Our latest articles
cash sale
April 3, 2022
How Do Sellers in Virginia Benefit from an ‘As Is’ Home Sale?
Thinking about selling your Virginia house but don’t care to go through the hassle of cleaning, organizing and staging the property? You certainly aren’t alone. More people are choosing to sell their properties as-is, meaning in their current condition, with no upgrades or improvements. But is this really the right fit for you?
Let’s look at some of the ways that sellers can benefit from selling a property as-is.
Avoid having to make repairs and improvements.
Not all homes being sold as-is in Virginia are in poor condition. Sometimes, the homeowner no longer has the money to maintain the property. No matter what condition your home is in, selling as-is relieves you of making repairs, improvements and upgrades. The buyers will know what to expect upfront, though expect to price your property competitively.
Prepare for a quick closing.
Selling a home the traditional way can drag on for months. Aside from bank-related hurdles, the buyers might be asking for certain things to be fixed or changed. But in as-is home sale, the process tends to move much faster. As-is sellers are motivated to sell and won’t be spending time and money making repairs – and buyers won’t be asking for them!
Fewer concerns over the home inspection.
A home inspection may still be requested by the buyer so that they can be made aware of any major issues. Otherwise, an as-is sale clears the seller of having to make any repairs after the inspection. If the thought of having a home inspection is making your stomach turn, it’s probably best to sell your Virginia home as-is.
Spend your time and money elsewhere.
If you have other things going on in your life right now, you don’t need to be worrying about preparing a house for sale. Selling as-is frees up your time and money. You’re not responsible for getting the property move-in ready, and you don’t have to worry about paying for home staging services. This also ends up saving you plenty of stress!
Attract different types of buyers.
If you don’t mind working with a cash buyer in Virginia, for example, you’re a perfect candidate to sell your property as-is. As-is home sales draw in different types of buyers – cash investors, real estate agents, house flippers and more. And in many cases, these types of buyers can be easier to work with than traditional buyers because they already have the money!
Summary
Keep in mind that selling a Virginia house as-is does not excuse you from disclosing known-issues about the property. Selling as-is only protects you from defects that you were not aware of. Some of the issues you will have to legally disclose to the buyers include mold, structural defects, foundation issues, a faulty roof and asbestos.
4 Brothers Buy Houses purchases properties all over Virginia. We buy them in as-is condition and never request anything from the seller. Contact us today to get a free, no obligation cash offer on your house and see what you can be walking away with in just a couple of short weeks!
March 27, 2022
5 Ways to Sell Your Washington DC House Without Equity
Selling a Washington DC house can be a complicated process with a series of ups and downs. It’s exciting to accept an offer on your property, but it’s not so fun to be hit with a list of problems from the inspection. However, the process becomes even more complex when you owe more on your property than what it’s currently valued at.
Equity in a home is one of the biggest advantages a property owner has. It refers to the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is worth. If you come up short, it’s going to make the selling process a bit more difficult, unless you plan on coming up with the difference.
Fortunately, you do have options. Here are five ways to sell your home when you don’t have equity.
1. Realtor
A realtor can assist you in the home selling process and get top dollar for your property, so that hopefully, you can close the gap between what you owe on the home and what you get for it. The problem with a realtor is that they charge around 6 percent in commissions, which eats into your profits. We only recommend this option if you can afford to pay the realtor and pay off your mortgage.
2. For Sale By Owner
Another option is to sell the house yourself, a process called For Sale By Owner or FSBO. In this case, you do not have to pay a realtor because YOU are essentially the realtor. But, there are downfalls to this method. Primarily, you are responsible for everything – the listing, the showings, the paperwork, etc. You might also take a smaller offer since you don’t have a realtor handling the marketing.
3. Short Sale
A more reasonable option for selling a home without equity is a short sale. It’s also the most commonly used method. In a short sale, the lender must agree to accept a loss on the sale. You’ll still list the home and sell it to a buyer, typically in as-is condition, but you won’t make any profits. And, because you are unable to pay back the loan in full, you’ll get a ding on your credit report.
4. Real Estate Investor
If you want to get rid of your Washington DC property quickly, preserve your credit and avoid realtor fees, another option is to sell the house to a real estate investor. Investors or investment groups have no problem purchasing properties with limited or no equity. They will even take houses in rundown condition. You will still be responsible for paying off the loan, but you’ll have cash from the investor to help you with this.
5. 4 Brothers Buy Houses
At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we purchase properties in Washington DC using our own cash. Due to this, we can skip over some of the bank-related formalities such as inspections and appraisals. We also pick up most closing costs and take houses in as-is condition. If you are currently in a position where you want to sell your home but you don’t have equity, we can help. Contact us today for your free cash offer.
March 17, 2022
Do Power Lines Really Lower Property Values in Virginia?
When you go to sell your house in Franconia VA, you’ll receive a lot of objective feedback you may not have been prepared for. This is the house you’ve lived in for years, maybe decades, and you’ve come to love most things about it. But now you have realtors and/or prospective buyers pointing out things like old tile, a worn roof and those unsightly power lines.
The difference between power lines and an old roof or flooring is that you can’t remove them. Aesthetics aren’t the only problem with power lines, however. They can also lower your property value by 10 to 40 percent.
Why Do Power Lines Lower Property Values?
The main reason why homes near power lines sell for less is because these structures are not aesthetically pleasing. People don’t like to look out the windows and see power lines, plus they can block views. Some people also report hearing a low humming noise when trying to relax in their backyard.
There is also some concern over how safe it is to live near power lines. While research has not proven any definite links between the proximity of power lines and medical issues, researchers continue to look for possible health risks. Understandably, some home buyers in Franconia will not feel comfortable buying a home near power lines.
How Much Do Power Lines Lower Property Values in Franconia VA?
How much power lines reduce property values in Franconia depends on many factors, including how close the lines are to your home, whether they hang over the backyard and whether they obstruct your views. On average, proximity to power lines can lower your property’s value by 10 to 40 percent.
If you plan on selling your house in Franconia, you might assume it will be a hard sell. And while it may be more difficult in some cases, keep in mind that homes near power lines are often more affordable and have less competition. For someone looking for a reasonably priced home that won’t end up in a bidding war, your Franconia house might be the one!
4 Brothers Buy Houses Purchases Properties in Franconia – and Power Lines Won’t Bother Us!
4 Brothers Buy Houses purchase homes all over Virginia. We don’t have any problems buying properties that are located near power lines. We take houses in any condition as well, so you don’t have to worry about paying for repairs or house staging. Contact our cash house buyers today to get your free cash offer.
December 6, 2021
Your Guide to Selling a Dale City VA Home in a Time Crunch
Not everyone has the luxury to sell their homes over the span of several months. Some people need to move right away due to a new job, a recent separation or another unexpected life event. If you’re currently facing this situation with your Dale City VA home, you might be wondering how you can get it sold in just a few short days or weeks.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your home in any condition – and for cash! Because we use our own money, we don’t have to qualify for financing through the bank. We can skip right over these details and move straight to closing. This allows us to close within a week or two.
Follow our tips below for selling your Dale City home in a time crunch.
Start Packing
If you want to sell your house fast, you need to be ready to move fast. A traditional sale takes an average of 95 days, but when you sell your house as-is, it can move very quickly. In fact, our home buying company in Dale City is usually able to close within 10 days.
Go room by room and start packing up your belongings. It’s okay to leave some furniture so that prospective buyers can envision themselves in your home. Cash home buyers, on the other hand, don’t care if your home is empty or furnished. We are even willing to take properties with the furniture still inside.
Price Your Home Competitively
If you plan to list your home as-is, you’ll need to price it competitively. Keep in mind that the buyers will likely have a lot of work on their hands, so you need to account for this. If the price isn’t right, you’ll know right away because you won’t get any offers.
Sometimes working with cash buyers in Dale City is a better option. 4 Brothers Buy Houses is comfortable purchasing homes with flaws. We don’t expect things to be perfect. And because we have the cash to buy your home (which saves us money at closing), we’re willing to make an attractive offer.
Include Incentives for Repairs
When you sell to a home buying company in Dale City, you won’t need to offer any incentives. We’ll make a fair cash offer, and if you accept, we’ll move forward with the closing paperwork. We don’t care about outdated decor or repairs.
However, if you want to sell your home to a traditional buyer, you’ll need to include a few incentives to make your home more attractive. Talk to your realtor about adding a clause to your sale so that the new buyers can update the flooring, HVAC system, etc.
Sell Your Home in Under 2 Weeks with Us!
When you’re facing a time crunch, a normal sale isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need to consider other avenues, such as selling your home as-is to a Dale City home buying company. To get a free cash offer on your property, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today.
December 3, 2021
Can I Sell My Maryland Home if it Has Storm Damage?
Depending on where you live in Maryland, you might see all types of weather: tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms and snow. Just this September, Tropical Depression Ida hit Maryland with high winds, tornadoes and flooding.
If your home suffers damage, you can go through your insurance company to cover the repairs. But even then, you’ll probably still have to pay something out of pocket. If you can’t afford your deductible or out-of-pocket costs, what happens next?
Unfixed storm damage on your property can cause serious problems when you go to sell. After all, most people don’t want to buy a home that needs work. Fortunately, you do have options when it comes to selling your Maryland home with storm damage.
What Type of Storm Damage is Most Common in Maryland?
Maryland’s climate is experiencing warmer and wetter conditions, with more extreme weather and less distinct seasons. Because of this climate change, sporadic weather patterns have increased, leading to high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes that can easily damage a home.
Some of the most common types of property damage we see in Maryland are:
- Roof damage from rain, snow, hail and fallen trees
- Gutter problems that cause framing issues, water seepage and problems with doors and windows
- Siding damage due to harsh winds or hail that lead to water damage, pest infestations and insulation problems
Can You Sell a Home that Has Severe Storm Damage?
If you cannot afford to fix your home after suffering severe storm damage, your best option is to sell it as-is to a company that buys properties in Maryland.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your home in any condition – even with storm damage! We have an extensive network of contractors who will provide the repairs, as well as address other potential issues with your home.
While we will negotiate a lower offer, you don’t have to put any money into the home. All you need to do is move out – and we are flexible with that, too! For some homeowners, a fresh start is all they want after suffering extensive storm damage that they can’t afford to fix.
To schedule a quick walkthrough of your property, get in touch with 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. There is never any obligation to continue, so it doesn’t hurt to get an offer on your home so that you can make the best decision.
October 18, 2021
Should I Rent or Sell My Home in Fairfax County VA?
Whether it’s a new job or the opportunity to live somewhere else, deciding what to do with your home in Fairfax County VA can be a difficult decision. On one hand, you can sell your home and move on with your next venture. But selling too quickly can cause you to forfeit some of your equity, especially if your home needs TLC.
On the other hand, you could keep your property and rent it out, but you may get stuck with a property that’s too hard to manage. So what should you do – sell your home in Fairfax County VA or rent it out? While only you can make the final decision, here is some information that can help.
Signs You Should Rent Your Home in Fairfax County
The housing market has remained strong throughout COVID, and that includes rentals. Here are some signs that your home might make a good rental property:
- High demand. The average rent for an apartment in Fairfax County is $2,054, a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Houses rent for even more. As long as rentals are in demand in your area, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a renter.
- Landlord material. Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a landlord. Renting out your home is a good start, and if it works out, you can build a nice nest egg for retirement.
- Personal attachment. Maybe you’re not ready to sell your home. Renting it out gives you the option to keep your home and possibly move back one day in the future.
- Profit. If you’re confident that you can make a profit by renting out your home, it’s worth considering. Some people are able to generate passive income with their rentals.
Signs You Should Sell Your Home in Fairfax County
While there are advantages to renting out your home, everyone knows that this comes with a lot of challenges. It might make financial and logistical sense to sell your home and free up your liquid assets. Below are some signs that selling your Fairfax County home is probably the best move.
- Seller’s market. Virginia is a seller’s market right now, with low inventory and high demand. As long as you price your home competitively, you should have no problem selling it fast.
- Liquidate cash. Perhaps you could use some cash for your new venture. If this is the case, selling your Fairfax County home is a great move.
- Not landlord material. Being a landlord comes at a price. The money you get out of rent payments must be worth the effort.
- Bad rental. Not all homes make good rental properties. The best rentals have low operating costs with no major issues.
Thinking about Selling Your Fairfax County Home? Get Your Free Cash Offer Today.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your home in any condition. We can close in one week, which means you can liquidate your assets and have cash for your next venture. If this sounds like the best option for you, contact us today for your free cash offer.
October 15, 2021
Tired of Being a Landlord? Sell Your Home for Cash in Anne Arundel County MD
Being a landlord in Anne Arundel County MD might have seemed like a good idea at one point. Maybe you inherited a home or found a great deal on a fixer upper and thought you could make money passively. But now that you’re faced with repairs, maintenance, difficult tenants, rent collection, vacancies and more, you might be done with the landlord gig.
Below we share some of our best suggestions on what you can do when you have a rental property but no longer care to be a landlord.
Hire a Management Company
If your rental property in Anne Arundel County is an easy money maker, it might make financial sense to keep it. To take some of the burden off, you can hire a property management company.
Property management companies take care of everything while you keep the landlord title and receive checks each month. Of course, you’ll have to pay for this service, which will reduce your monthly income.
List Your Home with an Agent
If you don’t care to pay a property management company, you’re probably best off selling your rental. Contact a real estate agent in Anne Arundel to get your home listed on the MLS.
To sell your home with an agent, it should be in good condition. If the tenants damaged your rental, you’ll need to make the repairs. Buyers prefer move-in ready homes in good condition, so your property will need to meet these demands.
Sell Your Rental to a Cash Buyer
What happens if your rental isn’t in good condition? Perhaps you’ve neglected maintenance or maybe your tenants did some damage. In either case, it will need to be addressed. If you don’t have the time or money to make the repairs, you can sell your rental for cash.
Cash buyers in Anne Arundel County will buy your rental in as-is condition. This means that you won’t be responsible for any of the repairs. It’s a good option if your home has suffered damage and will have a hard time selling to a traditional buyer.
4 Brothers Buy Houses Will Pay Cash for Your Rental
4 Brothers Buy Houses buys rentals in Anne Arundel County MD. We’ll take them in any condition – and even with the belongings inside! Our buyers use their own cash so they don’t need to apply for financing. We can typically close within the week, which means you can liquidate your assets. Contact us today for your free, no obligation cash offer.
October 1, 2021
What Does ‘Renovation Potential’ Mean in a Cash Sale?
Most real estate investors are interested in the renovation potential of a property – not necessarily the condition it’s in. This is why selling for cash is a great option when your Silver Spring MD property needs a lot of work. Rather than putting in the time, money and energy to make your home attractive, you can sell your house exactly as it is.
While most cash offers are lower than what you would get out of a traditional sale, you’re also not putting money into the home. You can walk away with cash and eliminate showings, home inspections and appraisals. At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, most of our clients are able to close on their home in 10 days or so.
When making a fair cash offer that works for you and us, our cash buyers will take into account the renovation potential of your home. Let’s learn more about what this means and the types of features we look for.
What Does ‘Renovation Potential’ Mean?
If you hear our cash buyers in Silver Spring MD talking about your home’s potential for renovation, all it means is how easy it will be to improve the property. Once we make these changes and updates, we will sell your home to new owners.
To make your home desirable, we’ll likely have to renovate the most important spaces in the home – the kitchen and bathrooms. The easier your home is to renovate, the more attractive it is to our cash buyers.
For example, a kitchen that’s already spacious, with modern plumbing and electricity, is easier to renovate. We can install new flooring, purchase stainless steel appliances and paint the cabinets for a refreshed look.
Most Popular Home Upgrades for Fixer Uppers in Silver Spring MD
At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we focus on making upgrades that buyers will find desirable. Buyers want move-in ready homes with the latest features, so we try to include them in our renovations. Here are some examples:
- Bright and open layout. Buyers want homes that are bright and spacious, so we love properties with big windows, tall ceilings and open floor plans.
- Neutral paint. A fresh coat of paint does an incredible job freshening up the home. We stick to neutral colors like gray and off-white.
- Updated kitchens and baths. Many of our homes receive brand new cabinets, countertops and appliances. It’s easiest to work with open floor plans and modern plumbing and electricity.
- Great curb appeal. A few simple updates can give your home the curb appeal it needs. For example, we might stage a porch, repair a backyard patio or install new LED lighting.
- Hardwood flooring. We often replace worn-out carpeting with laminate or vinyl. Carpet is easy to tear up – tile is not.
If you want to know what you can sell your home for, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. We’d love to make you an offer that works for you and us. We buy properties in all price ranges and in any condition, so find out what we’ll pay for a home with great potential 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 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.
