You’ve decided it’s time to sell. Should you hire an agent to sell your house in COLUMBIA, SC? Do you want to pay large commissions? How long are you willing to wait for the house to receive an offer? How long will it take to close? What sort of repairs will you have to make? How does the house look when I leave for work in the morning? Are you available to show your house with 24-hour notice, or less?
Commissions and Fees
Real estate agents are paid based on a percentage of the sale price of your house. If you do not use an agent, there will be no commissions paid to a buyer’s or seller’s agent. That means thousands of dollars in savings! The usual commission is 3% per side, so if you sell your house for $400,000, you would have to pay $24,000 in commissions alone, along with the traditional seller’s closing fees and other possible transaction fees to the closing agent and the real estate agent’s office. Real estate investors typically do not charge commission or transaction fees, and if they do, it is extremely low in comparison.
When selling a home, one of the most significant costs sellers face is real estate agent commissions. Traditional real estate agents typically charge a percentage of the final sale price—usually around 3% for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents. That means if you sell your home for $400,000, you could be looking at paying a staggering $24,000 just in commissions. This doesn’t even include additional expenses like the seller’s closing costs or other transaction fees, which can quickly add up. It’s an expense that eats into your profit and can leave you walking away with less than you anticipated.
However, opting to sell your property without an agent, or working with a real estate investor, can save you thousands of dollars. Investors typically don’t charge hefty commissions or transaction fees, and if any fees are involved, they are generally minimal compared to traditional agent fees. This means more money stays in your pocket. Plus, the process with investors is often quicker and more straightforward, saving you from the hassle and lengthy timelines that can come with traditional real estate sales. For homeowners looking to maximize their profits and simplify the selling process, this approach can be a game-changer.
Waiting Time Frame
Real estate agents have access to the multiple listing service, or MLS, which allows your property to be found in searches for certain features of a property. This may sound great, but how long will it sit on the market? How fast will you receive offers? Real estate investors and other direct house buyers typically have a network of other house buyers, so if your property doesn’t fit their portfolio, then it may fit one of their colleagues’ portfolios. Either way, this means very limited waiting time for an offer. Also, when you sell your house in COLUMBIA, SC to house buyers, they will typically close faster than traditional house buyers, and usually pay in full in cash. Traditional house purchases usually require qualifications from banks, mortgage underwriting time, and property inspection and the buyer may not end up qualifying in the end.
Real estate agents have the advantage of listing properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a powerful tool that helps buyers search for homes based on specific features and criteria. While this can increase visibility, it doesn’t guarantee a fast sale. Properties can linger on the market for weeks or even months, depending on market conditions, pricing, and demand. During that time, sellers are left wondering how long it will take to receive a serious offer—or if they’ll need to lower their price to attract interest. The traditional process can be slow and uncertain, with no clear timeline for when your house will finally sell.
In contrast, real estate investors and direct house buyers offer a faster, more efficient alternative. These professionals often have extensive networks of fellow investors and buyers. If your property doesn’t align with one investor’s criteria, it may be a perfect fit for someone in their circle. This connection significantly reduces the waiting time for an offer. Plus, when selling your house in COLUMBIA, SC to an investor, the process is streamlined. Investors typically pay in cash, bypassing the delays of bank approvals, mortgage underwriting, and exhaustive inspections. There’s no risk of financing falling through at the last minute. In many cases, investors can close on a property in a matter of days—helping you move forward with confidence and cash in hand.
Inspections & Repairs
Professional house buyers in SC will usually purchase houses as-is. As a seller, this means you do not have to worry about repairs before closing or any other additional expenses you were not planning on. There are some companies that do not require inspections which makes it a truly as-is transaction. When you use a real estate agent, the buyer’s agent will almost always order an inspection of the property. If they find something wrong with the property structure, they may require you to fix it out of pocket before the property closes.
One of the biggest advantages of working with professional house buyers in SC is the ability to sell your property as-is. This means you can skip the stress, time, and expense of making repairs or upgrades before closing the deal. Whether your house needs minor cosmetic touch-ups or major structural work, investors typically take on the property in its current condition. Some companies even go a step further by waiving inspection requirements, making the transaction truly hassle-free. This approach not only saves you money but also eliminates the uncertainty of last-minute repair demands that can delay or derail the sale.
In contrast, selling through a real estate agent often involves a more complicated process. The buyer’s agent will almost always request a professional inspection, and if any issues are uncovered—whether it’s a leaky roof, foundation cracks, or outdated systems—you may be obligated to cover the repair costs before the sale can move forward. These unexpected expenses can quickly add up and eat into your profits. Plus, the inspection process can extend the closing timeline, adding stress and uncertainty. By choosing a professional house buyer, you avoid these common roadblocks and enjoy a simpler, faster, and more predictable selling experience.
Showings
If you decide to use a professional house buyer in COLUMBIA, SC, you will not have to worry about going through a roller coaster of emotions. There are no frustrating, middle-of-dinner phone calls asking if you are available to show your house. You don’t have to worry about leaving your house spotless every day before heading to work, just in case there is a showing while you’re gone. You don’t have to worry about possibly running into a buyer’s agent or their clients or dealing with them asking you questions that you really shouldn’t answer anyway. You also don’t have to worry about buyers arguing with you over which furniture you are taking and what you are leaving.
Choosing to work with a professional house buyer in COLUMBIA, SC means you can skip the emotional roller coaster that often comes with traditional home sales. No more disruptive, last-minute phone calls during dinner, asking if your home is available for a showing. You won’t need to keep your house in showroom condition every single day, just in case an agent drops by with a potential buyer while you’re at work. Plus, you’ll avoid awkward encounters with buyer’s agents or their clients, who might ask tricky questions that you’re better off not answering. And forget about stressful negotiations over which furniture stays or goes—those small details can quickly turn into big headaches in a traditional sale.
Selling a home can feel overwhelming, with countless decisions to make and scenarios to consider. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Working with a professional house buyer streamlines the process, eliminating stress and uncertainty. Whether you’re looking for a quick sale, want to avoid costly repairs, or simply prefer a hassle-free experience, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your options and find the best solution for your unique situation—because selling your home should feel like a relief, not a burden.
There are a lot of situations to think about when you are ready to sell your house. We can help you decide which avenue would be best for you.