What Is The Cheapest Way To Sell Your House?

Are You Looking For The Cheapest Way To Sell Your House?

The cheapest way to sell your house is a highly debated topic among real estate professionals.

Everybody has their own thoughts:

1. Realtors want you think it’s them.
2. Investors will tell you they are.
3. And your friends and family will say FSBO is the least expensive way to get it done.

But what is the cheapest way to sell your house in Pennsylvania?

The Cheapest Option For Selling Your House In PA

Before I reveal to you the cheapest and easiest way to sell your house, I want to be straightforward with you.

I own a home buying company.

Yes, it’s true.

I buy homes from homeowners all across Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

I know, I know. I’m going to sound biased in what I recommend.

And you can’t just take my word for it.

That would be like asking a car salesman if they’re the right person you should buy from.

So in order to prove to you that home buyers are in fact the cheapest, because they are – spoiler alert, I’m going to use real numbers and data.

I will show you that the cheapest way to sell your house is by selling to a professional cash home buying company, like my own.

Minimizing Your Home Selling Costs

Since you’re looking for the cheapest option for selling your house, costs are going to be the main focus.

What are they? How do you eliminate them? How do you lower them?

Depending on how you decide to sell your house, these are some of the typical costs:

1. Realtor or agent commission (6%)
2. Transfer Tax (2-3%)
3. Home Repairs (~1%)
4. Cleaning (0.5%)
5. Miscellaneous Closting Costs (1%)
6. Interest Costs (1%)
7. Title or attorney costs (1%)

You can easily see how these costs start to stack up.

Selling your house the traditional way could amount to 11%+ in additional costs.

That means, on a $300K sale, you would have to fork over $33K at closing!

Don’t worry, you do have other options to get it done in a more frugal way.

Option 1: Negotiate With A Realtor

Negotiating a realtor’s commission can be a delicate process, but with the right approach, you can sometimes reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Research Market Rates: Before entering negotiations, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of typical commission rates look like in your area. Look at recent sales data and consult with other homeowners who have recently sold their properties to get an idea of what is reasonable. You can’t ask for them to do it for free!
2. Highlight Your Property’s Strengths: Emphasize the unique features and selling points of your property. If your home is in high demand or has desirable amenities, this can strengthen your position when negotiating a lower commission rate. Make it sound like an easy task for them.
3. Consider the Scope of Services: Realtors offer a range of services beyond just listing your property, such as marketing, staging, and negotiating with potential buyers. If you’re comfortable taking on some of these tasks yourself, you may be able to negotiate a lower commission rate in exchange for a reduced level of service. This might help you hsave of as much as 1% of the 6% commission!
4. Negotiate Based on Performance: Some realtors are willing to lower their commission rate if they are confident in their ability to sell your property quickly and at a high price. Consider negotiating a tiered commission structure based on the final sale price or the length of time the property is on the market. Feeling frisky? This might be your way to go!
5. Get Everything in Writing: Once you’ve reached an agreement, hopefully one that reduces your costs of selling, make sure to get all the details in writing. This should include the commission rate, the scope of services provided, and any other terms or conditions agreed upon during negotiations. Be careful, realtors always try and sneak in random fees and charges along the way.

Many homeowners negotiate their agent’s commission each year in the US. It’s just part of the business and it’s a great method for selling your house cheaper than it would have cost if you didn’t negotiate.

Option 2: Sell The Home Yourself

Selling a house by owner is very cheap alternative to listing with an agent.

But why don’t more people go this route?

If you’re interested, I studied all the reasons why selling a house by owner is not as practical as it sounds.

Sure it can save you a commission, but are you really prepared to do all the work that a realtor would have done for you? Think cleaning, showing, negotiating, pricing, marketing…and so on.

This is my summary of why selling your house by own in 2024 just doesn’t work well:

1. Limited Exposure and Reach:
   • One of the significant advantages of using a realtor is their access to extensive marketing channels and networks.
   • Realtors have access to multiple listing services (MLS), online platforms, and professional networks that can greatly increase the visibility of your property.
   • By selling FSBO, you miss out on these marketing opportunities, potentially resulting in fewer inquiries and a longer time on the market.
2. Too Much Legal & Financial Jargon:
   • Selling a house involves a multitude of legal and financial procedures that can be complex and overwhelming for individuals without experience in real estate transactions.
   • Realtors are trained to navigate these procedures, including contracts, negotiations, disclosures, and closing processes, to ensure a smooth and legally compliant sale.
   • Without professional guidance, FSBO sellers may expose themselves to legal risks and financial pitfalls.
3. Sellers Are Poor Negotiators:
   • Realtors bring valuable expertise and negotiation skills to the table, which can be instrumental in achieving the best possible sale price for your property.
   • They have a deep understanding of market trends, pricing strategies, and negotiation tactics honed through years of experience in the industry.
   • FSBO sellers may struggle to accurately price their property, negotiate with buyers, and handle objections effectively, potentially leaving money on the table or encountering difficulties in closing the deal.

While trying to FSBO your house may seem like a way to save money on realtor commissions, it often comes with hidden costs, legal risks, and logistical challenges that can outweigh any potential savings.

But if working with a qualified realtor is not an option for your financially, then what’s left?

Option 3: Sell Directly To A Home Cash Buyer

This option involves selling your house in Pennsylvania without any lawyers, attornies, agents or realtors involved.

We’re talking about selling your house to a local cash house buyer.

Why would you do this? Because it elminates every single cost.

All you have to do is show up at closing to pick up your check! You never come out of pocket for any of the standard costs associated with selling your house.

That’s why this is the cheapest way to sell your house.

If you’re interested in getting a cash offer on your home, fill out the form below for a quick cash offer:

Summary: Can You Sell A House Without Spending Money?

Selling a house without spending any money might sound too good to be true, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach, and utilizing a cash home buying company can be instrumental in making it happen.

These buyers specialize in purchasing properties quickly and without the hassle. You can expect their offer to be a convenient solution because it strips away the traditional costs associated with real estate transactions (closing costs, fees, commissions, etc.)

One of the key advantages of selling to a cash home buying company is the absence of real estate agent fees and commissions. Typically, when selling a house through a realtor, sellers are required to pay a commission, which can amount to thousands of dollars. By bypassing the need for an agent and working directly with a cash buyer, homeowners can avoid these fees altogether, allowing them to keep more of the sale proceeds.

Additionally, cash home buying companies often purchase properties in their current condition, eliminating the need for costly repairs or renovations. This is a significant benefit for homeowners who may not have the cash to invest in fixing up their property before selling. Whether the house is outdated, in need of major repairs, or facing other issues, cash buyers are generally willing to buy it as-is, saving sellers the expense and hassle of making repairs themselves.

Furthermore, selling to a cash home buying company typically involves a streamlined and expedited process. Unlike traditional real estate transactions, which can drag on for months due to negotiations, inspections, and financing contingencies, selling to a cash buyer often allows for a quick sale, sometimes in a matter of days. This rapid turnaround not only saves sellers time but also reduces holding costs such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills, ultimately maximizing the seller’s profit.

In essence, utilizing a cash home buying company enables homeowners to sell their properties quickly, conveniently, and without spending any money on agent fees or repairs.

FAQ – What Is The Cheapest Way To Sell Your Home

1. What is the cheapest way to sell my house?
   • The cheapest way to sell your house typically involves selling it without a real estate agent, or for that matter selling it on your own as well -“for sale by owner” (FSBO). By bypassing agent commissions, you can save thousands of dollars in fees. Additionally, opting for a more direct and quicker transaction with a local cash buyer reduces the cost to sell your property.
2. What are the potential drawbacks of selling my house without an agent?
   • While selling FSBO can save money, it requires significant time, effort, and expertise on the seller’s part. Without an agent’s guidance, you’ll need to handle tasks such as pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork yourself. Additionally, you may miss out on the agent’s network of potential buyers, which could affect the speed and ease of the sale.
3. Are there other cost-saving strategies for selling my house?
   • Yes, besides selling FSBO, you can explore alternative selling methods such as selling to a cash home buying company or using discount brokers. Cash buyers typically purchase properties as-is, eliminating the need for repairs and reducing transaction time. Discount brokers offer reduced commission rates compared to full-service agents, providing a middle ground between FSBO and traditional agent representation.
4. What factors should I consider when choosing the cheapest way to sell my house?
   • When deciding on the most cost-effective selling method, consider factors such as your timeline, financial resources, expertise in real estate transactions, and local market conditions. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option, including potential savings, convenience, and the level of support or assistance you’ll need throughout the selling process. Ultimately, choose the approach that aligns best with your goals and circumstances.

The findings and information in this article are focused on Pennsylvania, however, it is applicable in many locations nationwide!

2024 Guide: Do I Need A Lawyer To Sell My House In PA?

Signature Properties provides the easiest and simplest way to sell your house in Pennsylvania. We buy houses through fair and honest cash offers.🙂 Whether you are avoiding the bank from foreclosure, coming into an inheritance, going through divorce or any other situation – we have real estate solutions to get you the outcomes you desire when you sell your house to us. We help homeowners with costly home repairs, mounting liens, code enforcement violations and even vacant homes. Are you trying to sell your house in surrounding areas or other counties and states near Pennsylvania? We buy properties in New Jersey and Delaware as well as many other towns! In fact, we buy homes all over Pennsylvania. The cheapest way to sell a house in Pennsylvania is by calling up Signature Properties, a cash home buyer!