From relocation to unpaid taxes to settling out-of-town inheritances, sometimes selling a house fast to an off-market (or direct) buyer is the best move a property owner can make—even in a vibrant real estate market like the Atlanta metro area. While it is true that properties sold to direct buyers typically fetch less than market value, this option comes with benefits that are well worth considering. Let’s explore a few scenarios where selling to an off-market home buyer might make sense, the advantages of taking this approach, and how to get started if an off-market sale is the right approach for you.
When you have very good reasons to sell a house quick
Some sellers, such as people who are relocating or helping a loved one make new living arrangements, may not have the time or resources to market a house, accommodate showings, go through the back-and-forth of contract negotiations, or pay holding costs like taxes and utilities. Other sellers face issues that put the property at a disadvantage in the traditional process. Foundation issues, water or fire damage, and significant wear-and-tear (or worse) from prior tenants are just a few factors that can make it challenging to find a buyer. For sellers like we just mentioned, the standard process of hiring a real estate agent, creating a listing, and waiting for the Atlanta real estate market to work its magic may be too much to ask.
The upsides of a quick home sale
While selling your property quickly may not be your first choice, this approach does come with several benefits:
- Fast closing: Between inspections, repairs, and buyer hesitation, closing times for a traditional home sale can last several weeks. An off-market buyer like HomeVestors® can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks, which can be ideal if you are looking for a fast sale.
- No repairs: Maybe the single-family ranch house in Marietta you just inherited has long since fallen into a state of disrepair. Maybe the expansion and contraction of Georgia’s red clay soil did significant damage to your house’s foundation. When you sell your property to an off-market home buyer, you can sidestep major repairs and sell “as is.”
- No marketing, staging, or showings: Houses sold on the traditional market typically require multiple showings before the right buyer comes along. On top of that, keeping a listed house in impeccable shape for open houses and last-minute showings can be a lot of work. Again, selling off-market simplifies the process.
- Fewer fees: Choosing an off-market buyer gets you out of paying an agent’s commission. Plus, off-market buyers regularly pay for many closing costs, which can make upfront selling costs more manageable.
- No lender-ordered appraisal: Lender-ordered appraisals can be a major unknown in the selling process. Lender-ordered appraisals are not part of an off-market buyer’s required process.
- Less stress and hassle: For many property owners, the selling process can be quite stressful— especially when you have other priorities and just want to get the deal done. In these cases, an off-market buyer can be a good fit.
- Not getting trapped in the “market value” mindset: Understandably, most sellers want to get top dollar for their properties. Knowing what “top dollar” is for a given house, however, is not an exact science. Agents use a formula where they look at square footage, house type, and neighborhood sales over the last six months to prepare comps, but individual houses might have special considerations that affect the market value. According to a 2024 study, the median home price in several areas around Atlanta is considered overvalued, which suggests that a lot of sellers may soon find themselves unable to sell their houses at the current price point.
We buy houses fast.
From iBuyer companies to neighborhood real estate flippers, there are ample opportunities to sell a house fast. The question becomes: What kind of off-market buyer is right for you?
At HomeVestors, we put a premium on client support and satisfaction. Our fast, convenient process has allowed us to purchase over 150,000 houses across the country in the last 29 years and has earned us a 95%* nationwide customer satisfaction rating from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey. We buy houses in Atlanta and, in some cases, can give you a same-day offer.
Our 3-step home-buying process is simple. First, we come to your house for a free, no-obligation consultation. When we get there, we do a quick walkthrough and sit down with you to answer any questions. Sometimes we can make it out to your property on the day you contact us. Once you accept our offer, we can potentially close in as little as 3 weeks.
We also offer The HomeVestors Advantage. After signing a contract to accept our offer, you have 3 days to think further about your decision. If you change your mind during this period, simply cancel the contract by notifying your property buyer in writing. Our goal is to give you the quick sale you’re looking for while providing you with peace of mind.
When time is of the essence, HomeVestors may be the Atlanta-area buyer you are looking for.
