a quick, painless close. At Inhouse Offer we buy houses on your terms.
You can either take a step forward into your new life by accepting our fair cash offer, or take your chances with the long arduous process of traditional home selling. To find out more about our quick selling process in Los Angeles, CA, give us a call today at: (951) 824-6730.