• Get a free cash offer comparison from Clever Offers
• Sell to an iBuyer
• Sell to a cash investor

For the most competitive cash offers — with no added fees or commissions — we recommend Clever Offers.

Maybe you're not 100% sure it's time to sell your home right now, but you're still curious what a buyer would pay for your house. Zillow Make Me Move let homeowners test the waters by creating a listing, setting your price, and allowing buyers to contact them directly. If they got an attractive offer, they could choose to sell without ever "officially" listing their house.

If you're curious what a buyer would pay for your house, we recommend starting with a free service like Clever Offers.

With Clever Offers, you can compare up to 10 competitive offers from local, regional, and national cash buyers.

Simply tell Clever's team about your property, and they'll send you tailored offers from vetted cash buyers in your area. You can compare offers to see which one is the best deal and either accept or walk away — no strings attached.

If you want to compare cash offers with your estimated home value, Clever will also connect you with a real estate agent who can provide a free comparative market analysis. When you know what your home is worth, you have more leverage to negotiate with cash buyers, and you’re more likely to sell for a price you’re happy with.

Clever Offers is free, and there's no pressure to move forward with an offer if you don’t like the price. See what buyers will offer for your home

What is Zillow Make Me Move?

Zillow now offers a free listing option called Make Me Move. For whatever reason, you may be unsure about selling your home right now. Maybe your significant other isn't yet on board or you're worried there won't be enough interest to get the price you want.

With Zillow Make Me Move, you can gauge buyer interest in your home. Sellers can list their home as potentially available to give buyers a chance to contact the seller with questions. By figuring out what price people are willing to pay for it, you may be more inspired to go through with the sale.

How does Zillow Make Me Move work?

The free Make Me Move option allows you to post your house as a potential listing, along with a listing price, photos, and details about the home, all while remaining anonymous. Buyers are able to contact you with questions and set up a time to view your home if you'd like.

How to Post a Zillow Make Me Move Listing: A Step-By-Step Guide

To post your home with Make Me Move, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Make Me Move page.
2. Enter the full address of your home and click "Continue."
3. You'll be prompted to either create or log in to your Zillow profile.
4. Verify the location of your property. If Zillow's database has the correct location, select "Yes, it's a correct location." If not, click "No, let me change it," drag the orange dot to the correct location on the map, and click "Save and continue."
5. Now, you'll be able to set the price of your Make Me Move listing and upload photos. You'll need to upload at least one photo with your submission. You can also edit your home facts, add additional information about your home, and enter a contact phone number.
6. Next, accept Zillow's Terms of Use and click "Post Make Me Move."
7. Your listing will then be submitted for review. It can take up to 72 hours for your listing to be moderated by Zillow's verification team.

Can you change your Make Me Move listing to a For Sale By Owner listing?

It's simple to change your Make Me Move listing to a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listing or to being listed by an agent. Log into your Zillow account, navigate to your Make Me Move listing, and click "Post for sale by owner for free." You'll be asked to confirm you decision before the change is saved. All the information you entered previously will be carried over to your new listing, including any photos you uploaded.

Zillow Make Me Move Pros & Cons

Pros

You can do a test run before making any final decisions.

For indecisive sellers, Make Me Move is an excellent way to test the waters before officially putting their home on the market. Realizing that there is indeed interest in your home may be just the motivation you need to actually sell.

It's free.

Perhaps the biggest perk of Make Me Move is that the service is free-of-charge and has no strings attached. You can change or remove the posting at any time with no consequences. After potential buyers begin contacting you, you can make the decision whether to sell your home yourself or hire a real estate agent and try to get a better price.

Cons

Only Zillow buyers see your listing.

The biggest drawback to the Make Me Move tool is that listings are only visible on Zillow. And while Zillow is the most popular real estate website in the United States based on monthly visits, this can still cut out lots of home buyers — especially those already working with a real estate agent. In most cases, these buyers will only hear about homes on the multiple listing services (MLS).

Serious buyers might not consider your listing.

Serious buyers may not consider potential listings for a couple reasons. They may assume the home won't be available soon enough for their timeline, or they may think Make Me Move sellers will drag their feet and closing would take several months.

How does Zillow make money?

Zillow has three main avenues for making money:

Ad Sales

Similar to other free online sites you use everyday (news sites, Facebook, Google, etc.), Zillow gets paid by property management companies, mortgage lenders, and other businesses to serve up ads on the site. After you log in, these ads may directly relate to you or your recent search history

iBuying

Zillow recently entered the home wholesaling arena — also known as iBuying — and has announced it'll be ramping up its model even more. A homeowner sends Zillow details about their home, then receives a cash offer within days. If the owner accepts the offer, Zillow purchases the home, rehabs it, and then relists it in hopes of making a profit.

Premier Services for Real Estate Agents

Zillow also makes money by charging real estate agents a fee for becoming a premier agent. These agents get their own personalized profile page, ads targeted at users in their local markets, and increased visibility of their listings. These agents also get a customer relationship management system to help them track those who have expressed interest in using an agent through the site. Premier Agent services remain Zillow's main source of revenue.

Other Options to Make Me Move to Consider

If you have any inclination to sell your home, consider getting free advice from a real estate agent. Most are willing to meet with you one-on-one for free, without any obligation to sign a listing agreement.

Real estate agents can give you a true sense of how much you can expect to get for your home, current local market demand, recent sales of similar homes in the area, the best time to sell, and a good idea of how long it will take to sell.

Should you list your house on Zillow Make Me Move?

If you're toying around with the idea of selling your home, it certainly won't hurt to make a Make Me Move listing. But, you probably won't stay on the platform from start to finish. Once you start generating some interest, a real estate agent can help you get the best price at the best terms.

Even if you're in the process of a Make Me Move negotiation with a potential buyer, it's not too late to enlist the help of a professional, especially when negotiating repairs and closing dates.

Clever Partner Agents are top-rated real estate agents from major brands — like Keller Williams or Century 21 — who are experts in their local markets. They offer the same full services as other agents, but for a lower listing fee of just 1.5% — about half the typical commission rate.

Fill out this form to get connected with top agents in your area for a no-obligation consultation about selling your home in your current market.

Top FAQs About Zillow Make Me Move

Will Zillow buy your house?

Zillow began buying homes in 2018 through its iBuyer service, Zillow Offers. Zillow will pay cash for your home, gets it ready for resale, and then quickly lists it using local real estate agents and those in its Premier Agent directory.

Zillow is adding more markets to Zillow Offers program in 2019.

Can anyone post on Zillow?

Anyone can post a home for sale, a Make Me Move listing, or a home for rent on Zillow — you don't have to be a real estate agent or a property manager. You simply create an account on the website, find the home you'd like to post and complete some basic information.

Real estate agents with an account have additional features like client reviews and adding a headshot to their profile that appears on all their listings.

Is it free to list on Zillow?

It is free to list a home for sale by owner or by a real estate agent, and to post a home for rent on Zillow. Since Zillow makes the bulk of its money through ad sales, it's iBuyer program, and it's Zillow Premier Agent option for real estate agents, they are able to offer these services free-of-charge to users.

Potential buyers can also browse or search for homes on the site for free.

Can I sell my house without a realtor?

You can certainly sell your home without a realtor, and it's called a for sale by owner sale — or FSBO. However, a real estate agent can give you professional advice and expertise like knowing the best listing price, getting your home on the multiple listing service (MLS), staging your home, and conducting open houses. Not to mention the tedious and sometimes tricky part of negotiating the sale.

But, if you're comfortable doing all of this on your own, a title company can provide you with the paperwork you'll need to complete the legal side of the sale. And, keep in mind that if your buyer is using an agent on their end, it's still typical for the seller (you!) to pay for that agent's commission.

Is Zillow accurate?

Zillow Zestimates are an estimated range of your home's value — it is not an appraisal or comparative market analysis. A Zestimate's accuracy depends on how much data Zillow has access to for your particular home. Some counties and cities have more publicly available data than others, and the more data there is, the more accurate a Zestimate will be.

A Zestimate is intended to give a range of values for a given property, not replace an appraisal or the professional opinion of a local real estate agent. These numbers are automatically calculated using a proprietary formula, as well as public and user-submitted data. Zillow pulls in county assessments, the property's purchase history, and any other public information it can get its hands on, as well as user-submitted date from its site.

The Zestimate formula takes specific factors into consideration like location, size, features, amenities, and local market conditions, as well as recent sale prices for similar homes in the area.

What are Zillow potential listings?

Zillow's potential listings are those that may come on the market soon but aren't yet listed. These listings include three types of homes: foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, and Make Me Move postings.

Foreclosures are properties taken over by a lender after the foreclosure process. They are likely to be listed for sale soon, but are not yet found on a multiple listing service (MLS).

Pre-foreclosures mean the lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings on the properties because the owner defaulted on their loan. Pre-foreclosures also include properties for which a foreclosure auction is scheduled and are not found on an (MLS).

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How to Sell Your House For Sale by Owner

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The post Zillow Make Me Move: Amazing Offer or Rip-off? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Home buyers and sellers are becoming increasingly fed up with the traditional 6% real estate commission model — and they might be on the verge of getting relief from a system that many contend is rigged to artificially inflate how much agents are paid.

A recent $1.8 billion verdict in a lawsuit against industry trade group National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the group, along with two large brokerages, conspired to restrict competition and keep commissions artificially high. Although the verdict is being appealed, the industry is bracing for seismic shifts in the way agents are paid.

According to several years of polling by Semya-Moya, consumers would almost certainly welcome these changes. Today’s consumers view the present commission system as confusing and unfair, which has made it difficult for many to trust their real estate agent.

In a Tough Market, Commission Is a Major Pain Point

Nearly every recent home buyer (93%) said that present market conditions impacted their home-buying experience, and a majority of buyers (53%) said it was a bad time to buy.

The reasons are mainly financial. Despite interest rate increases that were intended to cool the market, prices are still trending upward. The average home buyer in 2023 spent 23% more than the national average price and 31% more than the average price in 2022. Not surprisingly, a solid majority of recent buyers (58%) said they overpaid for their home. 

Commission is a big part of that dissatisfaction. The No. 1 regret among home sellers was that their realtor commission was too high. The percentage of respondents who cited this as their top regret surged 40% in just a year, from 20% in 2022 to 28% in 2023. 

The feeling of being price-gouged has had a serious impact on sellers’ ability to trust their agent. A majority of sellers (55%) — including 42% of those who used an agent — think agents care more about making a deal than about their clients’ best interest — a perception that’s led many sellers to look for ways to cut commission or even forgo an agent entirely.

Nearly half of 2022 and 2023 home sellers (48%) say avoiding high realtor commission rates was a “very important” priority when selling their home, and 91% say it was an important priority. Among sellers who decided to sell their home themselves, 28% said they did it to save on commission, and 39% said they might have been more open to working with an agent if they were willing to take less commission. 

The willingness to negotiate is important to sellers: 42% say they’re less likely to work with an agent if they’re unwilling to negotiate commission. How much of a discount sellers are looking for is uncertain, but a majority think they should pay at least 50% less, and 55% of sellers say they shouldn’t be obligated to pay the buyer’s agent’s half of the commission at all. 

Resentment about commission can run so deep that, at times, it verges on illogical. A 2022 survey found that nearly a third of homeowners (31%) would be willing to sell their home for less than the market rate just to avoid paying realtor commission.

However, 72% of sellers who worked with an agent believe a good agent is worth every penny of their commission.

Most Buyers and Sellers Don’t Understand How Commission Works

One reason consumers hate the commission system is because they don’t really understand how it works. Typically, the seller pays commission for their listing agent and the buyer’s agent, but 62% of Americans think buyers pay their agent’s commission fees. That figure rises to 66% among non-homeowners.

Just 1 in 9 Americans (11%) know that the average commission rate is 6%. This includes 14% of homeowners, who have actually gone through the home-buying process, and only 7% of non-homeowners. 

Many Americans expect to pay less in commission, with 51% underestimating how much they’ll pay in commission. Actual sellers are slightly more educated on the subject. About 46% of sellers know exactly how much commission they’ll have to shell out, while 34% overestimate how much they’ll pay. What's more, 42% of current sellers don’t realize they’ll be expected to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission. 

In the end, a lot of negative sentiment about real estate commission is a failure of education. When informed that the average real estate commission is 5.5%, a majority of Americans (69%) said it was fair.

This knowledge deficit has trickle-down effects: 65% of Americans wrongly believe buyers can save money by not working with an agent, and the 71% of sellers who used an agent who charged 5% or more could’ve saved money by using a discount agent. But knowing that would require them to know how much a conventional commission costs. 

The Agent’s Perspective

A 2023 survey of 625 real estate agents revealed some interesting data points about commission from an agent’s perspective. 

Although the conventional wisdom is that commission is 6%, the reality is that it’s fallen to 5.49%, with listing agents getting 2.83% on average, and buyer’s agents getting 2.66%. Even before this court verdict, commission was trending downward. 

For sellers intent on saving on commission, there are ways to get a discount. Seventy-two percent of agents said they’d offer a discount to a seller who also intended to buy with them, and just under 70% said they’d give a repeat client a break.

On the other hand, agents tended to charge more than average for clients who wanted a premium marketing package or were selling a remote or hard-to-sell property. 

The Implications of the NAR Verdict

With the verdict being appealed, changes to the commission system aren’t imminent. The NAR believes the appeal will take several years. But if the verdict is upheld, big changes could be on the way.

U.S. sellers already pay quite a bit more commission than sellers in other countries. In the U.K. and Australia, commission is closer to 2%. A reduction in average commission down to that level would be a big win for sellers because they’d pocket more profit from their home sale. 

Presumably, sellers would also no longer be responsible for paying the buyer’s agent’s commission. This change is trickier. If buyers suddenly have to pay their agent a 2-3% commission, many might stay out of the market because of affordability concerns. Fewer buyers means fewer offers, which could lead to declining home prices.

There’s a plausible future in which the American commission system blows up, commission and home prices both fall, and sellers end up basically where they started, pocketing a slightly higher percentage of a slightly lower home sale. Like most complex systems, the American real estate market is inclined to maintain equilibrium.

In the meantime, sellers can save on commission right now by using discount agent services like those offered by Semya-Moya, which can cut the listing commission by nearly half. Similarly, home rebate programs like the ones Clever offers could be the wave of the future if buyers have to add a 3% commission on top of their dream home’s purchase price. 

No matter how much the commission system changes, the market will adapt. 

For more information or to request an interview, contact media@movewithclever.com.

The post NAR Lawsuit: Americans' Views and Misconceptions on Agent Commissions appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Company	Clever Rating	Availability
🏅 Best overall Clever Offers	4.9 Excellent	Nationwide	Read more
Southern Hills Home Buyers	4.8 Very good	Local	Read more
Home Buying Guys	4.8 Very good	Multi-state	Read more
Ninebird Properties	4.3 Good	Local	Read more
We Love Dallas Homes	4.3 Good	Statewide	Read more

Our team evaluated more than 17 active cash home buyers in and around Dallas. We examined each company's key factors, including its credibility signals, customer reviews, and activity level. Our guide will help you choose a cash buyer to get the best outcome on your sale.

Top cash home buyers in Dallas, Texas

🏅 Best overall

Clever Offers

Read more

4.9

Excellent

Customer Rating

5.0 (2,631)

BBB

Accredited, A+

Availability

Nationwide

Overview

Reviews

Contact

Our take: Clever Offers is our top pick for most people in Dallas because it makes getting and comparing multiple cash offers fast, easy, and safe.

What we like: Clever Offers taps you into a wide pool of vetted cash buyers who can buy your house fast, saving you from hours of overwhelming research. Compare and choose from up to 10 buyers. This competition among buyers can drive up cash offer prices. Semya-Moya, an established, highly rated nationwide brand, backs the service. Clever Offers also handles communications between sellers and multiple buyers.

You should also know: Cash offers aren’t always the best or only option. Clever can bring you other solutions, like creative financing or sale-leasebacks, that might deliver a better fit or value. Clever can also match you with a top local real estate agent for a free home valuation so you can compare the cash offers with an open market sale. Seeing all your options helps you make an informed decision and come away with the best possible outcome.

BBB: 5.0 (84)
Google: 4.8 (212)
Trustpilot: 5.0 (2,335)

Website: listwithclever.com
Phone: (833) 225-3837
Address: 4625 Lindell Blvd., 2nd FL, St. Louis, MO 63108

Southern Hills Home Buyers

Read more

4.8

Very good

Customer Rating

4.9 (74)

BBB

Accredited, A+

Availability

Local

Overview

Reviews

Contact

Our take: Southern Hills stands out with a high volume of positive recent reviews. 

What we like: Customers consistently rave about the Southern Hills team and how it provides a seamless, efficient selling process. Southern Hills and the Home Buying Guys share similar ratings, though Southern Hills has a more locally focused operation. Its higher number of recent reviews suggests more consistent activity.

You should also know: Southern Hills' website doesn't include team member names or photos on their website, which impacts our credibility score. But the abundance of positive testimonials speaks volumes about the company's legitimacy and reputation.

BBB: 4.5 (8)
Google: 4.9 (66)

Website: southernhillshomebuyers.com
Phone: (214) 225-3042
Address: 700 E Park Blvd. #202, Plano, TX 75074

Home Buying Guys

Read more

4.8

Very good

Customer Rating

4.8 (66)

BBB

Accredited, A+

Availability

Multi-state

Overview

Reviews

Contact

Our take: Home Buying Guys is a solid alternative to Southern Hills, with comparable overall and recent activity scores. 

What we like: Home Buying Guys has a user-friendly website with team member names and photos, which boosts its credibility. Its customer ratings are favorable, and it has zero BBB complaints. 

What you should also know: Although it offers multi-state service, local clients may prefer a more locally concentrated operation.

BBB: 4.0 (4)
Google: 4.9 (62)

Website: homebuyingguys.com
Phone: (866) 847-3565
Address: 901 18th St., Plano, TX 75074

Ninebird Properties

Read more

4.3

Good

Customer Rating

4.8 (26)

BBB

Accredited, A+

Availability

Local

Overview

Reviews

Contact

Our take: Ninebird Properties offers a reputable choice for Dallas sellers who require fast, straightforward transactions.

What we like: Ninebird stands out for its healthy customer satisfaction score and BBB accreditation. Plus, Ninebird offers transparency about its team members, lending more credibility and trust to its services.

You should also know: Despite its good standing with customers, Ninebird's limited recent activity raises questions about its house-buying frequency.

BBB: N/A
Google: 4.8 (26)

Website: ninebp.com
Phone: (972) 996-1839
Address: 1400 Preston Rd. Suite 400, Plano, TX 75093

We Love Dallas Homes

Read more

4.3

Good

Customer Rating

4.2 (26)

BBB

Accredited, A+

Availability

Statewide

Overview

Reviews

Contact

Our take: We Love Dallas Homes provides a credible option for statewide sellers in Texas.

What we like: We Love Dallas Homes appears to be an active buyer. With its statewide service, it's a viable option in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

You should also know: The absence of team member names and photos on the company's website affects the company's credibility score. If online transparency is a sticking point, consider checking out more forthcoming companies.

BBB: N/A
Google: 4.2 (26)

Website: welovedallashomes.com
Phone: (469) 638-8276
Address: 3839 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204

Other companies that buy houses for cash in Dallas

A-List Properties has a strong customer rating, indicating that its customers are generally happy with their experience. But we didn't include A-List in our main list because it lacks BBB accreditation. Additionally, while A-List's overall rating is good, its credibility and activity scores are lower than some of its competitors. 

Keyroo earned a great rating from its customers and a high satisfaction score from us, but we didn't include it in our top list because it's not accredited by the BBB. Also, its credibility and activity scores are lower than other companies on the list. Keyroo may be a reliable option, but you should contact the company directly or visit its website to see if it might be a fit for you.

investorade earned an impressive customer rating, reflecting a high level of satisfaction among its customers. However, we left it off our list because it falls short on a few key points. We couldn't find information about investorade's team on its website, so we don't have much information to gauge the team's credibility. investorade's activity level, measured by recent reviews, is also low relative to its competitors. Furthermore, it's not accredited by the BBB.

Home Sold Speedy has some strong customer testimonials on its website, but that wasn't enough for the company to make our list. The company lacks recent reviews, signaling a low level of current home-buying activity. It also doesn't carry a BBB accreditation. The absence of team information on the website makes it hard to gauge the company's credibility.

Dallas Property Investors maintains a steady local presence and has provided some transparency about its team on the website. However, it failed to make our top list due to a lackluster customer rating and no BBB accreditation. 

» LEARN: The best cash home buyer companies in Texas

Next steps: Start getting cash offers!

Related articles and resources

Closing Costs for Sellers in Texas: Learn what it costs to sell a house in Texas, including tips on how to save on your sale. 

How to Sell a House By Owner in Texas: Read this guide to decide if selling without a realtor in Texas is a good idea for you. 

8 Steps to Selling a House in Texas: Are you ready to sell your Dallas home but need help understanding the process? Read our guide on selling a home in Texas (with or without a realtor).

Selling a House As-Is: What You Need to Know: We share the main factors that affect how much you may gain (or lose) when you sell as-is.

11 Best Companies That Buy Houses for Cash: Our team spent hundreds of hours researching we buy houses companies and iBuyers. Many of these companies have local franchises throughout the nation.

Why trust us

Data sources

Our research team evaluated 17 cash home buyers in Dallas. It also compiled and analyzed publicly available data points tied to past transactions, customer reviews, and more to evaluate each of the Dallas home buyers and create our final list and rankings.

Methodology

Our team used public business directories to identify every company in the Dallas area calling itself a cash home buyer. We filtered that list and ranked the top options based on the following criteria: 

• Credibility: Is the company a legitimate and safe option? Before we recommend any company, we assess its owners and/or team members, customer testimonial videos, Better Business Bureau status, total Google reviews, and the legitimacy of those reviews. 

• Activity: Is the company actively buying a large number of homes? We examine how many reviews the company has had in the last six months and whether the company responds to its reviews. 

• Satisfaction: Are sellers generally happy with their experience and outcome? We gauge how compassionate, helpful, fair, and reliable a cash home buyer is by evaluating its Google reviews for average rating, total reviews, and negative reviews.

Our team also highlighted the company's availability based on where it operates.

• Local: Operates in Dallas or the Dallas metro area
• Statewide: Operates throughout Texas
• Multi-state: Operates throughout Texas and at least one other state
• Nationwide: Operates in all states

✍️ Editor’s note: We don't disqualify a company for limited or missing data, but we do lower the company’s ranking. We base our rankings on objective measurements and can only measure what we see. We regularly search for missing data to update our rankings accordingly.

Editorial policy

Credible, primary sources power our pages. When you hire a service through a link on this page, we may earn a commission. But this doesn't influence our advice or ranking methodology. Learn more about Semya-Moya.

The post Best Cash Home Buyers in Dallas, Texas (2023) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Spring and summer are typically the best times to sell a home. So if the warm, sunny days have you thinking of putting your house on the market, there are a couple of upgrades you can do to help you get the best possible price and sell it quickly. Of course, some renovations and upgrades have a higher ROI than others, so it’s important to know where to allocate your hard-earned dollars.

A joint study from the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry called the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report analyzed data from home sales to determine cost recovery estimates for various home renovations. The study found which repairs and upgrades provided the highest return on a homeowner’s investment, whether you’re selling a home with a real estate agent or on your own.

Although you don’t have to take on multiple renovations prior to putting your home on the market, many of the ideas below are quick updates that can improve the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

Refinished hardwood floors

If you have hardwood floors in your home, it might be time to refinish them. Buyers absolutely love hardwood floors, but if your floors show wear and tear, it could put them off. Luckily, refinishing your hardwood floors has an impressive 147% ROI. If you decide to refinish them before putting your home on the market, this can help one of your home’s biggest assets shine.

New wood flooring

If you don’t have wood flooring, consider installing new wood floors before putting your house on the market. This is an especially good idea if your home has matted carpet, vinyl tiles, or any flooring that’s showing a lot of wear. Although installing new wood floors might feel like an expensive investment, data shows you can get a 118% ROI on that update.

Upgraded insulation

Upgrading your insulation has a 100% ROI. This is especially good if you want to show potential buyers that your home is energy efficient. Buyers like knowing that they won’t get surprise utility bills that are more than they expected. By putting in your listing that you’ve upgraded your insulation, especially in areas prone to extreme heat or cold, it could help you sell your home quicker.

Basement conversion

Finishing a basement or converting it into a more usable area can be a very attractive upgrade to buyers. Converting your basement creates an additional living space that your buyers can use and can make your house feel bigger. Additionally, converting your basement can give you an 85% ROI, helping you to sell your house for more.

Closet renovation

If you don’t have a lot of time before putting your house on the market, consider doing a closet renovation. Adding storage and shelves to your closet can help buyers envision their belongings in the space. If your house has smaller closets, this is an especially good idea because it shows buyers how to maximize the space. Closet renovations have an 83% return on investment.

Attic conversion

Anytime you can add additional living space to your home, it helps. Buyers are constantly looking for homes that have added features and various living spaces. So if you have an attic that you’re able to convert to a living space, and you can do it affordably, consider taking on that renovation. It offers a 75% ROI and can give your buyers an additional bedroom or office, as well as make your home more interesting and memorable.

Bathroom renovation

Bathroom renovations are a big undertaking, but they do offer a solid 71% ROI. Kitchens and bathrooms are the two main parts of a home buyers look at, and if your bathroom is outdated, it might turn buyers away. Even a small upgrade to the lighting, shower fixtures, and adding new curtains or art can help make this space shine.

Kitchen upgrade

A full kitchen renovation can take months and cost a significant amount of money, so if you don’t want that challenge, you can complete a kitchen upgrade, which has a 67% ROI. This means updating the kitchen with fresh paint and new hardware and replacing the appliances rather than gutting it completely. You can even paint the cabinets for a fresh, updated look.

Interior painting

Buyers prefer homes with neutral colors. While there isn’t ROI data on how much return you’ll get from painting the entirety of your home, 48% of real estate agents recommend doing this before selling. Not only will it make your home look nice, but it will help it feel fresher and smell cleaner, too.

Upgraded laundry area

If you’re hoping a family will buy your home, don’t forget about the laundry area. This is a place where families spend a lot of time running their households. Improve the laundry area’s appeal to help attract more buyers and stand out among competitors.

A new roof

Yes, adding a new roof is expensive, but it has a 100% return on investment, according to the data. Additionally, 33% of agents recommend doing this before selling. Buyers love it when a home has a new roof because it means they can go a long time — decades even — without replacing it.

A new garage door

Getting a new garage door is a very easy way to update the curb appeal of your home and give a positive first impression. Plus, it comes with a 100% ROI.

New vinyl siding

If the siding on your home is peeling or damaged in any way, it could scare buyers. Luckily, replacing your siding with new vinyl siding has an 82% ROI. Be sure to mention this in your listing as well, since new siding not only looks better but can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

New windows

Replacing your windows with new energy-efficient ones can yield a 67% ROI. It also can help improve your insulation, which can reduce your buyer’s energy bills.

A new front door

Getting a new front door isn’t necessary, but it’s an easy upgrade that’s often a buyer’s first impression of your home. It also gives a 63% ROI.

Decluttered space

Homes show better when they are completely decluttered. Having messy and full countertops can make buyers feel uneasy, like there won’t be enough space for their belongings in the home. Even if you have to rent a storage unit while your home is on the market, do whatever you can to clear out your belongings to make your home feel bigger.

Clean walls

If you have kids or have been in your home for a number of years, it’s probably a good idea to clean the walls. You want buyers to know you’ve taken care of your home. You can clean the walls with soap and water and use a magic eraser for harder-to-remove stains. This will contribute to making your home feel fresher to buyers who come to see it.

Staging

Even if you plan on selling without an agent, you can hire a professional stager — or research online the best ways to present your home. There are ways to position your furniture and decor that will help buyers envision themselves in your home.

Deep-cleaned bathrooms

When you’re about to list your home, take extra care to deep clean your bathrooms. This means scrubbing your grout and tiles and even cleaning your light fixtures. All of this will help show your buyers you take good care of your home.

Furniture clear of pet hair

If you have dogs and cats, make sure there is no sign of pet hair in your home. Some buyers may be allergic to pet hair, and seeing it on your furniture or on the floor might prevent them from putting in an offer.

Steam-cleaned carpets

Lastly, if you have carpets, hire a carpet cleaning company or rent a carpet cleaner from a home store. Cleaning your carpets will improve the appearance of your home, which will help you sell it faster.

While you don’t have to complete expensive repairs or upgrades before putting your house on the market, completing a couple of the tasks above can help you to maximize profits when selling your home. That’s helpful when you have to pay agent fees, title fees, taxes, and closing costs.

Remember to consult with your real estate agent before completing renovations to make sure the improvements will help sell your home in your specific market. Hopefully, with these upgrades, you’ll be well on your way to a quick sale.

This article was originally published on Semya-Moya.

The post 20+ Repairs and Upgrades with the Highest ROI for a Quick Sale appeared first on Semya-Moya.

One of homeownership’s biggest draws is the ability to build wealth in the form of equity. Although most people finance their home purchase with a bank mortgage, they can still build equity and access those funds before selling the property.

Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow money against their home — the amount of its value above the amount of the mortgage owed. Traditional home equity loans are paid as a lump sum that homeowners repay over time.

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is another option. HELOCs allow your home to operate almost like a low-interest credit card, with a line of credit available for continual use up to the amount of the loan

Both loan options have many benefits for borrowers. Here are 12 of our favorite reasons to explore a home equity loan.

1. You get quick access to cash

The most obvious benefit for home equity borrowers is the increase of cash on hand or the availability of an open, low-interest credit line.

Having a lot of money tied up in a home is one of the common challenges of homeownership. A home equity loan allows you to access some of that cash without having to go through the hassle and expense of a sale.

2. You pay less interest

Lower interest rates make home equity loans a popular choice for large purchases or expenses. The typical home equity loan interest rate is less than 10%.

Homeowners might be better served using a home equity loan to cover common expenses like higher education or medical bills. Private student loans and credit card interest rates can reach 15% or higher depending on your credit score.

3. You can spend the loan however you want

Borrowers face almost no restrictions on how they use their equity loans. As a homeowner, it’s up to you whether you reinvest the funds into your home through upgrades or renovations or spend it on something else entirely.

4. You might have a lower tax liability

The funds distributed through a home equity loan or HELOC are not taxed as income by the IRS. And the interest on your home equity loan is tax deductible until 2026 if you meet certain qualifications.

You also avoid a potential capital gains tax with a home equity loan versus selling the home for cash because you’re not making a profit from the sale of your home.

Of course, there’s still a chance homeowners may have to pay some kind of tax related to the loan depending on location. Consult a financial adviser for specific tax advice.

5. You won’t need to refinance

Home equity loans and HELOCs offer access to home equity without the need to refinance your mortgage. Refinancing a home gets expensive quickly and usually comes with a change in interest rate.

Homebuyers who locked in the historically low interest rates of 2020 and 2021, for example, won’t lose those mortgage interest rates if they decide to take out a home equity loan.

6. You have a longer loan repayment period

Unlike typical private bank loans, home equity loans have flexible and extended repayment periods that could last decades. Most home equity loan repayment periods run as low as 5 years to as long as 30 years, not unlike a mortgage.

This flexibility means smaller monthly payments and greater potential to pay off the loan early.

7. You can invest the loan in new real estate

The funds from home equity loans make it possible for borrowers to acquire other real estate investments. The loan could be big enough for a down payment on an investment property in a hot real estate market or an apartment building.

Keep in mind that a new real estate transaction will come with additional expenses like real estate agent fees and closing costs. Use your equity wisely and look for agents with affordable commission rates to maximize the return on your investment.

8. You can use the loan to consolidate debt

A home equity loan can be a great tool to help consolidate debt. Credit card interest rates are notoriously high, making it expensive to carry around credit card debt. Home equity loans and HELOCs have much lower interest rates.

Consolidating debt with your home equity means one streamlined payment at a lower interest rate. The longer loan term means lower payments on larger debt amounts over time.

9. Your property value could increase

Reinvesting your home equity loan into your home can increase its value.

Home purchases are expensive, and many buyers spend most of their free cash flow covering fees. A home equity loan gives you the option to tackle that renovation project you’ve been putting off to build more value on your property.

10. You avoid mortgage insurance

Depending on how much you borrow, you won’t have to get more mortgage insurance the same way you might need to if you refinanced.

But you still may have to pay for mortgage insurance if you borrow more than 80% of your home’s value.

11. You keep your savings intact

Taking out a home equity loan or HELOC means you can keep your other liquid assets intact. That emergency fund you have in a high-yield savings account can continue to accrue interest while you invest your home equity however you see fit.

12. Home equity loans help finance a home sale

If you’re trying to move and sell your home, you can still use a home equity loan for bridge financing. It can take time to find a new home in competitive real estate markets, and it can take time if you’re selling your home on your own.

You can use the equity from the home you want to sell to help finance the purchase of a new home to avoid taking out an actual bridge loan with a shorter repayment period.

What You Need to Know Before Taking Out a Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans have benefits, but they are still an important financial decision that carry risks. Weigh all of these impacts a home equity loan could have on your finances.

Most lenders have an equity minimum

Banks require potential home equity loan borrowers to own a certain percentage of their home outright. You can’t borrow against the equity you don’t have, so check with a lender to assess how much equity you’ve built before you borrow.

Your home is collateral

Home equity loans come with a fair amount of risk. When you take out an equity loan, your home is the collateral for the lender. Failure to make on-time payments won’t just impact your credit score, it puts your home at risk of foreclosure.

Think carefully about your expenses and how much you can afford to pay monthly. You don’t want an emergency to cost you your home.

Early repayment might come with penalties

Longer loan terms on home equity loans mean lower monthly payments, but not all lenders are thrilled when you pay the balance ahead of schedule. If you already know you’ll be able to pay the loan balance early, find a lender who won’t charge you extra for doing so.

Fluctuating home values can impact your equity

Lenders determine equity by factoring the amount of your outstanding mortgage against the appreciation of your home’s value. Taking out a home equity loan when housing prices are high means more money for you. If home prices drop too much, however, it might be some time before you’ll have enough equity to borrow against.

The post 12 Benefits of Home Equity Loans and What You Need to Know appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Summertime livin’ is easy, especially if you have a beautiful outdoor space to share with family and friends. Taking time to revitalize your patio, porch, or other outdoor living area is a good idea, whether you've found your forever home or are just looking to add character to a rental. Here are 21 easy ways to upgrade your outdoor space.

1. Add outdoor seating

When days get hot and all you want is a place to lounge and relax with a cold, frosty beverage, comfy outdoor seating is a must. If you’ve just moved and have money left after closing on your home, purchase new seating options, such as couches, lounge chairs, and poufs. If you're not able to buy new outdoor furniture, update your cushions, paint wood or metal frames, or look for secondhand options.

2. Keep it shady

When the mercury soars, you'll need a place to stay cool. If you don't have trees or other natural sources of shade, install a pergola or a large outdoor umbrella to create shady areas around your seating.

3. Shed some light on the situation

Outdoor lighting beautifully highlights your landscape and provides a relaxed ambiance for nighttime hangs. Add string lights, lanterns, and in-ground lighting for variety.

4. Fire it up

Every s'mores lover knows that a fun night starts with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and a fire pit. Fire pits can be as simple as a round metal ring set on concrete or as fancy as a smokeless outdoor pit that doubles as a cooking surface. Better still, a fire pit extends the life of your backyard so you can enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine under the stars during the colder months.

5. Tend your garden

If you want to create a peaceful retreat in your backyard, add tons of plants. Use native plants that don't need too much water, and use various types of plants, including hanging baskets, large potted plants, and raised beds. Train a vine to grow up a pergola to increase your natural shade, too. Another benefit of adding thoughtful landscaping is that it adds value to your home when it's time to sell.

6. Just add water

Water features are soothing and provide subtle cooling through evaporation in a smaller outdoor space. Depending on your commitment to maintenance, you can add a simple fountain or an elaborate koi pond.

7. Pull the room together

Interior designers know that a rug can pull the room together. Bring that same sensibility to your outdoor space by adding an outdoor rug that stands up to all kinds of weather. Rugs add a pop of color and separate a space from the lawn or other seating area.

8. Take a dip

Pools and hot tubs require additional space and regular maintenance, and they may increase your insurance costs or change the value of your home. But for those who enjoy spending as much time in the water as possible, these could be a welcome addition.

9. Commit to cooking outside

Dedicated barbecue enthusiasts understand the appeal of a backyard smoker. Even if you don't crave grilled meats on a regular basis, upgrading your outdoor kitchen to a custom setup makes entertaining and creating meals outside easy.

10. Sway in the breeze

Hammocks aren’t just for tropical islands. Bring a piece of island life to your backyard with a single or double hammock. Some hammocks even double as sleeping quarters so you can enjoy an overnight outside without leaving home.

11. Upgrade what’s beneath your feet

Consider installing a deck or a patio. There are many designs to choose from and lots of ways to make it affordable while adding definition to your outdoor space. If you're looking to save money, consider adding a graveled area with a border instead of building a deck or patio.

12. Protect your privacy

Apartment dwellers and those with homes in busy areas can rejoice. It’s easy to add privacy with a simple bamboo fence, strategically placed potted shrub, or ornate wooden screen. Wooden screens do double duty as support for vining plants and your own home-grown veggies, too.

13. Build a gazebo

Larger landscapes can handle a sweet gazebo away from the house. This will provide a quiet shady space that's perfect for reading, dreaming, or intimate chats with friends.

14. Make pizza night every night

The best pizza comes from roaring hot ovens that char your tender crust perfectly. It can be challenging for the oven inside your home to reach temperatures that are hot enough to char the crust, so consider adding a pizza oven outside.

15. Belly up to an outdoor bar

If you love a frosty beverage and fancy yourself an amateur mixologist, live the dream with an outdoor bar. From simple bar carts to built-in wet bars, these are perfect for entertaining.

16. Just add birds

Bring life to your yard by hanging a bird feeder. Research local species so you can provide the appropriate type of feed and feeder, but watch out for marauding squirrels that can empty that feeder overnight.

17. Play games

If you have a long, narrow stretch of grass or gravel, add cornhole, a bocce ball court, or horseshoes. If you have the space, add a ping pong table that can be covered to serve larger gatherings. These affordable game spaces don’t permanently alter your exterior, which is good if you’re planning to sell your home and want potential buyers to envision their own space.

18. Get lost in the music

A sound system sets the mood and lets you get lost in the music whenever you’re outside. Be a good neighbor, though. Keep your outdoor music at a reasonable level, and make sure it's not too loud at night when others are trying to sleep.

19. On your mark, get set, read!

Dedicated bibliophiles will appreciate a comfortable reading nook created just for them. Make sure the lighting is good, the seating is comfortable, and there’s a small table to hold a beverage and the book when a nap overtakes them.

20. Get artsy

Engage all the senses with handcrafted wind chimes, a sculpture, or another carefully curated object. If you’re artistic, create your own art. If not, support local artists. Skip the mass-produced art. Use any cash back from your home purchase or tap into your interior decorating budget to hire a local artist to create an original mural on a blank wall in the backyard.

21. Grow your own veggies

Nothing beats fresh vegetables and herbs that come from your own backyard garden. The good news is you don't need a lot of space to reap a fruitful harvest. Consider vertical gardening up a trellis or a DIY hanging pallet garden that won't take up valuable outdoor space.

The post 21 Ways to Revitalize Your Outdoor Living Space appeared first on Semya-Moya.

For as long as people have wanted to own a home, they have wanted to keep others out. Whether it be a moat, a guard, a fence, or a gate, homeowners (or castle owners in the case of a moat) have always treated their property like a sanctuary. While most of us don't have the space or funds to

build a gator-filled lazy river around our house, we can purchase property inside the walls of a gated community if we so choose.

Over the past century, Americans have prioritized moving to the sprawling suburbs where quiet, gated neighborhoods have appealed to those looking for a space where children can safely play, and owners can enjoy a sense of privacy and security. As with anything, however, these exclusive communities have benefits and downsides.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in such an enclave, from enhanced security to a vibrant community spirit, and explore why this lifestyle has become increasingly sought after.

Advantages of Living in Gated Communities

1. Safety first

One of the primary reasons people choose to live in a gated community is the added layer of security it provides. With restricted access points and vigilant gatekeepers, residents can have peace of mind knowing that their community is a well-protected haven. The controlled entry and exit system ensures that only authorized individuals can enter the premises, significantly reducing the risk of crime and unwanted solicitors.

Additionally, gated communities often invest in surveillance cameras, security patrols, and alarm systems, providing an additional sense of safety for residents.

2. Knowing thy neighbor

There are many places you can live for years and never see or even meet your neighbors. However, living in a gated neighborhood fosters a strong sense of community. With fewer homes and shared amenities, residents have more opportunities to interact and build connections with their neighbors. Community events, social gatherings, and shared maintenance responsibilities promote a friendly and cohesive environment, creating a true neighborhood camaraderie that you won't find elsewhere.

3. More than just a house

These types of neighborhoods often boast an array of exclusive amenities such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, and sports facilities, like private golf clubs and tennis courts. These well-maintained communal spaces provide residents with convenient access to recreational activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

4. Peace and privacy

Often, a gated community can feel like its own world, free from the daily hassles of a more urban setting. Residents enjoy a sense of predictability regarding their peace and privacy. Being in a neighborhood with limited access to non-residents means very little traffic noise, no unwanted guests, and adequate personal space. While maybe not as exciting as city life, these benefits can lead to a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere that some homeowners seek.

5. Family-friendly environment

Gated communities are particularly appealing to families with children. The controlled access and reduced traffic make it safer for kids to play outside and ride bikes within the community. At the same time, the presence of parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities offers ample opportunities for children to socialize with other kids and engage in outdoor activities.

6. Maintenance and aesthetics

Gated communities typically have a homeowners association(HOA) responsible for maintaining common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This shared responsibility ensures that the community remains well-kept and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall curb appeal of the neighborhood.

7. Exclusivity and prestige

One of the top reasons people choose to live in a gated community is the opportunity to be a part of

an exclusive neighborhood. Not only does their address become a status symbol, but they can take solace in knowing that the community will be maintained at a high standard, ensuring property values remain strong.

8. A wise investment

Buying a home in a gated community is not only a lifestyle choice but also a smart investment opportunity. These communities often maintain higher property values compared to non-gated areas, thanks to the desirable features they offer. The enhanced security, well-maintained common areas, and a strong sense of community all contribute to the attractiveness and desirability of the neighborhood.

Disadvantages of Living in a Gated Community

9. Higher cost of living

Living in a gated community often means you'll be paying a premium. According to the American Real Estate Society (ARES), homes in gated neighborhoods command $30,000 more on average.

These exclusive communities typically require HOA fees to cover the cost and maintenance of the gate and the rest of the shared amenities, like landscaping, parks, and sports courts, which can add a significant amount to the cost of ownership. Average HOA fees in the U.S. range from $100 to $1,000 a month, but the average is around $200 to $300 a month.

10. Strict rules and regulations

You may be the boss in your household, but when it comes to a gated neighborhood, the HOA reigns supreme.

Some gated communities will limit the paint colors you can use on your home's exterior, what types of plants you’re allowed to plant in your front yard, and even set limitations on-street parking for guests. If you’re on the fence about buying in a gated neighborhood, remember to review the HOA bylaws and understand their expectations before making any significant decisions.

11. Limited architectural freedom

If you envision painting your house a vibrant shade of Tiffany Blue or adding Greco-Roman columns to your front porch, then a gated community may not be the best fit for you. Typically, these neighborhoods have strict design regulations to maintain a consistent aesthetic and, unfortunately, don't cater to much creative prowess.

12. Sense of elitism is not for everyone

Parents always tell you, don’t worry about what other people think, just do what makes you happy. Well, that’s easier said than done. Some homeowners are turned off by the “snobbish” or “elitist” stigma bestowed upon people living in a gated community. While these labels may be misguided, it’s enough to deter some folks from buying in these neighborhoods.

13. Gaining access has its frustrations

While having a gated entrance or guardhouse can add to a community's overall appeal, it can also be downright irritating. You can bet there will come a time when you're stuck in your car waiting for the gate to open. Perhaps the gate is broken, your clicker or passcode isn't working, or there's a line of traffic trying to get in ahead of you. While these scenarios come with the territory, they can put a damper on your day.

14. Having visitors can be challenging

Gates also make it more difficult to receive deliveries or have guests. Oftentimes, homeowners will be given a unique entry code that will open the gate, but these codes can change often, making it easy to give out the wrong information. If your delivery person doesn't have the correct code or accidentally enters the wrong number at the gate entrance, your delivery won't make it to your home. This can be a major bummer if you've been waiting on your favorite takeout or latest Amazon purchase.

Gates can also pose a challenge for visiting friends and family, especially if your neighborhood has a manned guardhouse that requires all guests to provide detailed information, like their name, phone number, and the purpose of their visit. If you love hosting company, you may grow frustrated with gate logistics over time.

The post 14 Pros & Cons You Need to Know Before Moving into a Gated Community appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Our top pick for "we buy houses" companies in Utah is Clever Offers. With Clever Offers, a concierge will collect details about your home to bring you cash offers from the top "we buy houses" companies in Utah. You'll also get a professional home valuation from a local real estate agent so you know what your home is worth on the open market.

If you have a Utah house in good condition, you’ll likely earn more by selling with a real estate agent. It'll take a bit longer to sell, but the extra money could be worth the wait. Whatever you choose, explore all of your options first.

Best companies that buy houses for cash in Utah

To find the best cash home buyers in Utah, we compared offer times, closing date windows, local market knowledge, and company reputation according to customer reviews.

Here's our advice for working with "we buy houses" companies:

• Contact multiple companies to compare offers
• Read contracts carefully
• Don’t pay for anything up front
• If you don't think an offer is fair, walk away

Clever Offers

Get Offers

Phone Number

833-7-CLEVER

Time to Offer

Varies

Time to Sale

Varies

Why we chose it

Details

Locations

Reviews

Clever Offers is an easy way to compare multiple cash offers at once so you can get the most money for your home. Clever will also provide a free home value estimate so you know what your home is worth on the open market. Then you can decide if selling to a cash buyer company is worth it or if you'd rather list with an agent for maximum value.

Clever Offers provides you with fair cash offers from top institutional buyers, local and regional real estate investment firms, and more.

Steps to sell with Clever Offers:

1. Fill out an online form with a few details about your home.
2. Answer questions about your selling timeframe and the condition of your home.
3. Sit back and relax while your Clever Home Concierge collects multiple cash offers on your behalf.
4. Choose to accept an offer, ask the Concierge to look for better offers, or work with a top local agent to sell on the open market for just 1.5% commission.

Clever Offers is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has an average customer rating of 5.0 on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Express Homebuyers

Website

Phone Number

877-804-5252

Time to Offer

7 minutes

Time to Sale

7 days

Why we chose it

Details

Locations

Reviews

Express Homebuyers is really fast: it provides offers in just minutes and can close in just a week in many circumstances. Plus, the company has mostly positive reviews on Google.

Express Homebuyers is a national service that has partnered with local investors across the country to buy houses for cash.

Steps to sell with Express Homebuyers:

1. Submit your home's information to receive an initial "as is" offer
2. Meet with the local investor to assess your property and answer any questions
3. Discuss the local investor's final cash offer and, if you're willing to sell, sign a sales agreement then and there
4. Choose a closing day on your schedule
5. Show up on the day of the sale to sign the paperwork and receive cash within hours

Express Homebuyers has partnered with local investors in the following states:

Alabama	Louisiana	Ohio
Arizona	Maryland	Oklahoma
California	Massachusetts	Oregon
Colorado	Michigan	Pennsylvania
Delaware	Minnesota	South Carolina
Florida	Missouri	Tennessee
Georgia	Nebraska	Texas
Hawaii	Nevada	Utah
Illinois	New Jersey	Virginia
Indiana	New Mexico	Washington
Kansas	New York	Wisconsin
Kentucky	North Carolina

Express Home Buyers received an average of 3.7 stars from 261 customer reviews. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and it has a B+ rating.

Google: 4.2 stars/122 reviews
Facebook: 4.6 stars/113 reviews
Yelp: 2.5 stars/26 reviews

Utah Sell Now LLC

Website

Phone Number

(801) 383-2233

Time to Offer

24 hours

Time to Sale

7 days

Why We Chose It

Details

Locations

Reviews

We picked Utah Sell Now because it's a local buyer with excellent reviews on Google and Facebook, suggesting many satisfied past sellers.

Utah Sell Now LLC is a local, Utah property investor that buys homes for cash in select cities across the state. To sell your home to Utah Sell Now LLC you can:

• Submit your property info by phone or online
• Receive a no-obligation offer for your home within 24 hours
• Choose a closing date as soon as 7 days after accepting the offer

Utah Sell Now LLC buys homes in and around the Salt Lake City area.

Utah Sell Now LLC received an average of 3.5 stars from 181 customer reviews. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau and it has an A+ rating.

Google: 4.7 stars/135 reviews
Facebook: 5 stars/44 reviews
Yelp: 1 star/2 reviews

Fast Home Offer Utah

Website

Phone Number

(801) 648-7942

Time to Offer

24 hours

Time to Sale

7 days

Why We Chose It

Details

Locations

Reviews

Fast Home Offer Utah makes our list because it's a local buyer with fast closing and many positive reviews.

Fast Home Offer Utah is a local, Utah property investor that buys homes for cash in select cities across the state. To sell your home to Fast Home Offer you can:

• Submit your property info by phone or online and set up an appointment for an investor to view your property
• Show your home and receive a no-obligation offer for your home
• Choose a closing date as soon as 7 days after accepting the offer

Fast Home Offer LLC buys homes in the following Utah areas: Ogden, Salt Lake City, Layton, Brigham City, Roy, Sandy, Provo, Bountiful, West Jordan, Taylorsville, Farmington, Orem, West Valley City, Tooele, Kearns, Lehi, Morgan, Logan, Millcreek, St. George, Herriman.

Fast Home Offer Utah received an average of 4.9 stars from 47 customer reviews. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and it has an A+ rating.

Google: 4.9 stars/47 reviews

Enlight Homebuyers

Website

Phone Number

(801) 939-0123

Time to Offer

24 hours

Time to Sale

3 days

Why We Chose It

Details

Locations

Reviews

Enlight Homebuyers is on our list because it's a local buyer that can close in just a few days in some cases, which is faster than many other "we buy houses" companies.

Enlight Homebuyers is a Utah investing company that buys homes for cash in select areas across Utah.

To sell your home to Enlight Homebuyers:

• Schedule a home visit or phone appointment to relate the details of your property to an Enlight representative
• Get a cash offer on-site or over the phone
• Close on your own schedule - in some cases as soon as 48 hours after

Enlight Homebuyers buyers houses across Utah, including the following counties:

• Salt Lake
• Utah
• Davis
• Cache
• Weber

Enlight Homebuyers received an average of 3.3 stars from 89 customer reviews. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and it has an A+ rating.

Google: 3.9 stars/78 reviews
Facebook: 2.8 stars/11 reviews

Summit Home Buyers

Website

Phone Number

(801) 410-0341

Time to Offer

24 hours

Time to Sale

7 days

Why We Chose It

Details

Locations

Reviews

We chose Summit Home Buyers as a top "we buy houses" company in Utah because it focuses only on the Utah market.

Summit Home Buyers LLC is a local, Utah property investor that buys homes for cash in select cities across the state. To sell your home to Summit Home Buyers LLC you can:

• Submit your property info by phone or online and set up an appointment for an investor to view your property
• Show your home and receive a no-obligation offer for your home
• Choose a closing date as soon as 7-10 days after accepting the offer

Summit Home Buyers LLC buys homes in the following Utah areas: Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Holladay, Midvale, Murray, North Salt Lake, Ogden, Price, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Spanish Fork, Taylorsville, West Jordan, West Valley City.

Summit Home Buyers received an average of 4.4 stars from 34 customer reviews. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau and it has an A+ rating.

Google: 3.9 stars/7 reviews
Facebook: 5 stars/27 reviews

What is a 'we buy houses' company?

"We buy houses" companies are backed by investors. These investors purchase homes to fix and resell for a profit. They buy homes in as-is condition — without any repairs or prep — and pay in cash.

The home buying process for "we buy houses" companies is different from a traditional sale. Since cash buyer companies typically pay only up to 70% of the home's value, some people wonder if "we buy houses" companies are a scam.

But these companies have little incentive to scam sellers. They're investors who rely on their reputation to close deals. However, they are motivated by profit. They make lower offers so they can pay for renovations and still turn a profit when they resell.

»MORE: Are "we buy houses" companies a rip-off?

How do 'we buy houses' companies work?

Details vary, but all "we buy houses" companies in Utah share the same basic business model:

1. A home seller reaches out directly to a cash buyer company.
2. The company assesses the property, considering factors like necessary repairs and potential resale value.
3. The company makes an as-is cash offer based on the time and money it'll need to invest in the property.
4. If the homeowner accepts, the deal closes quickly. There's no need to negotiate, wait for financing approval, or inspect and appraise the property.
5. The cash buyer repairs the home and resells it for a profit.

Alternative to 'we buy houses' companies in Utah

If the offers you get from "we buy houses" companies are too low, you have other options to sell your home. The best option for you depends on your home's condition and how much time you have to sell.

Sell to an iBuyer

Selling to an iBuyer may be a good option if your home is in great condition and you need to sell within a few weeks. In Utah, you can consider iBuyers like Opendoor. These companies provide instant cash offers that are typically much closer to market value than an offer from a "we buy houses" company.

There are pros and cons to working with an iBuyer. For example, selling to an iBuyer is convenient, but they charge a service fee of 5% or more. You'd also need to pay 1–3% in closing costs plus the cost of any repairs the iBuyer requests. Before deciding, estimate your total earnings from selling to an iBuyer to see if it's worth it.

»LEARN: Should I sell to an iBuyer?

Frequently asked questions

What's the fastest way to sell a house in Utah?

You can sell your home to a "we buy houses" company in just a week or so in Utah, However, you'll only make about 50–70% of the home's value selling to one of these buyers. You'd be better off trying to sell your home on the open market to see what offers you get.

Can I sell my home as-is in Utah?

Yes, you can sell your home as-is in Utah, as long as you inform the buyer about major defects with the home. A "we buy houses" company will buy your home as-is, but you'll sacrifice as much as half of the home's value when selling to one of these companies.

Additional resources for home sellers in Utah

7 Best Companies to Sell Your House Fast

Options for selling your house fast: 1. Find a cash buyer. 2. Sell to an iBuyer. 3. List your home on the open market. 4. Use a home trade-in service to buy before you sell.

How to Sell a House By Owner in Utah (2023 Update)

Learn how to sell a house by owner in Utah in 2023 and decide if it’s right for you. Selling FSBO isn’t easy, but it can save you money in listing fees.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House in Utah? (2023 Updates!)

It costs $49,370 to sell a house in Utah on average! Use our cost of selling a house calculator to see how much you'll pay when you sell your home.

Average Time to Sell a House in Utah

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Utah — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

The post Top 6 'We Buy Houses' Companies in Utah appeared first on Semya-Moya.

There may be no phrase more overused in real estate than "finding your dream home." Seemingly, every house on the market bills itself as "the home you've been waiting for."

While finding a fantastic home for sale is certainly achievable, it's rare to find one that checks every single one of your "dream home" boxes. That's why some homebuyers decide to skip the pre-owned market and invest in a custom-built home tailored just for them. While this route can be more of an effort and take longer to complete, the ability to personalize every nook and cranny can make it worth your while.

It's important to consider all the challenges before embarking down the path of building from the dirt up. Having a definitive plan and a reliable group of building professionals around you is essential to making sure the process is as smooth as possible.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of building a custom home so that home buyers can make an informed decision.

Benefits of Building a Custom Home

1. Design Flexibility

Getting to pick out exactly what you want and where you want it may be the biggest benefit of building a custom home. The only thing stopping you is your budget (that pesky thing). From start to finish you’ll have control over the layout of every room, every design element, and any personalized finishes that fit your style. You can create a home that is truly representative of your personality and lifestyle, from the number of bathrooms to the type of flooring used.

2. Better Quality Materials

When you build a custom home, you can choose the materials used in construction, so you know exactly what you're getting. This includes high-quality windows and doors, durable roofing materials, and high-quality flooring. With better quality materials, your custom home will hold up better over time and will help prevent you from having costly maintenance issues down the line.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs

Because you have control over the materials used in construction, you can choose materials that require less maintenance. This can include things like low-maintenance siding and roofing materials and flooring materials that are easy to clean. Choosing these materials can save you both time and money on maintenance costs throughout the life of your home.

4. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Building your own home also allows you to make it more energy-efficient – you'll have access to the most modern technology to do so. This includes energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and high-performance insulation. By designing a home that is energy efficient, you will save money on your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.

5. Increased Property Value

Building a custom home can also increase the value of your property. Since you're able to supervise what materials are being used, your home will have higher quality materials that are designed to hold their value for longer, which is appealing to potential buyers.

Additionally, because your custom home is designed to fit your specific needs and preferences, it may have unique features that make it more attractive to buyers when you decide to sell.

6. Customization Options

With a custom home, you can choose the level of customization, which can include everything from the layout of the rooms to high-end finishes like mood lighting and surround sound that may not be available in already-existing homes. The endless options can sometimes make your head spin, but ultimately, you’ll be able to create a space that truly meets your unique needs and preferences.

7. Location, Location

With a custom home, you can choose a particular area or individual lot based on your preferences. Whether you desire the camaraderie of an active community, the seclusion of a wooded area, or expansive acreages, you can select the ideal location for your lifestyle.

Challenges of Building a Custom Home

1. Higher Cost

One of the biggest challenges of building a custom home is the higher cost than buying an existing home. Custom homes are designed to meet your specific needs and preferences, which can drive up the cost of construction. Additionally, unexpected expenses may arise during the building process, such as unforeseen structural issues or supply chain disruptions.

2. Managing your expectations

If you’ve never built a custom home before, you may be unsure of what to expect. It's easy to feel disappointed if you don’t have a clear picture of the overall process.

To manage your expectations, working closely with your architect and builder to establish clear timelines, budgets, and goals is helpful. Be prepared to compromise on certain aspects of your design to help you stay on budget and ensure that your home is structurally sound.

3. Time-Consuming Process

There's no way around it – building a custom home takes time. It can take several months, if not years, to design and build a custom home. This can be a challenge for home buyers looking for a quick move-in date. Additionally, delays in construction or unforeseen issues can further extend the timeline for building your custom home.

4. Permitting and Zoning Restrictions

Depending on the location of your custom home, strict zoning regulations may dictate the size and design. Additionally, obtaining the necessary permits for construction can be a complex and lengthy process that requires extensive documentation and approval from local government agencies.

5. Finding the Right Builder

Finding the right contractor who understands your wants and needs can be challenging. It's essential to work with a reputable builder who has experience building custom homes and understands the unique challenges of the building process.

An experienced and reputable builder can guide you through the design and construction process, offering valuable insights and advice. They will also help you navigate any potential challenges, help you stay within your budget, and guarantee that your home is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and safety.

6. Unforeseen Issues During Construction

Building a custom home can be a life-changing and rewarding experience but can also come with unexpected challenges. Unforeseen issues can arise during the design and construction process, such as unpredictable site conditions, permit delays, supply chain disruptions, and design changes. These issues can lead to cost overruns, construction delays, and unexpected stress for homeowners.

Proper planning, communication, and collaboration with your building team can help you overcome unforeseen issues and achieve your dream home.

7. Decision Overload

Another challenge that homebuyers may face when building a custom home is decision overload. With so many options for materials, design, and finishes, it can be overwhelming to make decisions about every aspect of your custom home. Working with your builder to establish a clear vision for your home and make decisions that align with your overall design aesthetic and budget is essential.

8. Potential Resale Value

Finally, consider how personalized touches in your custom home can potentially impact its resale value. While a custom home can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, it may appeal to only some buyers in the future (not everyone will love your floral wallpaper!) This can make it more challenging to sell your home if you decide to move in the future.

The post The Benefits and Challenges of Building a Custom Home appeared first on Semya-Moya.

The past two years were a unique time to sell a home. Some sellers saw unthinkable buyer competition, while others sold their homes in a week. With historically low mortgage rates coming out of the 2020 pandemic, more buyers were hoping to secure their own place to call home — generating significant demand that continued even as prices and mortgage rates rose throughout 2022.

Semya-Moya recently surveyed 1,000 Americans who sold their homes in 2021 or 2022. And you won’t believe what they learned.

1. Money wasn’t the main motivation

Even though selling a home has helped Americans get top dollar for their property over the past few years, the money wasn't the main motivation for most sellers.

Nearly 30% of sellers sold their homes because it was a good time to sell, not just for prices, but also because it was quick and didn’t require much effort, according to the 2024 Clever survey.

2. Sellers were disappointed by the lack of competition

In 2020 and 2021, sellers experienced high levels of buyer competition — a trend many expected to see continue in 2022. But as mortgage rates went up, buyer competition decreased, and 40% of recent sellers saw less competition than they expected, with 2022 sellers 16% more likely than 2021 sellers to say they were disappointed by the lack of competition.

» MORE: 27 Surprising Things About Recent Home Buyers

3. Some sold their homes sooner than expected

With news of Federal Reserve rate hikes and subsequent mortgage rate increases, many sellers jumped the gun and sold their homes before they originally planned. In fact, 39% of sellers indicated they fast-tracked their home-selling plans.

4. Many think the real estate market is now worse than when they sold their home

Since mortgage rates have increased and home prices are still high, nearly 2 out of 3 sellers who sold their home in 2021 or 2022 think the market is in worse shape now than it was when they sold their home. In fact, 31% actually think it’s no longer a good time to try to sell your home, while 36% think right now is a worse time to buy.

5. Even in a strong market, most sellers compromised

When selling your home, getting through the process as quickly as possible is usually a top priority. You would think that during the strong seller’s market of 2021 and early 2022, that sellers wouldn’t have had a problem selling fast.

But many did, with 90% of sellers admitting that they compromised on a part of the home sale in order to close faster. Only 17% of sellers opted for a lengthier home sales process. These numbers skew a little more toward sellers in 2022 when you unpack the data. Sellers in 2021 were more than twice as likely as 2022 sellers to note they did not have to compromise to sell quickly.

6. Most sellers got their asking price, and over one-third got more

It’s typical for sellers to receive higher home bids and offers during a strong seller’s market. In 2021 and 2022, approximately 80% of sellers were able to get at least asking price when selling their home.

Roughly 35% of sellers were able to get more than the asking price, while about 20% of sellers sold their home for less than the listing price.

7. Despite selling for high prices, most sellers have regrets

You might think homeowners would be happy that they sold during a peak time in the seller’s market, but 90% noted that they have regrets. About a quarter of these sellers said they wished they had made additional repairs before selling their home — likely to get more money.

8. Most sellers received five or more home offers

Even if some sellers expected better competition than they experienced, most of them still received a variety of offers. In fact, 54% of home sellers had five or more offers on their home, while 94% received at least two offers.

9. The number of cash sales might surprise you

Selling your home to a buyer who's paying upfront with cash can be a fast transaction — though you sometimes receive a lower price in exchange for the expediency. In 2021 and 2022, 30% of sellers said that selling to an all-cash buyer was a priority for them.

Of those who made it a priority, a little over half (52%) were actually able to sell to an all-cash buyer.

10. Some sellers sold their house in a matter of weeks

Closing time frames vary widely depending on where your house is located, your mortgage lender, the condition of your home, the market, and many other conditions. But in the last two years, selling a home took less time than it has in the past.

Approximately 54% of sellers sold their home within a month of listing it, while 19% succeeded in selling their house in one to two weeks.

11. Surveyed sellers sold their homes for 27% above the national average

Even with a hot sellers market in 2021 and 2022, some sellers did exceptionally well when selling their home. The national home sale average for this time period was $455,000, yet the average home sale in the Clever survey was around $560,000. On top of this, 22% actually sold their home for between $700,000 and $995,000.

>> GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU SELL. Sign up for free weekly tips from Semya-Moya's news team.

12. Some sellers regretted not working with a real estate agent

Real estate agents can help streamline the home-selling process, work on your behalf to get you a better price for your home, and lead you through every step along the way. Yet in 2021 and 2022, only 67% of sellers worked with a real estate agent.

Of those who said they had regrets about their home sale, 21% said they wished they had hired a real estate agent rather than selling by themselves or to a company for cash..

Additionally, although 52% of sellers who had an agent were satisfied with their service, 20% were unhappy with how much they paid their real estate agent in commission fees.

13. Sellers who sold to iBuyers had the longest wait

One of the most convenient ways to sell your home is by using an iBuyer — a real estate or property company that buys and sells homes quickly based on an algorithm. Although iBuyers can sell your property fast, you’ll rarely get the best deal by selling to one.

Sellers who eventually sold to an iBuyer were three times more likely than those who partnered with a real estate agent to note their home sat on the market for six months or longer.

14. Some sellers who partnered with real estate agents sold their homes faster

An experienced real estate agent can work with you to help sell your home fast while also getting a fair price — particularly in tricky selling markets. In 2021 and 2022, sellers who worked with a real estate agent were 13% more likely to sell their home in less than a month, compared with those who sold their homes on their own.

15. Homes that sold at the end of 2022 were on the market longer

As buying competition and demand started to slow throughout 2022, many sellers found themselves waiting longer to close on their home sales.

Those who sold in the second half of 2022 were two and a half times more likely to say their homes sat on the market for six months or more, compared with those who sold in 2021 or early 2022.

The post 15 Surprising Things About Recent Home Sellers appeared first on Semya-Moya.