When you’re ready to sell your home, it’s natural to wonder which approach is best. Atlanta homeowners today have more home selling options than ever, from traditional listings to off-market buyers. But each choice comes with its own costs, timelines, and considerations.
At HomeVestors®, America’s trusted home buyer, we believe homeowners deserve to understand all their options before deciding. Here’s a breakdown of the five main ways to sell a house in Atlanta, and how HomeVestors stands apart.
The 5 main ways to sell a house in Atlanta
#1. Traditional sale with a real estate agent
Best for: Sellers with time, updated homes, and a goal of maximizing price.
How it works: List your home with an agent, schedule showings, and wait for offers. On average, Atlanta homes often spend more than 60 days on the market.
Typical costs:
- Typically 5–6% in agent commissions.
- $6,000–$12,000 in prep work for repairs and staging on an average Atlanta home (based on 2024 national data from HomeLight and Zillow).
- Mortgage, insurance, and utilities during the sale period.
Pros: Potentially higher sale price and marketing support.
Cons: Longer timeline, upfront costs, and uncertain closing timeline.
#2. iBuyers (Online instant buyers)
Best for: Move-in-ready houses in specific neighborhoods.
How it works: Submit your property online for an automated offer. You’ll typically pay a service fee and often face additional deductions after inspection.
Pros: Speed and convenience.
Cons: Limited eligibility, hidden fees, and reduced offers for homes that need repairs.
#3. For Sale by Owner (FSBO)
Best for: Experienced sellers comfortable handling marketing and paperwork.
How it works: You manage showings, negotiations, and contracts on your own. In Georgia, state law requires an attorney to be present at closing, so you’ll also need to hire a real estate lawyer to complete the transaction. Expect to spend time and money on listings, photography, and legal help.
Pros: Control over the sale.
Cons: Time-consuming and may result in a lower sale price due to limited exposure.
#4. Real estate auctions
Best for: Unique or distressed properties.
How it works: Houses are marketed to real estate investors with a set auction date. While auctions can create competitive bidding, there’s no guarantee of reaching your target price.
Pros: Fast sales.
Cons: High fees and unpredictable results.
#5. Off-market buyers like HomeVestors®
Best for: Sellers who want certainty, speed, and convenience.
How it works: Request an offer from a direct home buyer. At HomeVestors, we buy homes “as is,” no repairs or cleanup required, and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay typical closing costs.†
Pros: Fast offers, flexible closings, and little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
Cons: Sale price may be below market value to account for repairs.
Why HomeVestors® stands apart in Atlanta
When it comes to Atlanta home selling options, not all buyers are alike. Here’s why more than 150,000 homeowners have chosen HomeVestors:
- Experience you can trust: With 29 years in business and deep Atlanta market expertise, we’ve purchased houses in every condition and neighborhood, from Decatur to Sandy Springs.
- Fast, dependable closings: We can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks, helping homeowners who need to sell their house fast in Atlanta avoid delays.
- We buy “as is”: Whether your property has foundation issues, roof damage, or needs major updates, we’ll buy it “as is.” Unlike some buyers, we don’t need you to make repairs, updates, or even clean.
- No-pressure consultations: Our local Atlanta team explains every step and ensures you understand your options, even if that means recommending another route.
Which selling option is right for you?
Every homeowner’s situation is different. Whether you want to sell your house without a realtor in Atlanta, explore investor offers, or simply compare your choices, our team is here to help you make an informed decision.
Get a free, no-obligation consultation to explore the different ways to sell your house fast in Atlanta with guidance from the trusted professionals at HomeVestors.