With the home market heating up, many buyers believe that making a cash offer will give them an advantage over other buyers. But, as a seller, is it in your best interest to take a cash offer? Or are you better off sticking to your price and holding out for a lender-financed buyer?
The answer is–it depends.
There certainly are some advantages to selling your home to a cash buyer. This is particularly true if you’re in a hurry to sell because you’re moving or you need money quickly. However, as with most things, there are some potential drawbacks. Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of a cash sale.
For your protection, never accept a personal check from a buyer to pay for your home. Instead, insist on a bank check or a check from the attorney’s escrow account. Also, beware of a buyer who tries to purchase the home with actual cash. The cash could be part of a money-laundering ring or drug money. If that’s found to be the case and you failed to report it, you could lose your home.
The Bottom Line
For sellers who are in a hurry to sell their home, a cash offer can be the perfect answer. However, if you have the time to wait and can deal with a minimal amount of uncertainty, you’ll almost always get a better deal from a lender-financed buyer. Your circumstances will determine which is the best choice for you.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, give us a call. Working with a qualified agent can help minimize stress and give you the peace of mind that you’re making good decisions. We’ll help you determine your property’s fair market value and find the perfect buyer, so you can sell your home without the hassle.