If you’re thinking about selling, you’ll likely hear from a variety of people who want to help. Some will be agents, and some will be investors. Read this post to discover 3 ways to tell real estate agents and investors apart in Hampton Roads, and figure out which option might be the right fit for your situation…
Ready to sell your house? You may find yourself hearing from several different people, all offering to help. But the way they help can be very different. Some are real estate agents, while others are real estate investors — and they each take a unique approach. Here are 3 ways to tell real estate agents and investors apart in Hampton Roads.
Ways To Tell Real Estate Agents And Investors Apart In Hampton Roads: List Versus Buy
The simplest way to tell an agent from an investor is to ask what they plan to do with your house – list it or buy it. A real estate agent will put your home on a listing service and search for a buyer. That process can mean showing your house to many people before finding the right one.
An investor works differently – they won’t list your house at all. The investor is the buyer, purchasing your home directly from you. (That’s exactly what we do at HR House Buyers – we’re direct buyers who purchase houses in Hampton Roads. If you’re ready to sell, click here and enter your details to find out what we can offer).
Ways To Tell Real Estate Agents And Investors Apart In Hampton Roads: Timeline To Sell
Another way to tell an agent from an investor is to ask about their buying timeline. An agent won’t have a definite answer because they still need to find a buyer. In many situations, that process can stretch anywhere from 3 to 12 months, with multiple showings along the way.
An investor, on the other hand, can give you a clear and specific timeline right away — because they’re the ones buying your house. The schedule can often be tailored around your needs and how quickly you’d like to move.
Ways To Tell Real Estate Agents And Investors Apart In Hampton Roads: Commission Versus No Commission
This one really matters! Agents earn their income when they secure a buyer, and you’ll owe them a commission on the sale — typically around 6% of the sale price. On a $100,000 home, that’s $6,000 coming out of your pocket.
An investor, however, doesn’t list your home, so there are no commissions to worry about. Investors make their money in other ways — such as renting the property to tenants or renovating and reselling it — which means their profit comes later, not out of your sale.
There are plenty of other ways to spot the difference between an agent and an investor. When in doubt, just ask — they’ll be happy to explain how they work!