Best Alternative Ways to Sell a House

Selling a house can seem like a complicated process—there’s legal paperwork, agents, open houses, home inspections, and closing costs that can amount to a colossal headache. Perhaps you’ve already listed your home and you’re wondering why it’s not selling faster. Or maybe you’re going to sell soon, but you aren’t sure the best way to go about it. 

The real estate market has evolved and the traditional home sale through a real estate agent is only one method of selling available to you. Innovative selling options have emerged to help homeowners navigate different circumstances and market conditions. Read on to review different ways to sell a house and find the best method for you.

Why Selling a House Can Be Hard

Recognizing the common challenges that can slow down the process is essential if you want to sell your home fast.

1. Homeowners often forget to depersonalize their space.

A common mistake from homeowners is forgetting to clear their personal belongings to create an open, clean space. When potential buyers look at pictures of your home online or visit your home in person, there shouldn’t be many signs of you living there at all. Removing your personality from a space (i.e., family photos, statement furniture pieces, etc.) is key to having potential buyers envision a life in your house. 

2. Sellers sometimes set an unreasonable asking price.

Another common mistake sellers run into is the belief that they have to price their home high in order to receive a high offer. Instead, look at similar homes in your neighborhood and see what they’re priced at. Your home should fall within a reasonable range, and if it’s a competitive price, it could spark a bidding war that raises the final price by quite a bit.

3. Lack of curb appeal can be a major obstacle.

If your home qualifies as a “fixer upper,” that is, it’s dated and in need of repairs, it can be difficult for buyers to see past first impressions. Consider lowering your price if you don’t want to put the money in to enhance your home’s appearance, or consider selling to a property investor without the need for a real estate agent or costly repairs.

 4. An undesirable location can deter buyers.

Crime, pollution, and remote locations can all be deterrents for potential home buyers. Long distances to amenities like grocery stores or schools can also be a turn-off. If your home is in such a location, highlighting any unique positives, such as scenic views or larger lot sizes, might help mitigate some concerns.

Selling With a Realtor

It makes the most sense to sell your home with a realtor when your home doesn’t need a lot of repairs and it’s in ready-to-sell condition. If you decide to sell with a realtor, make sure the agent has personal experience, as some realtors actually have very little. Below are some potential ways a deal may transpire with a traditional real estate agent. 

Short Sale

Despite its name, a short sale is typically a long, slow, and difficult process. It’s mostly desirable when the only other option is foreclosure. If your agent prepares your seller’s estimated net (the sales price minus the transaction and closing costs) and it’s negative, you’re essentially losing money to sell your home. It’s still possible to close the deal if the bank accepts less than the total amount owed, though this will damage your credit. 

Owner Financing

If you own your home (i.e., you don’t have a mortgage), you can act as a lender for the potential buyer. In most cases, the home seller receives a larger down payment and a higher-than-market interest rate. This option attracts buyers who don’t qualify for traditional mortgages for reasons beyond their credit, such as income verification or employment history issues.

Loan Assumption

Loan assumptions can be an attractive option for buyers, particularly when mortgage rates are high. This method allows buyers to take over the seller’s existing mortgage at a potentially lower interest rate, saving money over the life of the loan. However, not all loans are assumable, and lender approval is typically required. Assumable loans can involve additional closing costs, which may be covered through smaller supplementary loans. While less common when rates are low, loan assumptions become more appealing as rates rise.

Selling Without a Realtor

If you're looking for creative ways to sell a house fast, consider these alternative methods that don't involve using a realtor.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Though it’s a self-explanatory and common phrase, less than 10% of deals are for sale by owner. Independent, can-do attitude homeowners might find this avenue attractive as it’s cheaper than working with a real estate agent (no commission fees), and there’s a multitude of websites available such as Zillow and Craigslist that make posting about your home easy. However, there is more work required—accurately pricing the house, marketing, showings, etc. Plus, you will have to navigate the legal paperwork and all its complexities without assistance.

Instant Buyer 

iBuyers are real estate companies that use technology to estimate your home’s value and make a direct offer. It’s one of the more straightforward alternative ways to sell a house, but it’s possible for their final offer to differ from their initial estimate after an in-person inspection.

Auction

Selling your home via auction is similar to for sale by owner but with professional guidance. No negotiations or contingencies are required, and the buyer pays all commissions. However, the buyer pool is restricted to those who meet a certain criteria, and auctions are often mistakenly seen as only for distressed homes. Auctions typically have a reserve price, the minimum the seller will accept.

Sell to a Real Estate Investor

Another fast and simple way to sell your home is by selling to a real estate investor. Similar to an auction that allows sellers access to quick cash, deals with real estate investors are ideal for those with homes that aren’t in market-ready condition. This method can save you time and the hassle of making repairs, marketing the property, and staging your home for traditional buyers. Investors tend to be cash buyers, ensuring a quicker closing process. However, it can be tricky to determine who is a reputable investor and whether or not it’s a competitive offer.

Why Choose 800CashToday

With 800CashToday, you’re connected with a buyer who pays cash and understands your neighborhood. We streamline the process to eliminate the need for repairs, staging, or agent commissions. Our service includes benefits like up to a $10,000 cash advance, free credit repair, and free local moving, making it easy and stress-free to sell your home as-is.

Steps to Sell Your House Fast with 800CashToday

800CashToday makes it easy to sell your house quickly in just three simple steps:

1. Tell us about your property. Call us at 1-800-CASH-TODAY or fill out our short "Get Started" form. This helps us learn about your home, its condition, and your preferred selling timeline.
2. Receive your free cash offer. Our cash home buyer will discuss selling solutions and provide a no-obligation offer. Sometimes you will receive a cash offer the same day you submit your property details.
3. Choose the best offer. There is zero obligation to accept our offer. If you do, simply choose a closing date and close in as little as seven days.

By choosing 800CashToday, you can avoid the stress and expenses of traditional home selling. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are no agent fees, no closing costs, and no buyer concessions. Plus, you have the flexibility to choose your move-out date, making the transition smooth and convenient. Our goal is to provide a hassle-free, efficient, and beneficial selling experience, allowing you to sell your home quickly and with confidence.