What is an iBuyer and Why Should I Sell My House to Them (Update 2020)

What is an iBuyer?

An iBuyer is a real estate investor that uses an automated valuation model (known as an AVM) and other technology to make cash offers on homes quickly. Since they rely on a mountain of data points on comparable home sales, an iBuyer will often purchase homes sight unseen.
If you’re nervous about calling the number on one of those “cash for houses” posters you see all over town, but intrigued about the simplicity of an instant home offer, it might be worth exploring the iBuyer option — with a reputable company, of course.

Why sell your house for cash?

There are many circumstances that might make a seller say, “Yes, I want to sell my house fast for cash.” Here are just a few of the most common reasons you might consider using an iBuyer to sell your home.

You’ve made a contingent offer

If you’re already in contract on a new home, but the purchase is contingent on you selling your current house (likely because you need to access the equity in your home), you might be looking to sell your home as quickly as possible.

You’re relocating for work

Moving to a new city for a job is one of the most common reasons people say, “I need to sell my home quickly.” Accepting a cash offer with a quick closing is a great way to make the relocating process a little simpler.

You’re getting divorced

Couples often have assets to dive when breaking up, and selling a home for cash can be a simple way to access the equity, split the proceeds, and move on.

You’ve inherited property

If you’ve recently inherited a home but you have no intention of moving in and no interest in being a landlord, selling to an iBuyer can be a quick way to sell before having to pay too much in capital gains taxes.

You’re getting rid of a rental property

Selling a house with tenants can be tricky, especially if there are repairs or updates that need to be done. Many landlords-turned-sellers look to iBuyers to avoid the hassles of juggling tenant schedules and needs. Instead, they’re able to bypass the traditional listing process completely.

You just don’t want the hassle of listing

From cleaning and staging to open houses and negotiations, the listing process can be stressful. Some sellers want to bypass the traditional selling process and just get to the finish line sooner. Companies that buy homes for cash, like Courtesy Home Buyers, reduce the stress of selling your home.

The iBuyer process: The new way to sell your house

There are many companies in the iBuyer business, and while the outcome is the same — you end up selling your home for cash, quickly — the process can vary by company. Here’s how the process works with Courtesy Home Buyers:

1. Submit a request for an offer: You’ll be asked to fill out a short form online with answers to a few questions about your home. It takes less than five minutes to complete.
2. Receive your offer: You’ll typically receive an offer from Courtesy Home Buyers within a few days.
3. Review and accept the offer: Take some time to review the terms of the offer and decide if it’s something you’d like to accept.
4. Prepare for the home evaluation: Courtesy Home Buyers will schedule a home evaluation, at no cost to you. You won’t need to fix anything beforehand — your house will be sold as-is — but the estimator will need easy access to all areas of the home.
5. Choose a closing date: One benefit about selling through Courtesy Home Buyers, or to any iBuyer, is that you can close on a date that is convenient for you, usually between 7 and 90 days from when the contract is signed. Make sure to choose a date that gives you enough time to pack!
6. A word on closing costs: One of the best things about working with us here is that we do not make you pay any closing costs or

Avoid iBuyer scams

While there are plenty of reputable investors out there, make sure you do your research before choosing an iBuyer — “We buy houses” scams are common. Make sure you’re dealing with a reputable business, and don’t deal with any company that asks for money upfront — no money should change hands until closing day, and at that point it should be handled by a third-party title company.
Where can I sell my house fast for cash?
It all depends on the iBuyer you use. Some operate only in certain real estate markets, while others have a national presence. Currently, Courtesy Home Buyers is operating in many different markets and is continuing to expand into major metro areas.