Sometimes you need to sell your house fast. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. If you find yourself pressed for time and wondering “how long does it take to sell my house with an agent vs an investor?” then this blog post will guide you through the answer…
You want to sell your house, and perhaps you need to sell in a hurry. Chances are, you arrived at this blog post because you’re hoping to find the best solution for you that sells your house as quickly as YOU want.
Before we get to the answer, it’s important to understand the difference between what an agent does and what an investor does:
When you sell your house with an agent, you are asking the agent to represent you in a sale and to try and find a buyer on your behalf. In other words, you’re selling THROUGH an agent to a buyer.
When you sell your house with an investor, you are actually working directly with the one who will be buying the house. In other words, you’re selling TO an investor (they are the buyer).
Now that you understand the difference, here’s how long it can take…
How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor?
The Agent…
An agent needs to show your house to prospective buyers and try to convince them to buy. Therefore, they’ll want your house to be in pristine condition, and then they need to find as many prospective buyers as they can to show your house to.
Therefore, it can take weeks or months for you to fix up your house before an agent feels that it’s ready to list. And once the agent lists it, it can take months for the agent to find buyers to show your house to, and for one of those buyers to make an offer (on average, it can take 3-6 months… sometimes as long as 12 months for this to happen). And what people don’t realize is: if the buyer can’t get financing or gets cold feet in the deal then they can back out and you go through the process again.
Therefore, it can take months to sell your house through an agent – it all depends on how quickly you can get your house in “showroom condition” how quickly they can find a buyer and whether the buyer goes through with the purchase.
Selling a house through a real estate agent involves several steps and can indeed be a time-consuming process. Initially, homeowners may need to invest weeks or even months in preparing their property to ensure it’s in pristine condition for listing. This preparation often includes repairs, renovations, decluttering, and staging to maximize appeal to potential buyers. Once the house is ready, the agent begins marketing efforts to attract prospective buyers. This can involve various strategies such as online listings, open houses, and networking within the real estate community to reach as many potential buyers as possible.
However, despite the agent’s best efforts, finding the right buyer can still take time. On average, it may take between 3 to 6 months, and in some cases up to 12 months, to secure an offer on the property. During this time, the agent continues to show the house to interested parties and adapts marketing strategies as needed to generate more interest.
It’s crucial to recognize that even after an offer is made, there’s still a degree of uncertainty. If the buyer encounters difficulties securing financing or experiences a change of heart, they may back out of the deal, requiring the seller to restart the process. This adds further variability to the timeline of selling a house through an agent.
Overall, the time it takes to sell a house through an agent depends on various factors, including the condition of the property, market conditions, pricing strategy, and the diligence of the agent in finding and qualifying potential buyers. While the process can be lengthy and unpredictable, working with a reputable agent can help navigate the complexities and increase the chances of a successful sale.
How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor?
The Investor…
This part surprises most people: an investor can buy your house very fast – some investors can even buy in as little as 7-10 days if that’s what you want. That’s because the investor is the buyer (so no showings are necessary) and many investors (including us here at Intrepid Property Solutions) buy houses in any condition so you don’t have to fix up the property either.
So, should you sell through an agent or sell to an investor? That’s up to you. An investor is faster so if speed is important to you then you may want to think about selling to an investor.
Indeed, one of the lesser-known aspects of selling a house is the option to sell to an investor, which can significantly expedite the process. Unlike selling through a real estate agent, where showcasing the property and waiting for the right buyer can take months, investors can often purchase a matter of days. This is possible because investors are the direct buyers, eliminating the need for showings and negotiations with multiple parties. Additionally, many investors, including Intrepid Property Solutions, are willing to buy houses in any condition, saving sellers the time and expense of fixing up the property.
The decision to sell through an agent or to an investor ultimately depends on individual priorities and circumstances. If speed is of the essence, such as in cases of urgent relocation, financial distress, or avoiding foreclosure, selling to an investor may be the preferred option. Investors offer a streamlined process and quick cash transactions, providing sellers with a faster resolution and eliminating the uncertainty associated with traditional listings.
On the other hand, selling through a real estate agent may be more suitable for sellers who prioritize achieving the highest possible sale price or who have the time and resources to invest in preparing the property for sale. Working with an agent allows for broader market exposure and access to potential buyers who may be willing to pay a premium for a well-presented property.
Ultimately, sellers should carefully weigh their priorities, objectives, and timelines when deciding between selling through an agent or to an investor. By considering factors such as speed, convenience, financial goals, and the condition of the property, sellers can make an informed decision that best aligns with their needs and preferences.