How to get an instant cash offer on your Atlanta house
The Internet Age has ushered in a quick, new way to sell a house.
Due to technological advances and the Internet Age, Americans have grown to expect almost-instant results. With a few clicks, we can purchase items and have them delivered to our door the same day. We can visit a doctor in minutes without having to leave the house, get the news in real time, and send a photo to a friend in mere seconds.
New options for selling houses now include convenient and quick solutions, such as instant cash offers. Let’s look at what instant offers are, how they work, and their pros and cons.
What is an instant cash offer?
An instant cash offer from an iBuying (“instant buying”) company isn’t actually instant. It usually takes a matter of days to get a final offer. An iBuyer company uses algorithms and data with their software programs to give sellers a very fast, tentative cash offer on their home, but this offer isn’t final. A video or in-person tour of the house is required before a final offer is provided. The final offer can change from the previous estimate depending on what information they learn in the house tour.
Chief economist Sam Khater at Freddie Mac says of iBuying, “It’s a way to dispose of your asset very quickly. Prior to CarMax, you had to shop around to sell your car. Now, in a similar way, iBuying allows you to quickly sell your home without going through the grueling process of trying to find a buyer.”
How do instant cash offers work?
Usually, the process to get an offer from an iBuyer in Atlanta is simple, straightforward, and takes several days.
- Property assessment: The seller will answer questions about the Atlanta property, such as the location, size, and condition.
- Offer: Usually, a tentative offer is generated immediately, based on the information given to the iBuyer, the data, and their own software algorithms. A final offer will typically be given 24–48 hours later.
- Video or live walkthrough: Often, the company will ask for a video tour of your home, or there will be a live walkthrough.
- Accept or negotiate: After the tour, the final offer can change. Sellers can either accept the cash offer or negotiate with the buying company.
- Close: If both parties agree on an offer, closing is fast (usually a week or less) and the homeowner is paid for their property.
Benefits of instant cash offers
Accepting an offer from an iBuyer has definite advantages, but it’s important to weigh them against the disadvantages.
- Speed: There are multiple reasons an Atlanta homeowner may want to sell their house fast, and in these cases, iBuyers provide a speedy sale.
- Convenience: Instant cash offers allow sellers to avoid the hassles that go along with selling the traditional way via a real estate agent, such as staging, house showings, and making repairs in preparation for listing on the market.
- Selling “as is”: iBuyers will typically buy houses in “as is” condition, meaning the seller can save time and effort on repairs.
The disadvantages of selling to an iBuyer need to be taken into consideration when selling your house. Let’s take a look at the downside of instant offers:
- Lower offers: iBuyers typically purchase properties below market value.
- Negotiation issues: Sellers have more leverage with a traditional sale than with instant cash offers.
- Fees: Many iBuyer companies charge service fees and closing costs.
- An impersonal sale: Selling to an iBuyer can often be a faceless, computerized transaction.
Popular companies that make instant cash offers in Atlanta
There are a few well-known iBuyers to choose from, but it’s important to check their reviews and their standing with the Better Business Bureau before proceeding.
- Opendoor: Launched in 2014, this company is based in San Francisco, CA. Their website describes their company as “… a team of problem solvers, innovators, and operators building the largest, most trusted platform for residential real estate.”
- Zillow Offers: According to Houzeo, “Zillow Offers is the iBuying division of Zillow, America’s biggest real estate marketplace. Instead of a traditional listing, Zillow Offers buys homes for cash, makes necessary repairs and renovations, and resells the properties on the open market for a profit.” Zillow Offers started in 2018 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA.
- Offerpad: Offerpad is another online real estate company that provides instant cash offers. Launched in Chandler, AZ, it now operates in 11 southern states, including Georgia.
How to get the advantages of an iBuyer but with the perks of personalized service
While iBuyers are convenient, they tend to lack the human touch and personalized service. When you want a cash home offer, there are many companies to consider. It’s important to understand how each one operates. We simplify the process by buying houses "as is," meaning your property doesn’t need to meet the inspection requirements of a traditional 30-year mortgage. We understand the importance of customized service, as each home, situation, and owner is unique.
We take a personalized approach and consider various factors such as the local housing market, the property’s condition, and the unique situation of the homeowner. As prominent house buyers in Atlanta, we provide fast, convenient offers with no hidden fees. We pay typical closing costs and charge no commissions.† Our sellers appreciate our face-to-face consultations and personalized support, which is reflected in our customer reviews.
If you want to sell your house fast but also want excellent customer service and transparent face-to-face communication, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Atlanta property buyers. We'll set up a visit to your property at a time that’s convenient for you. While there, we’ll do a walkthrough and answer your questions.
We can give you an offer for your house, sometimes on the spot. If you accept our offer, we’ll work with you to choose a closing date that’s best for you. Our property buyer can close quickly or give you more time if you need it.
Contact us if you’d like a quick, hassle-free, supportive, and personalized sale of your property.
