January 24, 2023
Is Spring the Best Time to Sell a House in D.C.?
Historically, spring is known as the best time to sell a house in Washington DC. The National Association of Realtors named mid-April specifically as the optimal time to sell a property. But with so many uncertainties – rising mortgage rates, high inflation, low inventory – you might not want to wait until spring to list your home for sale.
The good news is that you have options – probably more than you think! You can go ahead and list your property in the spring, especially if you need time to prepare and want to wait for the market to heat up. You can also consider an alternative option like selling your D.C. house for cash. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong decision – the goal is to sell your house quickly and for the most money.
Why is Spring Usually the Best Time to Sell a House?
Homes that are listed at the end of spring and beginning of summer tend to sell faster and for a higher price. There are a number of reasons why this is the case:
- Better weather. After being cooped up all winter, people are ready to get out and start looking at homes in the spring. Plus, if they do find a house they like, moving in the spring is better than moving in the winter.
- More money. Because there are more people looking for homes in the spring, the competition is high, and this can result in a bigger offer. Some areas in D.C. still have low inventory, so some sellers are still seeing multiple bids.
- Improved curb appeal. The winter months in D.C. aren’t exactly the prettiest. But come spring, everything is coming in – blooming flowers, leafy trees and green lawns. This makes homes stand out!
What if I Don’t Want to Wait Until Spring to Sell?
While it might look good on paper to sell your house in the late spring or early summer, this may not be in your best interests. For every month that you keep your home, you are responsible for paying the principal, interest, property taxes and utilities. You are also responsible for maintaining the home.
If you’re not in a position to do this, selling your D.C. house for cash is likely the better option. 4 Brothers Buy Houses is a home buying company that purchases properties all over Washington D.C. We always make fair offers that reflect the condition, location and size of the home. If you accept the offer, we can typically close in about two weeks.
Furthermore, our cash house buyers in D.C. require no contingencies. There are no appraisals, inspections, repairs or cleaning you’ll have to do. The transaction is simple and straightforward. If you don’t want to wait till spring to sell your house, selling for cash can be a great alternative! Contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for your free cash offer!
December 20, 2022
Yes, 2023 Will Still be a Good Time to Sell Your House in Virginia
Deciding whether you should sell your home or wait always deserves careful attention. There are a number of factors that influence this decision – some are in your control and others are not. For example, people are motivated to sell their homes when they know they can get a good offer, which is driven by high demand and low inventory.
But even if the market is in favor of buyers, you may still have no choice but to sell due to a new job or family illness. In this case, you’ll want to research your options and sell your property in the most convenient and economical way, whether it’s listing with an agent, selling on your own or working with a cash buyer in Virginia.
The good news is that no matter what you are facing in 2023, it will still be a good time to sell. There are predictions for a housing crash and economic recession, but people are still upsizing, downsizing and relocating. Here are three good reasons why 2023 will be a good time to sell.
Demand Far Exceeds Supply
In October, there were over 25,000 homes available in Virginia, down 24 percent year over year. This means that there are still less homes on the market compared to other years. There are also plenty of buyers looking for homes to buy, so if you have a desirable property, you should have no trouble selling it. You may even get several bids, driving up the price!
However, if your house is not in the best condition, you could have trouble selling it. Even though there are more buyers than houses, people still prefer homes in good condition. A property that requires extensive repairs and updates will have to be sold at a deeply discounted price. In this case, you’re probably better off selling to a cash investor.
Interest Rates are Still Low
Yes, interest rates are still much higher than what we’ve seen in recent years, but they are still lower than the 7.76 percent average. Rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage are around 6 percent, and slightly less for a 15-year fixed rate. While these interest rates have pushed some people out of the housing market, they are not high enough to keep serious buyers out.
Not to mention, there’s a possibility that interest rates can continue climbing. In 1981, for example, interest rates were a whopping 16.63 percent, according to Freddie Mac data. For those who are looking to buy, today’s interest rates are still reasonable.
Appreciation is Still Growing
The first quarter of 2022 brought double-digit appreciation to home values. While the rate of appreciation is expected to slow at the end of the year and into 2023, it’s not expected to reverse, and that’s a good thing. This means that you can sell your house in Virginia for more money, and walk away with more in your pocket even after paying all your fees!
Of course, if you want to avoid paying realtor commissions, listing fees, staging costs, etc., you can sell your house for cash! There are absolutely no fees associated with this type of sale, which means you get to keep your full cash offer!
These are three great reasons why selling your house in 2023 will still be worthwhile. The market may not be as competitive as it was earlier this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to sell. The key is choosing the best method to sell and finding the right buyer. Fortunately, you can do both with 4 Brothers Buy Houses. Request your free cash offer today!
September 8, 2022
Who Pays Overdue HOA Fees at Closing?
If you’re planning to sell a property that is part of a homeowners association, you’ll need to consider a few things. The HOA is an important part of the community, as it directly influences quality of life within the neighborhood. HOAs enforce rules in a subdivision, maintain grounds and manage recreational facilities.
In exchange for taking care of a community, residents pay their HOA a fee each month. Average fees are around $350 a year, though this can vary widely depending on where you live, the size of the community and the responsibilities of your HOA. When it comes time to sell your property, your HOA fees will need to be paid up. If they’re not, this will make it more difficult to sell.
Because many communities throughout MD, VA and Washington DC are part of an association, it’s important to know about these fees, what happens if you don’t pay them and whose responsibility they are at closing.
What are Homeowners Association Fees?
HOA fees, association dues, HOA assessments, etc. are all fees that homeowners must pay to the association for the services it provides. Only those who live in a homeowners association pay these dues. Whether you plan to buy or sell a house in an HOA, it’s important that you understand how these fees work.
Here are some of the amenities that HOAs typically cover:
- Maintenance services
- Common area utilities
- Security expenses
- Insurance premiums
- Property management
- Grounds management
- Gyms, lounges and pools
- Parks, playgrounds and trails
What Happens if You Don’t Pay HOA Fees?
Each household is responsible for paying their HOA fees on time. If people stop paying, this will affect your community as a whole. Your HOA won’t meet its budget, and this can cause your neighborhood to degrade. For example, your swimming pool or playground might not get repaired.
Fortunately, HOAs usually don’t sit around and wait for this to happen. They fine homeowners and may even put a lien on the property. Even lawsuits are possible. This is why it’s important that you pay your HOA bill each month.
In fact, any remaining HOA debt is your personal liability. In most cases, you won’t be able to sell your property until the debt is cleared. Usually, this means using the money from your sale to pay the overdue fees. If the issue isn’t resolved before closing, the HOA can still attempt to collect their debts.
Sell Your House – Even with Overdue HOA Fees
If you’re planning to sell your home in MD, VA or Washington DC, 4 Brothers Buy Houses can help. We have solutions for all types of real estate problems, including outstanding HOA fees.
Because we pay cash for houses, you can use the cash from your sale to pay off these debts and walk away from your property free and clear. To discuss your options for selling a house with HOA debt, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today.
May 20, 2022
5 Great Reasons to Sell Your House for Cash in Clinton MD
The number of house buyers in Maryland who prefer to pay in cash is growing, but the majority still need financing. If you’re planning on selling your property in the near future, you might be wondering how you can appeal to cash buyers, as they do offer a number of advantages. For example, you can sell your house much faster and avoid costly repairs.
Not to mention, some cash buyers are getting closer to offering market value, so you might not have to take much less to sell your house for cash. It’s a competitive market, and a seller’s market at that, so the cards are definitely in your favor.
Below are five great reasons to sell your house for cash in Clinton MD.
You’re in a rush.
Selling your house for cash is a much faster process than waiting for the buyer to secure financing. 4 Brothers Buy Houses can complete the process in about two weeks from start to finish – it takes around 7 to 10 days to close once you accept the offer.
Most lenders, on the other hand, need about 30 to 45 days to finalize the details of the loan. And if there are problems, it will hold up the process further. Bottom line: If you’re in a hurry to sell your Clinton property, a cash sale will meet your timeline.
You want a secure sale.
Even though the majority of home sales go through, it’s not unusual for buyers to back out of the contract. Perhaps they weren’t able to secure financing, or they weren’t comfortable dealing with certain issues that turned up during the inspection.
Cash buyers in Clinton MD are much more secure. They usually do not require an inspection, appraisal or home sale contingency. And if they do inspect the property, it’s usually for informational purposes only. This gives you the peace of mind that they won’t back out.
Your home needs a lot of work.
If you’re overwhelmed with prepwork, the thought of getting your home on the market can be daunting. From costly home repairs to cleaning and organization, it could take months to get your home listed.
Cash buyers in Clinton MD often look for homes that need work. For instance, 4 Brothers Buy Houses loves to take on projects that average home buyers would not. We have a great network of contractors who fix up the properties we buy, so we never mind the challenge!
You would prefer not to have showings.
Some people aren’t comfortable having strangers in their home, and that’s understandable. Plus, to make a positive impression on prospective buyers, you have to clean, organize and stage the home.
If you’re not prepared to do these things, a cash sale is an option you’ll be happier with. There is only one showing you need to do, and that’s for our cash buyers. We’ll be in and out in no time – we just want to see what we’re investing in!
You need quick access to cash.
If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage or other bills, an all-cash offer can give you the money you need to get out of a financial jam. Again, it takes about two weeks to complete an all-cash home sale. This means that you could have the money you need to pay off your debts by the time the next billing cycle rolls around.
These five reasons are great motivations to sell your Clinton MD house for cash. To get a free, no obligation cash offer on your property, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today.
April 30, 2022
What Options Do You Have After Mortgage Forbearance in Temple Hills?
A forbearance plan helps you with short-term hardships by reducing or pausing your payments for a temporary time. This way, you can get back on your feet while protecting yourself from delinquencies and foreclosure. But what some people forget is that 6 or 12 months comes quickly, and you’ll need to have a plan to repay your missed or reduced payments at this time.
Let’s learn more about the different options you have after your mortgage forbearance plan in Temple Hills MD.
Repayment Options Following a Forbearance Plan
Before your forbearance plan ends, you should reach out to your servicer to see what comes next. Otherwise, they should contact you 30 days from the time your plan is set to end. The purpose of this conversation is to discuss your repayment plans.
You do not have to pay everything back at once. Here are your options:
Repayment plan
If you can afford it, you can repay a portion of the missed amount each month. This amount will be spread over a certain number of mortgage payments, and you must pay it when you pay your mortgage. Your mortgage will be higher during this time and return to regular once you pay everything back.
Reinstatement
Another option you have is to pay the total amount missed all at once. The benefit of this option is that you can get back to your regular monthly mortgage payments instead of paying more each month. However, in order to make this work, you must have a lump sum of money available.
Deferral
Also known as a partial claim, a deferral moves your missed payments to the end of your loan. This way, you can resume your regular mortgage payments without having to pay extra every month. The lender may also agree to put the missed payments into a subordinate lien that you can pay when you refinance, sell or terminate your mortgage.
Loan Modification
A loan modification can reduce your monthly payments permanently. After you make several payments under a trial period plan, your mortgage payments will be permanently reduced. However, it’s important to note that you might end up paying more over time because the loan will be extended, increasing what you pay in interest.
Sell Your Temple Hills House for Cash – It’s Quick and Simple!
Maybe you thought you would get back on your feet quicker than you have. Or perhaps you’ve realized that you can no longer afford your home. If this is the case, you can sell your house in Temple Hills for cash.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will pay cash for your property! We buy houses in as-is condition, which means you are not responsible for repairs or improvements. There are also no commissions or fees, and we pick up most closing costs.
Imagine what some cash could do for you? Contact our cash house buyers in Temple Hills today to get your free, no obligation cash offer!
March 5, 2022
Everything You Need to Know About a Comparative Market Analysis
If you plan on selling your Temple Hills property soon, you’ve probably thought about how much you can sell it for. While you can use online home value estimators like Zillow or Redfin, most of these tools aren’t completely accurate. They’re a good starting point, but they’re not final.
So what is the best way to determine how much your home is worth? By conducting a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA.
What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
A CMA is a method that determines your home’s value based on what other homes in the area have sold for. It’s used by real estate agents to assess what a home is worth. To create a CMA, realtors find comparable properties (comps) in the area and compare them to your property.
For example, you’re not going to compare your 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Temple Hills to a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom house in Harlow Heights. Instead, you’re going to compare your home to similar properties. Some of the features to look for include when the home was sold, how close in proximity it is and what features both properties have.
How Can You Get a Comparative Market Analysis?
While realtors usually provide a CMA for free, you can also do one on your own, or you can purchase a report online. The accuracy of the CMA relies heavily on the comps you choose. Different comps will give you different results. That’s why it’s very important that you pick properties that are very similar to yours, and look at things objectively.
If you plan on doing your own CMA, here are the steps to follow.
Make a list of your property’s features.
Start by identifying your home’s features such as its:
- Location
- School district
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Square footage
- Year built
- Lot size
- Specific features (3-car garage, swimming pool)
Assess your neighborhood.
Where your home is located plays a major role in its value. Properties that have good school districts and close proximity to shopping tend to have a higher value than those located near power lines or train tracks.
Evaluate your home’s condition.
Take note of upgrades you’ve made to your Temple Hills house, as well as things that may need to be updated in the near future. Consider both the interior and exterior of the property.
Gather comparable properties.
With the proper information in tow, you can start gathering comparable properties in your area. You can use a tool like Trulia or Redfin to find these results. Use the filter of “recently sold” to identify comps in your area. The homes you compare yours to should have the same:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Number of stories
- Square footage (or similar)
- Location (within a quarter mile from your property)
- Features and upgrades (or similar)
- Zip code and school district
- Built around the same time
Calculate the price.
Most realtors will compare your property to three others, but you can do more if you’d like. The more, the better. Calculate each comps’ price per square foot (divide sales price by square footage). Then determine the average price per square foot for all the comps. Multiply this number by your property’s square footage.
All in all, a CMA is a helpful tool that will help you determine how much your home is worth. You can then decide how you want to sell your home – with a realtor, on your own or with a home buying company like 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We offer competitive cash offers on all properties throughout Maryland. Call to get your FREE cash offer on your Temple Hills house!
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 21, 2022
Tips for Selling a College Park Property with Existing Tenants
Selling a College Park house is a complicated process in itself, and unfortunately, selling a property with existing tenants can add an extra bump in the road. But selling a property where there is a current tenant is possible!
However, you must remember that tenants have rights through their lease, so you will want to familiarize yourself with the rules you have to follow. In Maryland, it is legal to sell your rental property with the tenants still living there, though you will have to give appropriate notice.
While marketing a property and holding showings tend to go more smoothly when there is no tenant, there are ways to work around the situation. In fact, depending on the situation, having an existing tenant might actually be a benefit for some buyers.
Overall, you want to be strategic in selling your property with tenants so that you don’t turn away potential home buyers in College Park. Below we will cover six easy tips for selling a property with existing tenants!
1.) Make Showings Convenient
A simple way to make sure a showing goes smoothly with an existing tenant is to let your agent know that your tenant needs a 24-hour notification. Have a conversation with your tenant about their schedule. If there are times that don’t work for them, give these times to your agent. Always keep in mind that a notice for entry is required by the governing lease!
2.) Ask Tenant to Leave for Showings
Asking the tenant to depart from the property during a showing will make it less awkward for a potential buyer. This is especially important if your tenant is upset about the impending move. You don’t want negative energy or comments from the tenant to deter a buyer from putting in an offer. If your tenant is grumpy about having to vacate during showings, offer them a gift card to a local coffee shop or restaurant to visit while the showing is taking place.
3.) Keep Property in Viewing Condition
Remember that a move is never easy on anyone, so if you are asking your tenant to move out, keeping the property tidy may not be at the top of their to-do list. Offer to hire a cleaning or yard service while the property is on the market. Since your tenant doesn’t have any stakes in the selling of the property, it will be on you, the seller, to take responsibility in keeping it in show-ready condition
4.) Aid in Helping Tenant Find New Residence
If you are asking your tenant to move out, and it comes down to it, you may need to help them find another place to live. Maybe you own another investment property in Maryland, or you know of someone else who has an opening. Surely there are plenty of other great properties to call home!
5.) Make Sure Tenant is Caught Up on Rent
A tenant delinquent on their rent payments is not exactly a great selling point. If your tenant is not up to date on their rent, notify them regarding payment as soon as possible. Another option could be to forgive the delinquent payments in exchange for the tenant to move out. Lastly, court action leading to eviction is also an option if the tenant refuses to make the payments.
6.) Market the Property in Two Ways
If your tenant is definitely planning on living on the property until post-closing, depending on the layout and size of the property, you may want to consider posting it as both a primary residence and a potential investment property. You can then let the buyer decide how they want to use it!
Get a Cash Offer on Your College Park Rental Property!
Overall, you want to make sure that your tenant is as happy as possible to avoid the chance of them breaking a sale. If a tenant decides they want to prevent showings from happening, selling your property could be put on hold.
Try your best to ease the situation by communicating openly and offering financial incentives. Respect that your property is your tenant’s temporary home, and be understanding towards them during the selling process.
If you’re struggling to sell your College Park rental, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We’ll buy your home AS IS for cash – even with the tenants still there!
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.