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sell home as-is
May 15, 2022
Disclosure Obligations When Selling Your Washington DC House As-Is
When selling a house in Washington D.C., there are certain things you must disclose to the buyers, even if you’re selling the property as-is. While disclosure documents are standard in all states, the requirements do vary.
For example, in Washington D.C., buyers cannot waive their rights to receive a disclosure document. Fortunately, the D.C. Disclosure Statement includes all disclosures that sellers must make, including physical and environmental factors.
Let’s learn more about what disclosures a seller must make when selling their house in D.C.
Washington D.C.’s Seller Disclosure Code
Under the D.C. code, the seller of a residential property with no more than four units must give prospective buyers a property disclosure statement. Even if the seller has a real estate agent or broker, it is still their responsibility to fill out the disclosure statement.
The D.C. Disclosure Statement covers a number of items. It’s important that sellers fill out this form to the best of their knowledge and in good faith. Hiring an inspector can help uncover issues that the seller may not be aware of.
What Types of Things Must Sellers Disclose in Washington D.C.?
If you are planning to sell your D.C. property, it’s important to know what to disclose so that you’re not held liable later on. Even if you are selling your house as-is, you still need to fill out this form to the best of your knowledge. Selling a property as-is means that you’re not responsible for repairs or improvements. But you are still responsible for disclosing information regarding your property.
The D.C. Disclosure Document will ask about your property’s features and their condition, such as the roof, chimney, insulation, windows, HVAC system and appliances. It will also ask about exterior or environmental issues like drainage, property damage and wood-destroying pests. Toxic substances are also a concern, so you’ll need to list the presence of radon, asbestos or formaldehyde.
Additional disclosures you may have to make are:
- Death in the home related to a violent crime
- Neighborhood nuisances like landfills or airports
- Homeowners’ association (HOA) information
- Repair history
- Water damage
- Missing items
- Historic district location
Sell Your Washington D.C. House As-Is
4 Brothers Buy Houses will pay cash for your Washington D.C. property. While you will have to fill out a Disclosure Document, the findings will not scare us away! Because we buy houses as-is, we will not ask you to make any repairs or improvements. It’s a clean transaction between you and our cash buyers.
To get a free cash offer on your Washington D.C. house, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today!
May 5, 2022
The Pros and Cons of Inheriting a House in Virginia
Inheriting real estate in Virginia is a great feeling – and it can be the financial windfall you’ve been hoping for. But it can also mean a long list of headaches that you’re not prepared for. This is why it’s important to think through all of your options so that you can make an informed decision for yourself today and in the future.
I’ve Inherited a Property in Virginia. Now What?
When you find out that you’ve inherited a house in VA, you have three main options: move in, sell or rent. Which option you choose depends on many factors, such as your current living situation, your finances, whether you have siblings, the physical condition of the house and whether the property has a mortgage or liens.
Some of the things to consider are:
- Capital gains tax. You do not have to pay capital gains tax if you keep the property, but you may have to if you sell the property.
- Property taxes. How much are the property taxes on the current property? These are paid monthly or twice a year, even if the house is paid off.
- Mortgage. Does the property have a regular mortgage or reverse mortgage? You may have to pay this immediately.
- Repairs. What condition is the house in? It could need extensive repairs and improvements.
- Property maintenance. Aside from making repairs and improvements, you will need to regularly maintain the property by mowing the lawn, adjusting the thermostat, etc.
- Homeowners insurance. You’ll need to make sure the house has a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
Benefits and Burdens of Inheriting a VA House
First, let’s cover the benefits of inheriting a home. Fortunately, there is plenty to celebrate. An inherited property is a financial windfall that can be used for spending or saving. You can also move into the house, which could be a step up from where you are living now. Or, you can rent out the property for a steady stream of income.
However, there are many problems that come with an inherited house that people often aren’t prepared for. It could involve negotiations with your siblings or other heirs and increased legal and financial responsibilities. The latter gets even tricker when the property is in poor condition and needs repair work.
Selling Your Inherited Property in VA
If you and your siblings agree, you can sell the VA house for cash and split the money. This is the fastest, easiest and often fairest way to handle things. You don’t need to invest any money or time into the property, and you don’t have to worry about who is going to take care of the house when it needs work.
To get the ball rolling, all you need to do is contact a house buying company like 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We will make you an attractive cash offer, and if you accept, we’ll start the closing paperwork right away. Not only do we pay cash, but also we buy properties as-is, pay most closing costs and charge no fees or commissions.
To get a free cash offer on your inherited property in Virginia, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses. As long as everyone on the property agrees, we can buy your home and complete the process in just TWO weeks!
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 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.
February 20, 2022
Why Washington DC Sellers Prefer Cash Offers
Cash offers have a number of benefits for sellers. There’s less risk, a quick close and the opportunity to sell the home in as-is condition. All of these things reduce the time it takes to sell a property, as well as cuts back on fees and commissions. And now with a competitive housing market and investors willing to make attractive cash offers, now is a great time to move in this direction.
Let’s learn more about why sellers often prefer cash offers so that you can get an idea if it’s the right decision for you, too!
More Confidence that the Sale Will Go Through
Perhaps one of the hardest parts about selling a house in Washington DC is that there are many people involved, slowing down the process and even causing buyers to back out at times. The last thing you want is to get close to the closing date and learn that the buyers weren’t able to obtain financing.
There are far less steps involved in a cash sale – the transaction is between you and the buyer. This allows the process to move quickly, with few to no contingencies. It sure is nice to work with someone who knows exactly what they want!
No Financing Troubles
To elaborate on the first point, you don’t have to worry about financing issues with a cash buyer. Cash house buyers in Washington DC use their own money to purchase properties. You can skip over the appraisal and move right onto the closing paperwork. And since the buyer isn’t using financing, they’re saving on interest and bank fees, making them more willing to negotiate and pick up closing costs.
No Bank Appraisals
Banks require appraisals before approving a mortgage. This is done to prevent the borrower from taking more money than the home is worth. Typical appraisals can take around 10 days, which clearly slows down the process. And if the appraisal comes out lower than the sales price, it’s a problem for the seller. Thankfully, no appraisal is required in a cash sale.
No Inspections and Repair Requests
The inspection process looks at the actual condition of the home. If things turn up, you’ll have to work with the buyer to fix them. If you don’t address the issues or knock down the price of your home, the buyers are likely to back out.
Like appraisals, inspections are not necessary in a cash sale. The buyer is purchasing your house as-is, so they expect there to be problems, which they’ll address during the renovation. Even if the buyer does ask for an inspection, they won’t hold you accountable for the repairs.
Quick, Easy and Cost Effective
Cash offers make the home selling process quick, easy and affordable. House buying companies in Washington DC cover most closing costs and are willing to make offers on ugly, distressed or damaged houses. They work so quickly, you can sell your house for cash even if it’s in foreclosure!
Cash sales are a great option for some sellers, particularly those who want to sell quickly without any contingencies. If you’re looking to sell your house fast in Washington DC, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for a free cash offer.
February 2, 2022
Prepping Your Falls Church VA Property for Sale this Spring
There’s no question about it – spring is the most popular time to sell a house in Falls Church VA. The weather is warming up and buyers are eager to move into their new homes by summer. Because it usually takes several months to close, most buyers enter the market in April or May.
However, the spring also comes with a lot of competition, which means you’ll need to find ways to make your property stand out. If your home requires work, you’ll have to determine which repairs and updates are worth making.
Below are some of our best tips for preparing for the spring selling season in Falls Church VA.
Remove the Clutter
Spring cleaning is underway, so hopefully you can find some motivation for going through your home and clearing out all the clutter. Most people are amazed by how much they’ve collected over the years!
If this is the case for you, leave yourself plenty of time to go through closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to remove from each room:
- Entryways. Remove coats, umbrellas, shoes, backpacks, etc. This is the first place buyers will see, so you want to make a good first impression.
- Bedrooms. Make all beds. Tidy up rooms and conceal toys in bins.
- Cabinets, pantries and closets. Get rid of old and unused items. All doors should close easily and not be stuffed.
- Kitchen. Countertops and refrigerators should be free and clear of pretty much everything, except a decorative item or essential appliance (i.e., coffee maker).
- Furniture. Remove old furniture. Less furniture makes your space look bigger.
Put Away Personalized Items
Prospective buyers should be able to walk into your Falls Church home and envision themselves living there. But this is hard to do when pictures of your family stare back at them! Remove heavily personalized items so that people can imagine living in your space.
Here are some items we recommend packing up:
- Trophies
- Sports memorabilia
- Religious artifacts
- Family photographs
- Personal collections
- Toiletries
Clean the Interior and Exterior
Once your home is clutter-free, you should give it a deep clean. This includes floors, windows, blinds, furniture, countertops, appliances, etc. If you don’t have time for this, hire a cleaning company that will knock it out in one day.
The exterior of your home also needs attention. Many buyers decide whether a property is suitable simply by looking at the outside. Here are some things to tackle, and most are easy and inexpensive!
- Trim shrubs, trees and bushes
- Weed flower beds
- Throw away leaves and garbage
- Plant fresh flowers in pots or soil
- Power wash the patio, walkway, siding, etc.
- Clean the windows
- Remove cobwebs from corners
Skip the Hassle. Sell Your Falls Church VA Home for Cash.
These are just some of the ways that you can get your Falls Church house ready to sell this spring. Most sellers spend several months or more doing this prepwork, so there is significant time (and often money) involved.
If you’d rather skip these steps and sell your house as-is, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We will buy your home in any condition and for a great price. All you need to do is move out – no cleaning, staging or repairs necessary!
January 31, 2022
Selling a Brentwood MD Home with Termite Damage
Not everyone is aware that their home has termites. While there are some easy signs to look for – small pinholes, bubbling paint, discolored drywall – they can be easily missed. So what happens when it comes time to sell your home in Brentwood MD and you find out that you have a termite infestation?
In the state of Maryland, you are legally obligated to disclose information about termites to the home buyers. Once they find out about the pest problem, there’s a strong possibility that they will back out of the sale. Because of the destructive nature of termites, most new home buyers want nothing to do with them.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t sell your home in Brentwood, but it does mean that your options are more limited. Let’s discuss what options you have and the best ways to sell a home with termites.
Selling a Brentwood Home with Termites: What are Your Options?
There are three main options when selling a Maryland property with termite damage. No option is necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to what works best for you.
Option #1. Repair the Damage
If your home is in otherwise good condition, and the infestation is small, it may be worth it to pay to repair the damage. This way, your home will be as good as new, and you can sell it for full price.
But, there are a few things to think about. First, you can’t repair the damage until all of the termites are gone. Average termite treatments are around $550, though this does depend on the size and progression of the infestation. Severe infestations can cost a lot more.
Second, you’ll need to cover the cost of the repairs, which can be extensive. If the termites got to the walls, floors or other structural components of the home, you could be spending thousands upon thousands in repairs.
Option #2. Sell the Home with Damage
Your next option is to sell your Brentwood property with the damage. You’ll need to be upfront and honest about the infestation and the damage that has been done.
For obvious reasons, your buyer pool will be much smaller. However, if you sell your home as-is or at a deeply discounted price, you may get more offers than you think. And, some buyers won’t mind tackling the damage when they update the home in exchange for a discount.
Option #3. Sell Your House to a Cash Buyer in Brentwood
For some sellers, it makes sense to close the chapter on their current property and sell it as-is to a cash home buying company. These companies pay cash for homes in any condition, including those that have pest damage.
The benefit to working with a cash buyer is that they often intend to remodel the home, so they’ll be replacing floors and knocking down walls. Taking care of a termite infestation isn’t as big of a deal at this point, and they often work closely with local contractors who handle these issues.
Get a Free Cash Offer on a Home with Termites
No matter how you choose to sell your home in Brentwood MD, make sure that you are open and honest about the infestation. This will hold you within your legal rights and make the sale go more smoothly. For a free cash offer on your property, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. And yes – we’ll buy your house with termites!
January 7, 2022
5 Tips For Moving and Packing in Washington DC
Aside from the excitement of moving into your new home, there’s not much to look forward to when it comes to moving. Most people would call moving a headache, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be a miserable process! Having a plan in place can help make some of the most tedious tasks of moving and packing more efficient and easy.
If you’re planning to sell your house for cash in Washington DC, you can expect the process to move quickly! 4 Brothers Buy Houses typically closes on properties in two weeks. Below are some of our best tips to help make moving a success!
1.) Have a Game Plan
The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is create a plan for the weeks ahead. You’ll want to outline what you need to accomplish and the order of events on the day of the move. Keep everything in one notebook or folder.
Make an outline that shows which rooms are a priority to pack, and what items you will want to leave out of boxes until the last minute. Using an outline format allows you to check off bullet points as you accomplish them. This shows that you’re making progress!
2.) Hire Movers
When it comes to hiring movers in Washington DC, you will want to schedule them as early as possible so you can lock in your moving day. The movers will want to know how big your house is so that they have an idea of how much stuff you are moving.
Depending on how much time in advance you book your movers, you may want to consider moving in the middle of the week or month, as these rates tend to be cheaper. Also, make sure to have some cash handy to tip your movers, since this cost isn’t included in the moving fee. You can base the tip on the total you are quoted.
If you are planning on moving yourself without the help of movers, make sure you rent your truck early so you can have it secured for the day of the move.
3.) Free Boxes and Packing Tips
Purchasing a plethora of boxes is just another expense you don’t need. Instead, save money by checking with your local stores to see if they have any boxes they are looking to get rid of. You can also check on places like Facebook Marketplace for people who are getting rid of boxes from a recent move.
While you are packing, label your boxes according to which room you want the movers to place them in in your new home, and make sure you write “fragile” on any boxes containing breakable items.
You may also want to start a donation box or a box of things you plan to toss out before you move. The goal is to move only what you need to, and this is a great opportunity to get rid of extra junk lying around your house that you won’t want to bring into your fresh start!
4.) Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time
If there are pieces of furniture that you know your movers will want to disassemble before moving, try to do it yourself ahead of time. This will save time and effort for the movers, which saves you money since movers typically charge by the hour. Also, moving days already tend to be long and drawn out, so saving time where you can helps the day go by quicker!
5.) Pack an Essentials Bag
Once all of your boxes are packed and in transit, you won’t have access to them for most of the day. This is why you should pack a bag of essentials for moving day and the day after, just to be safe. An essentials bag can include things like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, food items and kitchen utensils. You want to make sure your essentials bag is easily accessible and not on a moving truck!
Although moving can be time consuming, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Follow these five tips and tricks to help your Washington DC move run smoothly!
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.
November 5, 2021
Selling an Empty House in Bowie MD? Here’s How to Not Lose Money.
Sometimes, sellers are left with no choice but to sell an empty house. Perhaps you inherited a home or already moved your furniture out. Regardless of the circumstances, you’re now left with an empty home to sell. Do these properties tend to take longer to sell?
The short answer is – yes – empty homes sit on the market longer than ones that are occupied or staged. A study from the Appraisal Institute found that vacant homes sell for 6 percent less than lived-in homes and stayed on the market longer.
Why Do Empty Homes in Bowie MD Take Longer to Sell?
There are several reasons why vacant homes don’t sell as quickly. First, when you don’t have any furniture or belongings inside, the home ends up looking dull and boring. It’s hard to stand out when you’re competing with professionally staged homes!
Second, rooms tend to look smaller when they’re empty. It’s harder for prospective buyers to judge size and evision their furniture in the room. If people can’t picture themselves living in your home, they won’t care to make an offer.
Lastly, when homes are empty, the flaws are more obvious. It’s not hard to spot knicks on the wall, scratches on the hardwood flooring and dirty light fixtures. Having furniture in the home helps hide some of these flaws so that they don’t discourage buyers.
How to Sell an Empty Home Without Losing Money
If you have no choice but to sell your Bowie Maryland home without the furniture inside, there are a few things you can do to help it sell faster.
- Paint the walls. Choose a neutral paint color like off-white or beige and refresh all of your walls. Also patch up any holes or gouges.
- Touch up the baseboards. Although it’s tedious, you might want to paint the baseboards and door trim. Remember, there’s no furniture to cover up the baseboards.
- Update the lighting. If your lighting is outdated, install new light fixtures. At the very least, give the fixtures a good cleaning. They’re a lot more noticeable in an empty home.
- Focus on your curb appeal. Keep your lawn mowed, paint the shutters, seal the driveway, plant fresh flowers and so forth. If you can’t commit to this, hire a lawn service while your home is on the market.
- Give everything a deep cleaning. Since you’re relying on the home to sell itself, make sure all of the fixtures are spotless, including the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, light fixtures, light switches, walls and appliances.
Don’t Lose Money Selling an Empty Home! Get a Free Cash Offer Today.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your Bowie MD home for cash. We don’t care if it’s empty. We look past that and care only about the structure of the home. If you accept our offer, we can close on your home in about one week. For your free cash offer, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today.
