Our latest articles
September 20, 2021
Can You Sell a Home in Washington DC with Flood Damage?
Homes flood for all different reasons such as broken pipes, poor drainage, clogged rain gutters, malfunctioning appliances, foundational problems and the weather. And here in Washington DC, we are no strangers to hurricanes and tropical storms!
If you have a home with flood damage, you might be wondering if you have options to sell. Fortunately, you do. Here’s everything you need to know about selling a home in Washington DC with flood damage.
House Flooded? Here’s How to Minimize the Damage.
The first 48 hours after your house floods are critical. By taking the appropriate steps, you can minimize water damage. Below is a quick checklist of things to do when your Washington DC home floods.
- Make a list of damaged property. This list might be short or long depending on the severity of the damage.
- Take photos of the damage. Having pictures allows you to document everything for insurance and resale purposes.
- Call your insurance company. They might be able to repair and restore some of the damage while reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Wear gloves. Some flood water has harmful contaminants, particularly sewer water. Before touching the water, wear gloves.
- Remove items that hold water. Examples include mattresses, furniture and bedding. Getting these items out of the home prevents mold and mildew from forming.
- Contact a water restoration company. These companies use vacuums and dehumidifiers to remove water and dry out the space.
Deciding to Make Repairs or Sell Your Home As-Is in Washington DC
If you take care of the flooding quickly, you might not have much of a problem. However, if your home does have flood damage and you don’t have the money to pay for repairs, it may be best to sell your home. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for flood damage can be significant.
At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we buy homes in Washington DC in all types of conditions. We’re not afraid of homes that have flood damage, foundational problems or mold and mildew. We have an extensive network of contractors that we hire to handle these issues. You won’t be required to do a thing!
Also, when you sell your Washington DC home to us, you can eliminate showings, appraisals, inspections, realtor commissions and closing costs. The sale is between you and our home buyers only. Contact us today if your DC home has flood damage and you need a quick, as-is sale.
September 15, 2021
Is it Possible to Sell a Home with a Tax Lien in Prince George’s County?
Selling a home in Prince George’s County, Maryland is stressful enough, so if you’re dealing with a tax lien, you can expect the process to be more complicated. Essentially, you are pulled between the IRS and your mortgage lender while trying to find a qualified buyer. The good news is that you can still sell your home with a tax lien. But there are some things you’ll want to be aware of because they will affect the process and the profit you make.
What Does it Mean to Have a Property Tax Lien?
When your Prince George’s County home has a tax lien, it basically means the government made a claim on the property. This gives them a way to collect the money that you owe them. When you go to sell your home, you can’t take any profits from the sale until you’ve paid off your debt. You also can’t refinance your mortgage until the lien is paid off.
Typically, tax liens are placed on properties when the homeowner hasn’t kept up with the mortgage payments or tax payments. You’ll know you have a lien on the property when you receive a demand payment letter. The lien will stay on your property until you pay it off.
Can You Sell a Home with a Tax Lien in Prince George’s County?
While the process is a bit more complicated, it is possible to sell a home with a tax lien. However, a past due tax bill is a high priority so you’ll have to pay this off before addressing other financial obligations, including your mortgage balance.
In a perfect world, the sale of your home will cover the mortgage balance and any liens on the property. But this often doesn’t happen. Instead, you may have to make payments to the IRS until they lift the lien. Some other options you may have include:
- Changing the type of tax lien
- Applying for a discharge of property
- Sending the IRS an application for subordination of the lien
- Requesting the option for withdrawal
An Easier Way: Sell Your Home for Cash in Prince George’s County
If you want to sell your home fast and pay off the lien, the quickest and easiest way to do this is by selling your home for cash in Prince George’s County. When you sell your home this way, you’re getting a full cash offer that you’ll receive at closing. With money in hand, you can pay off the lien and your mortgage.
Selling your home for cash also means you get to keep the full cash offer because you don’t have to pay for realtor commissions, fees, closing costs, home staging and home repairs. This extra money can be put toward paying off the lien.
4 Brothers Buy Houses in Prince George’s County Maryland. We have no problem buying homes with tax liens on them – we do this all the time! To learn more about our process and how to get your free cash offer, contact our cash home buyers in Maryland today.
September 15, 2021
Top 5 Things That Turn Off Potential Home Buyers
Selling a home in Alexandria VA? As the seller, your goal is to sell your home quickly while also taking home the most money. There are many things that need to happen to make this a reality, which may be in the cards for you. However, depending on the condition of your home, you may be looking at a long and tiresome road.
Even though most areas in Virginia are seller’s markets, this doesn’t mean people are buying just anything. Buyers prefer move-in ready homes in good condition. If your home doesn’t fit the bill, buyers will likely wait for something better to come along or ask you to lower the price.
To ensure you have realistic expectations, here are the top five things that turn away potential buyers – even in a competitive market.
Bad Odors
Yes, there is such a thing as “occupant odor.” These odors are specific to each household and are a mix of detergents, food, cleaning supplies and air fresheners. What you want to avoid is strong smells like cigarette smoke, pet urine, litter boxes and hamster cages. These odors can be confused for mold, mildew or just plain dirtiness, so avoid them at all costs.
Poor Curb Appeal
If your home has an overgrown yard, missing shutters or a cracked driveway, you’re basically telling potential buyers that your home isn’t well taken care of. Keep in mind that many people will drive past a house or look at it online before scheduling a showing. To avoid chasing away potential buyers, take some time to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Clutter Everywhere
When selling a home in Alexandria VA, all clutter needs to be removed. Your countertops should be practically bare with the exception of fresh flowers or a small plant. Cabinets, drawers and closets should be well organized and all clutter – laundry, toys, papers, dishes – should be put away in storage bins.
Dings, Cracks, Rips, Tears, Etc.
Don’t leave these types of jobs to the buyer. They’re usually easy and inexpensive to fix, unless they are the result of a bigger problem. Here are some things to be aware of, as they can be easy to miss since you’re used to living with them:
- Broken door hinges
- Ripped carpets
- Torn upholstery
- Broken or bent blinds
- Loose doorknobs
- Old or outdated light fixtures
- Dirty windows
Crazy Color Schemes
It’s best to give your walls a fresh coat of paint before putting your Alexandria home up for sale. Choose neutral colors like grey or off white. This is especially important if your walls are painted in bold hues like fuschia or lime green.
We also recommend giving your floors a once-over. Wall-to-wall carpeting can be a turnoff for buyers, especially if it’s worn and faded. You can swap out carpeting for stylish laminate or vinyl or offer a credit to your buyers instead.
Get a Free Cash Offer and Sell Your Alexandria VA Home Today!
What happens if you don’t have the time, money or desire to correct all these issues? Sell your home in Alexandria VA for cash! 4 Brothers Buy Houses purchases homes in all types of conditions – we don’t care about wall-to-wall carpet, old appliances, poor curb appeal or broken blinds. We’ll make you a fair cash offer and take your home as-is – not questions asked!
To get your free, no obligation cash offer, contact our cash real estate investors in Virginia today!
September 13, 2021
Pros and Cons of Hosting Open Houses in Woodbridge VA
Open houses are a debatable subject for both real estate agents and sellers. Some believe that open houses sell homes, while others feel that they are unnecessary, especially now during a pandemic. If you plan on selling your home in Woodbridge VA, you’re probably asking yourself this very question: Do I need to schedule an open house to sell my home?
There is no right answer for every situation. In some cases, open houses are valuable tools that can speed up the selling process. In other cases, they aren’t really necessary. Let’s cover the pros and cons to hosting an open house and what to do if you want to sell your home fast in Woodbridge while minimizing showings.
Advantages of Open Houses in Real Estate
Open houses may be a nuisance, but they can help speed up a home sale and even bring in multiple offers. And hopefully, you only have to schedule them once. Here are some of the benefits to look forward to:
- Attract buyers that wouldn’t have scheduled a personal tour
- Create a low-pressure environment where people feel comfortable
- Increase awareness that your home is for sale
- Receive feedback on your home (learn what people like and don’t like)
Disadvantages of Open Houses in Real Estate
As beneficial as open houses can be, they are still a headache. You must get your home in the best condition and leave for several hours. The realtor will stay at the home during this time to answer questions and watch over things. Below are some of the negative aspects of hosting an open house:
- Lots of unqualified buyers (or those who are just curious)
- Security issues since many people will be in the home with little supervision
- Less one-on-one time with buyers
- Often more work than it’s worth
What if You Don’t Want to Host an Open House? Is This a Necessary Part of Selling a Home in Woodbridge VA?
You do not have to host an open house if you don’t want to. However, your real estate agent may strongly encourage it, especially if your home is unique and located in a busy location. And, if your home isn’t selling, you may have no choice but to host an open house for added exposure.
If you’re not a fan of having an open house because of security issues, possible theft, unqualified buyers and “lookie-loos” (nosy neighbors), you do have another option: sell your home for cash in Woodbridge VA. When you sell your home fast for cash, you can eliminate showings and open houses!
4 Brothers Buy Houses pays cash for homes in as-is condition. We respect our clients’ privacy and never request showings or open houses. And, we can close within 7-10 days. Contact us today to get your free cash offer.
August 18, 2021
5 Benefits of Selling Your Home for Cash During a Divorce
The family home is a major asset to think about when going through a divorce. If neither spouse wants the home or can afford to buy out the other, they can list it for sale. The proceeds from the sale can then pay off the mortgage, and what’s left can be divided between the two spouses.
There are some obstacles to this process, however. If the home needs a lot of work, it’s forcing the couple to work together to make the repairs. Also, it’s possible that the home might not sell for a long time depending on its condition, location and the type of market it’s in.
If you’re currently facing a situation like this, it’s important to know that you do have options. 4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your home for cash – in ONE week! Below are five benefits of selling your home fast in Washington DC when going through a divorce.
1. You can close on your home in ONE week.
Divorce is stressful. Selling a home is stressful. 4 Brothers Buy Houses can take some of this stress away from you! Our real estate investors in Washington DC have cash to pay for your home – they do not need financing from the bank. Because of this, we can typically close on your home in one week. Imagine being able to remove this stress from the process almost instantly!
2. Cash in on your home’s equity.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the equity from your home to use toward your new future. You could use this money for a security deposit, relaxing vacation or to go back to school. If there’s a decent amount of equity in the home, it might be worth selling for cash. You can get this money almost instantly and have more options for the future.
3. Let go of the past – start fresh with no strings attached.
Many people have an emotional attachment to their homes, but this can make keeping the home more difficult on your heart. It might be best to sell your home fast for cash in Washington DC so that you can start healing and looking toward the future. If you have kids, they too might be more willing to accept a new normal in a new home.
4. You have a greater chance of avoiding capital gains tax.
When it comes to the IRS, there are clear benefits to being married. One of them is that you get the capital gains tax exemption, allowing you to exclude up to $500,000 of the home equity from capital gains tax. As long as you sell your home while still married, you can avoid paying this tax.
5. Avoid the stress of a traditional real estate process.
If your divorce isn’t exactly amicable, the last thing you need is to fight over realtors, home improvements, showings, offers, inspections, etc. And unfortunately, the buyers can back out at any time, or the financing can fall through, leaving you back at square one. A cash sale in Washington DC is far less risky, has few to no contingencies and is practically guaranteed.
If you are going through a divorce or separation and want to sell your home in DC, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free cash offer on your home. If you accept, we can get started with the closing paperwork.
August 16, 2021
Hidden Costs When Selling a Home in Oxon Hill MD
Many sellers are surprised to learn of all the hidden costs associated with selling a home in Oxon Hill, Maryland. You probably already know that hiring a real estate agent will cost you 5-6 percent of the selling price, but there are other fees to account for as well. From staging the home to handling buyer requests to making repairs, selling a home does not come cheap these days.
Below are some of the most common hidden costs to be aware of when selling your home in Oxon Hill Maryland.
Professional Staging
Home staging involves decluttering, supplying attractive furniture and making your space look beautiful. The cost to stage each room is usually between $250 to $600, but it’s worth it for many sellers. According to Realtor.com, a staged home sells 88 percent faster and for 20 percent more. However, staging will not cover up problems with the home.
Home Repairs
Lenders require thorough inspections of a property before borrowing their money. They too want to make sure that their money is going to a sound home. While inspections are critical, they can often be nitpicky and force you to make home repairs you weren’t planning on. And if you don’t make the repairs, your buyers might back out.
Survey Costs
Homes that are less than 30 or 40 years old usually have clearly defined property lines. But this isn’t the case for older homes in Oxon Hill. If you need to determine property lines, expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,000 depending on the size and shape of your property.
Seller Concessions
Even though it’s a seller’s market in Maryland, this can change at any time. When things tip in favor of buyers, they’re more likely to ask for things. This could be paying a portion of their closing costs, installing new carpeting or including a new appliance package. While you don’t have to give in to all of these demands, expect there to be some negotiations.
Closing Costs
There are a number of fees involved in a real estate transaction and they’re typically split between the buyer and seller at closing. Closing costs run between 3 and 7 percent of the sales price and include mortgage insurance, title insurance fees, loan processing charges, etc. These costs are subtracted from what you get at closing.
Is There a Way to Avoid These Hidden Costs?
Absolutely!
If you want to sell your home without having to pay any fees or commissions, your best option is to sell your home for cash in Oxon Hill. With this transaction, a cash investor pays cash for your home with no contingencies. Appraisals and inspections are not required, and the process can be completed in about one week because there is no financing to wait on.
4 Brothers Buy Houses is a team of cash investors in the Maryland area. We specialize in buying Oxon Hills properties in as-is condition. Our services are completely free to use – there are no commissions or fees. We also cover most closing costs. Contact us today to receive your free, no obligation cash offer.
August 6, 2021
Can Home Staging Help Your Montclair Home Sell Faster?
Home staging can help your Montclair Virginia home look its best. But is home staging really worth the money? The answer: it depends.
It’s important to know that home staging doesn’t cover up flaws but rather highlights a home’s features. So if you’re trying to mask problem areas, staging isn’t the answer. But, if your Montclair home is in good condition and you want to sell it quickly for top dollar, home staging might be a great option.
Let’s learn more about the cost of home staging, the types of homes it’s best for and if this is worth looking into for your own home sale.
What is Home Staging? What Does it Cost?
Home staging involves redecorating your home so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there. Home stagers add charming furniture and decor, but they also help with decluttering, rearranging furniture and making the home look bigger. And, the decisions home stagers make are meant to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
According to Home Advisor 2021 numbers, home stagers charge between $150 and $600 for an initial consultation. You’ll be responsible for paying the staging fees and the cost to rent the furniture, which is usually around $500 to $600 a month. There is often a three-month minimum rental period as well, even if your home sells quickly.
All in all, the average costs to stage a 1,000 square foot home are around $2,000 to $3,200 a month. Larger homes with 4,000 square feet of space are closer to $9,000 a month according to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).
Which Homes are Worth Staging?
Not all homes need to be staged. If your Montclair home has been well taken care of and tastefully decorated, you probably don’t need to pay for staging services. On the other hand, you also don’t want to pay thousands for home staging if your home needs TLC. Remember, staging won’t hide your home’s faults.
If you’re facing the latter circumstances, you’re probably better off selling your Montlcair home as-is. Real estate investors purchase homes in as-is condition. They pay cash, which allows the process to move quickly. They also won’t require you to make any improvements, putting more money into your pocket.
Get Your Free Cash Offer Today
It costs money to sell a home! If you are looking for a quick sale for your Montclair home, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. We help people solve their real estate challenges and we look forward to working with you, too! No home is out of our league – we take them in all conditions!
August 3, 2021
Pros and Cons of Selling Your Clinton MD Home by Owner
Once you decide to sell your home in Clinton Maryland, the next step is to determine how to get it sold. For many people, the obvious solution is to hire a real estate agent. However, realtors charge commission for their expertise, and they may require you to make repairs and updates to help sell the home quicker. If this isn’t something you want to do, selling your home by owner might make more sense.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of selling your home by owner in Clinton MD – and an alternative you might find even better.
Pros of Selling Your Clinton Home by Owner
Selling a home for sale by owner (FSBO) has some attractive benefits. These include:
- No seller’s commission. Most people who go the FSBO route are trying to save on commission. However, only expect to save on the seller commission. You’ll still be responsible for paying the buyer’s commission.
- Control over the sale. Another factor that people appreciate in a FSBO sale is that they can schedule the showings and open houses at a time that works for them. They also know their home best and can answer questions honestly.
Cons of Selling Your Home in Clinton by Owner
While not having to pay seller’s commission is attractive, selling your home by owner may not have the advantages you were hoping for. Here are some of the drawbacks to be aware of.
- No established network. It’s a lot harder to sell your home when you have a limited network. Even though you have social media and perhaps strong ties in the community, realtors have extensive networks and access to the MLS.
- Selling a home is a full-time job. Selling a home in Clinton is a lot of work. Without a realtor, you’re responsible for listing the home, marketing it to buyers, managing showings and open houses, signing paperwork and more. If you’re already busy with work or family, you might not have enough time to sell your home.
Want to Sell Your Home Fast in Clinton MD Without a Realtor? Sell it for Cash!
If you don’t want to pay commission, but you’re not in a position to be your own realtor, it might make sense to sell your home for cash in Clinton. With this arrangement, you sell your home to a buyer who has the cash to purchase your home – no banks or financing necessary.
The process usually takes about a week to complete and all purchases are as-is, meaning that you won’t be asked to make repairs or updates. To sell your home in Clinton and keep money in your pocket, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today for a free, no obligation cash offer.
July 29, 2021
How to Stop Foreclosure at the Last Minute in Springfield VA
If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage payments and are now in foreclosure, you might feel like you’re in a hole. It’s hard to climb out when you owe thousands of dollars in late payments and fees, especially when you’re already having a hard time with your finances. Believe it or not, there are ways to turn your situation around. Foreclosure does not have to be the end.
Here are some of the most effective ways that you can stop foreclosure in Springfield VA at the last minute. To speak with 4 Brothers Buy Houses, contact us today. We help people solve their financial challenges.
File for Bankruptcy
If you want to keep your home, you can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy where you pay down outstanding debts through a structured repayment plan. Chapter 7 is another option for bankruptcy, though we recommend it for those who don’t want to keep their home. Thankfully, you can stay in your home while you go through the bankruptcy process.
Modify Your Loan
This solution won’t work for everyone, as it depends on your lender and the type of loan you have. But it is an option worth considering, especially when you want to keep your home. With a loan modification, you’ll have a new payment that’s more affordable. This way, you can remain in your home and keep paying down your balance while staying within budget.
Get a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
A deed in lieu of foreclosure will hurt your credit, just as bankruptcy will. But it can be a last-minute option if you’ve tried other things and want to stop the foreclosure process. In this process, the document transfers the home’s title to the bank that owns the mortgage. This prevents a long and time consuming foreclosure process.
Sell Your Home Fast in Springfield VA
Ultimately, your lender wants their money back. If you can’t afford your home and want to start fresh somewhere else, you don’t have to sit and wait for your home to be sold at auction. This can be stressful – the phone calls, letters, etc. Instead, you can sell your home quickly for cash.
At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we purchase Virginia properties for cash. We don’t need mortgage financing, which allows us to move through the process very quickly. And because we buy homes as-is, you don’t need to pay for repairs on the home or work with a real estate agent. You can close on your home in as little as seven days and start your next chapter.
To discuss your options for selling your home fast for cash in Springfield VA, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today.
July 22, 2021
TOPA Policies: Selling a Property with Tenants in DC
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) policies allow tenants to purchase the property they’re living in before it’s put up for sale. This anti-displacement tool is designed to protect renters, preserve affordable rental housing stock and stabilize low-income households. Under this policy, landlords must let their tenants know that they intend to sell the home or building.
In return, tenants are given a reasonable timeframe to purchase the property. If they don’t want to move forward, they will at least have time to work out other living arrangements. TOPA policies are being proposed in multiple states, but the nation’s oldest and most comprehensive TOPA program is right here in Washington DC.
If you are looking to sell your rental property in DC but still have tenants living inside, you may have questions about TOPA and what this means for you. Below we provide a breakdown of TOPA and the things to know, but feel free to call 4 Brothers Buy Houses for more personalized information.
What is TOPA in Simple Terms?
In Washington DC, rental property owners must be aware of their tenants’ special rights before selling their property. In terms of TOPA, it is your obligation to offer your property for sale to your tenants first. This allows your tenants to take advantage of the sale and purchase the home they are living in.
If you don’t hear anything after 30 days from contacting your tenants, you can move forward with the sale. If a written offer is received, however, the tenants will have 60 days to negotiate a contract and secure financing.
Selling a Rental Property in Washington DC
As long as your tenants don’t want the property, you can move forward with the sale. You can do a conventional sale, especially if the property is in good condition. But more often than not, rentals need some TLC to get them ready to sell.
If you’re not in a position to put time and money into selling your rental, a better option may be to sell your home for cash. And, this could work out in your favor because according to TOPA laws, you have to restart the process if you don’t find a buyer within 180 days. This essentially gives the tenants another chance to purchase the home.
By selling to a cash investor like 4 Brothers Buy Houses, you can sell your property within a week and not have to worry about TOPA laws.
4 Brothers Buy Houses Will Buy Your Rental Property
Property owners in other states like Maryland and Virginia are usually in a better position than those in Washington DC. But if you’re in DC, you’ll have to follow TOPA laws before selling. 4 Brothers Buy Houses is familiar with these laws and how to make your sales transaction go quickly and smoothly. Contact us today to learn more!
