HomeLight Blog https://www.homelight.com/blog/ Real Estate Advice from America's Top Agents Fri, 12 Jun 2026 01:41:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.homelight.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gplus-icon-64x64.png HomeLight Blog https://www.homelight.com/blog/ 32 32 We Buy Houses Pelham: Top 5 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-pelham/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:56:24 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70897 We Buy Houses Basehor, KS: Top 5 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-basehor-ks/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:38:20 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70845 We Buy Houses Lansing, KS: Top 5 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-lansing-ks/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:20:32 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70848 We Buy Houses Albany, Oregon: Top 6 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-albany-oregon/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:04:33 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70840 How to Sell My House for Cash in Tempe https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-tempe/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:45:10 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70880 If you’re asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in Tempe, AZ?” there’s a good chance speed and convenience are top priorities. Maybe you’re facing costly repairs, managing an inherited property, dealing with a rental near Arizona State University, or simply want to move on without preparing your home for the market. While a cash sale can help you avoid showings and close more quickly, you may be wondering what that convenience could mean for your bottom line.

In this post, we’ll explain the two most common ways to receive a cash offer in Tempe and how the amount you receive may differ depending on the path you choose.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Tempe Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Tempe home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Tempe agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in Tempe

Tempe homeowners generally have two ways to sell for cash: accept an offer from a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent to attract a cash buyer through the open market. Depending on the route you choose, your proceeds can vary significantly.

Before we get into the details, use the calculator below to see how a cash offer in Tempe might compare under different selling scenarios.

  

As the calculator shows, homes in good condition often command stronger cash offers. However, not every homeowner has the time, budget, or interest to take on repairs. If you’re facing a job relocation, managing an inherited property, dealing with a rental near Arizona State University, or simply looking for a faster sale, the convenience of a cash offer can be appealing.

Here’s a closer look at the two main ways to sell a house for cash in Tempe.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Tempe

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors purchase homes directly for cash. Many buy properties in as-is condition, allowing sellers to skip repairs, cleaning, and other preparation work. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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San Antonio Bridge Loans: How to Unlock Home Equity to Buy Before You Sell https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-san-antonio-bridge-loans/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:41:06 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70828 Selling your current home while buying a new one can feel like a juggling act. Coordinating both transactions at the right time, especially in a competitive market like San Antonio, isn’t always easy.

When available homes are limited and buyer demand is strong, it may seem like your only choice is to sell first and move into temporary housing while searching for your next place. Fortunately, there’s another path that can help you avoid a double move.

For some homeowners, San Antonio bridge loans provide a way to buy a new home before their current one sells. This type of short-term financing can offer added flexibility and more control over your moving timeline. In this guide, we’ll explain how bridge loans work, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and what to know before pursuing a bridge loan in San Antonio.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that helps you buy a new home before your current one has sold. It lets you tap into the equity you’ve built in your existing home to access funds for a down payment, closing costs, or other purchase-related expenses.

Because bridge loans are designed to provide quick access to cash, they typically come with higher costs than a traditional mortgage. Still, many San Antonio homeowners find the added flexibility worthwhile, especially when trying to avoid a rushed sale or temporary living arrangements.

Bridge loans may also be referred to as:

  • bridge financing
  • bridging loan
  • interim financing
  • gap financing
  • swing loans

How do San Antonio bridge loans work?

One common situation where a bridge loan can help is when you’ve found a new home in San Antonio but haven’t yet sold your current property. In that case, you can use the equity in your existing home to fund the down payment and closing costs on your next purchase.

In many cases, the lender providing your new mortgage may also offer a bridge loan. They often require your current home to be listed for sale and typically structure the loan with a term of six months to one year.

To determine whether you qualify, the lender may review your debt-to-income ratio using your current mortgage payment, proposed new mortgage payment, and any bridge loan obligations.

If your existing home is already under contract and the buyer’s financing is fully approved, the lender may only consider your new mortgage payment. This can help demonstrate that you’ll be able to manage your finances if your current home takes longer than expected to close.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in San Antonio?

Here are a few ways San Antonio bridge loans can help make your move smoother:

  • Stronger purchase offers: You may be able to submit a non-contingent offer, which can be more attractive to sellers.
  • One move instead of two: Avoid the expense and inconvenience of temporary housing and storage.
  • More time to prepare your current home: Move out first, then focus on repairs, cleaning, and staging.
  • Potential payment flexibility: Some bridge loan programs don’t require payments until your current home sells.
  • Ability to move quickly: You can pursue the right property without waiting for your existing home to close.

What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

While bridge loans offer flexibility, they also come with some potential downsides:

  • Higher borrowing costs: You may pay origination fees, underwriting fees, and other closing costs.
  • More financial obligations: You could be responsible for two mortgage payments plus a bridge loan at the same time.
  • Stricter qualification requirements: Lenders often have tighter underwriting standards than they do for conventional mortgages.
  • Longer approval process: Depending on the lender and your circumstances, underwriting may take longer than anticipated.

When is a bridge loan a good solution?

A bridge loan isn’t the best fit for every homeowner, but it can be useful in situations where timing is especially important.

You might consider a bridge loan if:

  • You need the equity from your current home to make the down payment on your next one.
  • Covering the cost of a double move or temporary housing isn’t practical.
  • You’ve found a home you love and want to act quickly before another buyer does.
  • A home sale contingency has made your offers less competitive.
  • Preparing, staging, or showing your home while living in it would be difficult, and you’d prefer to move out first.
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We Buy Houses Hapeville: Top 6 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-hapeville/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:33:41 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70728 Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Wyoming https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is-in-wyoming/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:29:22 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70859 Interested in selling a house “as is” in Wyoming? Whether you own a fixer-upper or recently inherited a family member’s home, you may be looking for a way to skip repairs, receive a fair offer, and move forward with less hassle.

“When I am asked to list a home ‘as is,’ it is because the present owner has not occupied the property,” says Julie Snelson, a top-performing Wyoming real estate agent with more than a decade of experience. She notes that foreclosures are the second most common reason.

That said, selling a house “as is” often means accepting a lower sale price, and it doesn’t always stop buyers from requesting concessions after an inspection. In this guide, we’ll walk through the as-is sale process in Wyoming, the options available for receiving an offer, and what you can expect along the way.

Fast facts about selling a house ‘as is’ in Wyoming

Median sales price in Wyoming $332,000*
Average days on market (DOM) for Wyoming 53 days
Disclosures Wyoming follows the doctrine of caveat emptor, or “buyer beware,” meaning buyers are generally responsible for inspecting a property and identifying defects before closing. Wyoming does not require sellers to provide a formal property disclosure statement.
MLS has a field to mark a listing “as is”? No
Is a real estate attorney required? No. Wyoming does not require home sellers to hire a real estate attorney. However, attorneys are often involved in the closing process, particularly for title opinions and certain legal documents.
Real estate transfer taxes? Wyoming does not impose a real estate transfer tax.

*An average based on various real estate market data sources.

What is as-is condition in real estate?

An as-is sale means the seller is offering the property in its current condition and does not plan to make repairs or improvements before closing. In most cases, the seller also will not agree to repair requests or provide credits for issues uncovered during the transaction.

An as-is sale can also signal that certain features of the home, such as an aging roof or older appliances, may be nearing the end of their useful life, with no guarantees from the seller.

When a home is sold “as is,” its condition is generally reflected in the asking price to the best of the seller’s knowledge.

“The way real estate works in Wyoming, every buyer has the option to do inspections, and inspections are done almost universally on every property. Wyoming is what I call a ‘buyer state,’ so it is up to the buyer to do the due diligence and not the seller,” says Snelson.

Which types of homes are sold ‘as is’?

Homes sold “as is” often need repairs, updates, or cosmetic improvements. It’s not a designation typically used for a home that’s in turnkey or move-in-ready condition.

In Wyoming, as-is properties often attract investors looking for their next renovation project, as well as budget-conscious buyers willing to take on some work in exchange for a lower purchase price.

What problems do you have to disclose in Wyoming?

Selling a house “as is” in Wyoming doesn’t give you the right to misrepresent the property’s condition.

Wyoming follows the doctrine of caveat emptor, or “buyer beware,” and state law doesn’t require sellers to complete a formal property disclosure form. Instead, buyers are generally responsible for inspecting the property and identifying defects before closing.

However, sellers and their real estate agents can’t intentionally conceal known defects or make false statements about the home’s condition. Wyoming real estate agents are required to disclose adverse material facts they know.

These include:

  • Material defects affecting the property’s physical condition
  • Title-related issues that could affect ownership or use
  • Known environmental hazards

“It could be a bad roof. It could be a plumbing problem. It could be a high rain level that the homeowner never treated,” Snelson explains. “I caution sellers not to keep those items secret because if they do, it could result later on in litigation or just a bad reputation.”

Although not required by Wyoming law, many sellers choose to complete a voluntary property disclosure form. Providing written disclosures can help set expectations, minimize misunderstandings, and lower the risk of disputes after closing.

Federal law also requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards.

Even in an as-is sale, sellers should answer questions honestly and avoid concealing known material defects.

Review your options to sell ‘as is’ in Wyoming

The main options to sell a house “as is” include:

List ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

A skilled Wyoming real estate agent can help you market and sell your home in its current condition. They can recommend simple steps to improve presentation, help you set a price that reflects the property’s condition, and connect with buyers who are comfortable taking on repairs or updates.

Sell directly to a cash buyer

Another option is to sell directly to a real estate investor or house-buying company. This approach can be appealing if your home needs substantial repairs or if you’re looking for a faster, more predictable sale.

Many house-buying companies purchase properties “as is,” allowing sellers to skip repairs, showings, and much of the uncertainty that comes with a traditional listing. In exchange for that convenience, offers are typically below market value. Some companies may also cover certain closing costs.

Steps to list ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

Find an agent willing to list the home ‘as is’

Choosing the right agent is especially important when selling a home “as is” in Wyoming. Look for someone who has experience marketing properties that need work and who understands how to attract investors and buyers seeking renovation opportunities.

Your agent should also have a strong marketing strategy. Because most buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, an as-is property may appeal to a smaller pool of prospective purchasers.

Consider a pre-listing inspection

A pre-listing inspection can help you understand the home’s condition before it goes on the market. While sellers pay for this inspection upfront, the results can help you price the home more accurately and identify issues that may affect buyer interest.

If a buyer later requests a price reduction based on their own inspection findings, you may be able to demonstrate that the home’s condition was already reflected in the asking price.

“Even on an as-is property, a pre-listing inspection is very, very rare because it’s understood in the state of Wyoming that the due diligence belongs to the buyer and not the seller,” says Snelson.

Price to reflect ‘as is’ condition

The median sale price for homes in Wyoming sits at roughly $332,000 as of June 2026.

When selling a house “as is,” pricing depends largely on the property’s condition and the amount of work a buyer is likely to take on. Homes needing significant repairs or updates generally sell for less than comparable move-in-ready properties because buyers factor renovation costs and risk into their offers.

“What I say to a seller who is selling ‘as is’ is that it’s going to be dependent upon the condition of the property,” says Snelson. “Most of the time that’s going to be below what we would deem to be market value because the seller may simply not have the funds to fix it up.”

If you’re unsure what your home might be worth, you can start with a free estimate from HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator (HVE).

Our HVE combs public data, including tax records and assessments, and pulls recent sales records for other properties in your neighborhood. Using a short questionnaire, we also factor in specifics about your home, such as the property type and its condition. Input your address, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary home value estimate in under two minutes.

What is Your Wyoming Home Worth?

Enter your address and get a preliminary estimate of home value in under two minutes.

Do ever-so-light preparations

Even for as-is home listings in Wyoming, Snelson typically recommends sellers focus on a few simple improvements that can help the property show better:

  • Deep clean the home from top to bottom
  • Declutter rooms so buyers can better visualize the space
  • Pack away excess belongings and store them off-site, in a garage, or in a storage unit
  • Eliminate odors and make sure the home smells fresh
  • Tidy up the yard and entryway to create a positive first impression
  • Consider hiring professional cleaning or junk-removal help if needed

“You will make more money on your home if it’s clean and show-ready. Even if you don’t have the money to repaint or redo the countertops or put new carpet in, just the fact that it smells clean and is uncluttered will get you more money for that property,” Snelson says.

Photograph to show potential

Professional photography is worthwhile even for a home being sold “as is.” A skilled photographer can capture each room from its most flattering angle, maximize lighting, and edit images to present the property clearly and accurately.

Most real estate agents include professional photography as part of their marketing plan, helping buyers focus on the home’s possibilities rather than its imperfections.

Highlight the surrounding area

For many Wyoming buyers, a home’s location can help offset the need for repairs or updates. Be sure your listing highlights nearby amenities and benefits, such as:

  • Downtown districts
  • Major employers
  • Parks and open spaces
  • Entertainment and sports venues
  • Lakefront or mountain access
  • Highly rated schools
  • Outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Public transportation

Include ‘as is’ in the listing

If you intend to sell your Wyoming property “as is,” make that clear in the listing. Other terms commonly used to attract buyers for homes needing work include “priced to sell,” “fixer-upper,” “handyman special,” or “investor opportunity.”

At the same time, work with your agent to showcase the home’s strengths, whether that’s its location, lot size, layout, or renovation potential.

However, Snelson advises sellers not to automatically label a home “as is” if it’s otherwise in good condition. “Many times, things that come up in an inspection cost very little — many, many, many times it’s under $500. So are you going to lose a sale over $500? Using the verbiage ‘as is’ scares off buyers.”

Understand buyers may still negotiate

An as-is listing does not prevent buyers from negotiating. Even if you’ve already adjusted the price to reflect the home’s condition, buyers may still request concessions or price reductions after inspections.

“‘Do your prices adjust, or do you just save yourself? Am I going to negotiate more when we get an offer? Or are you going to hold the listing and risk it going into the fall and winter sales market?’ We do have those conversations about negotiation when we’re listing because the seller always wants to stay very close to their list price,” says Snelson.

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans

When your home goes on the market, there’s no way to know whether the eventual buyer will pay cash or use financing.

If the buyer obtains a mortgage, the property may need to meet certain condition standards before the loan can be approved. These requirements vary by loan type and can affect a buyer’s ability to complete the purchase.

In most financed transactions, the lender will order an appraisal to assess the home’s value and overall condition. Properties with major health, safety, or habitability issues can face additional hurdles.

If you’re concerned about whether your home will qualify for financing, reviewing FHA property standards can provide a helpful benchmark.

Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one

Some fixer-uppers can qualify for conventional or government-backed financing, but homes with significant repair needs often appeal most to cash buyers.

A cash sale eliminates lender requirements and the appraisal process, reducing the risk of financing delays or loan denials. If your property is heavily distressed, a cash offer may provide the simplest path to closing.

Pros of listing a home ‘as is’

  • Spend less time and money preparing the home for sale
  • Sell without completing major repairs or updates
  • Can be a practical option for inherited properties or out-of-state owners

Cons of listing a home ‘as is’

  • Fewer buyers may be interested
  • Offers are often lower than for comparable updated homes
  • Buyers may still negotiate after inspections

Steps to sell directly to a cash buyer

If listing your home isn’t the right fit, selling directly to an investor or house-buying company is another option. While the process varies by company, it typically looks like this:

  1. Decision: The homeowner decides against a traditional listing, often because the property needs repairs, time is limited, or convenience is the top priority.
  2. Contact: The seller reaches out to a local house-buying company and provides basic information about the property.
  3. Preliminary offer: Some companies provide an initial estimate before seeing the home in person.
  4. Assessment: The buyer schedules a walkthrough to evaluate the property’s condition.
  5. Firm offer: After the assessment, the company presents a final cash offer, which is typically non-negotiable.
  6. Closing: If the offer is accepted, the sale moves into closing. Some companies may offer flexible move-out dates or additional assistance.
  7. Payment: Funds are typically delivered much faster than in a traditional sale, often within days or a few weeks, depending on the company and transaction details.

If you aren’t sure where to get a cash offer, consider Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight. Tell us a little about your home, including its condition and property type, and we’ll provide a no-obligation cash offer.

Skip repairs

No need to tackle major projects before selling. Simple Sale can provide offers for homes in a wide range of conditions.

Sell when it’s convenient

Whether you’re ready to move immediately or need extra time to make arrangements, Simple Sale offers flexible closing and move-out options.

Close with certainty

Cash buyers don’t need a lender’s involvement to purchase a home, so they can move more quickly than someone who needs financing. With Simple Sale, you can close in as little as 7 days, compared to the 30 to 60 days or longer it typically takes to close with a financed buyer.

Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it firsthand from one of our valued clients in the video below.

Additional We Buy Houses companies in Wyoming

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the leading companies that purchase homes “as is” for cash in Wyoming:

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How to Sell My House Fast for Cash in Winter Park https://www.homelight.com/blog/winter-park-sell-my-house-fast-for-cash/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:24:44 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70761 Many homeowners turn to Google with searches like “Winter Park sell my house fast for cash” when they need a faster, more convenient way to move on from a property. Whether you’re downsizing from a larger home, managing an inherited property, or simply want to avoid the time and expense of preparing a house for the market, a cash sale can offer a streamlined alternative. In a community known for its historic homes and luxury properties, selling for cash may allow you to skip repairs, showings, and lengthy negotiations.

In this post, we’ll explain the most common ways to receive a cash offer in Winter Park and what you might expect to earn from each option.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Winter Park Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Winter Park home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Winter Park agent.

Winter Park ‘sell my house fast for cash’ options

Homeowners generally have two ways to pursue a cash sale: accept an offer directly from a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent who can market the property to cash-ready buyers. Depending on your timeline, home condition, and goals, one approach may yield more proceeds than the other.

Before comparing the options, try the calculator below for a quick estimate of how different selling strategies could affect your bottom line in Winter Park.

 

As the calculator shows, homes in excellent condition often command stronger cash offers. That said, not every seller wants to invest time or money into repairs and updates. If you’re managing an inherited property, preparing for a major life change, or simply want a straightforward sale, the convenience of a cash offer can be appealing.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each Winter Park “sell my house fast for cash” option.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Winter Park

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors purchase homes directly, often paying in cash. Because many of these buyers purchase homes as-is, sellers can usually skip repairs, cleaning, staging, and open houses. These businesses are commonly referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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How to Sell My House for Cash in Waco https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-waco/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:20:52 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70774 Many homeowners may be asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in Waco, TX?” when they need to move quickly, avoid costly repairs, or simplify the selling process. Whether you’re relocating, managing an inherited property, downsizing, or selling a home that needs work, a cash sale can offer more flexibility and a faster closing timeline. In a market like Waco, where buyers have more choices and well-priced homes tend to stand out, it’s helpful to understand all your options.

This guide explains the most common ways to receive a cash offer in Waco and what you might expect to earn depending on your home’s condition and selling strategy.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Waco Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Waco home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Waco agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in Waco

If you’re considering a cash sale in Waco, you generally have two paths: sell directly to a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent who can market your home to cash-ready buyers. The right option depends on your priorities, timeline, and the condition of your property.

Before exploring each route, use the calculator below to estimate how different selling methods could affect your cash offer in Waco.

 

As the calculator shows, homes in strong condition often command higher cash offers. However, not every homeowner has the time, budget, or interest to tackle repairs before selling. If you’re facing a job relocation, managing an inherited home from out of town, dealing with financial pressures, or simply looking for a straightforward sale, accepting a cash offer may be worth the tradeoff.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Waco.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Waco

Cash home buyers and real estate investors specialize in purchasing properties with cash. Many buy homes as-is, allowing sellers to skip repairs, cleaning projects, and staging. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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We Buy Houses Kenner: Top 5 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-kenner/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:07:58 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70752 Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Kansas https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is-in-kansas/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:07:36 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70737 Looking to sell a house “as is” in Kansas? Whether you’re dealing with a fixer-upper, an inherited property, or a home that needs more work than you’re prepared to take on, selling “as is” can be a way to avoid repairs, attract buyers, and move forward more quickly.

“The most common reason is that sellers either lack the funds to make necessary repairs or don’t want the hassle of fixing up a home before listing,” says Trevor Lorance, a top-performing Kansas real estate agent with over a decade of experience.

That said, selling a house “as is” in Kansas often means accepting a lower sale price, and buyers may still request concessions or price reductions after inspections. In this guide, we’ll walk through your options for selling, how to attract offers, and what to expect throughout the process.

Fast facts about selling a house ‘as is’ in Kansas

Median sales price in Kansas $285,000
Average days on market (DOM) for Kansas 10 days
Disclosures Kansas law requires sellers to disclose material facts about the property through the Seller’s Disclosure and Condition of Property Addendum (Residential)
MLS has a field to mark a listing “as is”? No
Is a real estate attorney required? Real estate attorneys are not considered essential for closing in Kansas.
Real estate transfer taxes? Kansas does not have a real estate transfer tax on real estate transactions

What is as-is condition in real estate?

An “as is” sale means the property is being offered in its current condition, with the seller indicating they do not intend to make repairs or improvements before closing. When selling a house “as is,” the seller typically does not agree to complete requested repairs or provide repair credits during negotiations.

An as-is sale can also signal that certain features or systems of the home — such as an aging roof, older HVAC system, or outdated appliances — are being sold without any guarantee of their future performance or lifespan.

When a home is sold “as is,” its condition is generally reflected in the asking price, based on what the seller knows about the property.

“I tell sellers: ‘As-is doesn’t mean no responsibility.’ You still need to disclose known material defects, and pricing has to reflect the condition,” says Lorance.

Which types of homes are sold ‘as is’?

Homes sold “as is” often need repairs, updates, or cosmetic improvements. It’s a designation more commonly used for properties with deferred maintenance than for move-in-ready homes.

In Kansas, as-is listings often appeal to investors seeking renovation projects, as well as budget-conscious buyers willing to take on some work in exchange for a lower purchase price or a desirable location.

What problems do you have to disclose in Kansas?

Selling a house “as is” in Kansas doesn’t mean you can withhold known issues with the property.

A good time to complete the Seller’s Disclosure and Condition of Property Addendum is before listing your home or requesting an offer, so you have time to gather the information you’ll need. Under the form, sellers are asked to disclose known material defects and conditions that could affect the property’s value, desirability, or use.

The disclosure walks sellers through a wide range of topics, including:

  • Roof condition, age, repairs, and known leaks
  • Structural issues involving foundations, walls, floors, or chimneys
  • Heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and septic systems
  • Water intrusion, drainage problems, or flooding history
  • Environmental concerns such as asbestos, radon, or other hazardous conditions
  • Property line, easement, survey, or zoning issues
  • Neighborhood, homeowners’ association, or special assessment information
  • Past insurance claims, property damage, or repairs

The form also asks about the condition of major appliances, fixtures, and other systems that will remain with the home.

No matter how you choose to sell, Kansas sellers are generally expected to disclose known material facts honestly and to the best of their knowledge. However, certain sellers — such as some heirs, trustees, or others who have never occupied the property — may have limited knowledge and may qualify for exceptions in specific situations.

“Sellers often overlook issues like foundation cracks, mold or water intrusion, roof leaks, termite damage, or non-functioning systems such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. Failure to disclose these can lead to lawsuits after closing, so we always recommend being transparent from the start,” Lorance advises.

Review your options to sell ‘as is’ in Kansas

If you’re planning to sell a house in its current condition, you generally have two main options:

List ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

A skilled real estate agent can help you market and sell an as-is property while setting realistic expectations with buyers. They can recommend cost-effective ways to improve the home’s presentation, help price it according to its condition, and target buyers who are comfortable taking on repairs or updates.

Sell directly to a cash buyer

Another option is to sell directly to a real estate investor or house-buying company. This route can appeal to homeowners who want to avoid preparing the property for the market or who need a quicker sale.

Many house-buying companies in Kansas purchase homes in as-is condition, including properties that need major repairs. In exchange for convenience and speed, sellers typically receive a lower offer than they might on the open market. However, many cash buyers can close quickly and may cover some or all of the seller’s closing costs.

Steps to list ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

Find an agent willing to list the home ‘as is’

Choosing the right agent is especially important when selling a home “as is.” Look for someone with experience marketing properties that need repairs or updates and who understands how to reach investors and other buyers seeking renovation opportunities.

Strong marketing matters, too. Because most buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, an as-is property may attract a smaller pool of potential buyers. An experienced agent can help highlight the home’s strengths while setting realistic expectations about its condition.

Consider a pre-listing inspection

Although it may seem unnecessary when selling “as is,” a pre-listing inspection can be a useful tool. By identifying issues before the home hits the market, you’ll have a clearer understanding of its condition and can price it accordingly.

A pre-listing inspection can also reduce surprises during negotiations. If a buyer later requests a price reduction based on inspection findings, you may be able to demonstrate that the home’s condition was already reflected in the asking price.

“A pre-listing inspection can help with ensuring peace of mind for a buyer in an as-is sale, but sellers should prepare to make repairs ahead of time if so,” says Lorance.

Price to reflect ‘as is’ condition

The median sale price for homes in Kansas hit $285,000 in April 2026, a 5.6% increase over the year prior.

“In general, as-is homes in Kansas sell for about 10% to 30% less than similar homes that are move-in ready, depending on location, repairs needed, and buyer pool,” says Lorance. “I let sellers know that condition affects not just price, but buyer demand, especially in lower-inventory markets.”

Want a clearer idea of what your home is worth? You can start with a free estimate from HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator (HVE).

Our HVE combs public data, including tax records and assessments, and pulls recent sales records for other properties in your neighborhood. Using a short questionnaire, we also gather details about your home, such as the property type and condition. Input your address, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary home value estimate in under two minutes.

How Much Is Your Kansas City Home Worth Now?

Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.

Do ever-so-light preparations

Even when selling a home “as is,” Lorance believes that taking a few low-cost steps can make a huge difference, explaining that “these little things help buyers see the home’s potential.” He recommends the following:

  • Declutter rooms and surfaces. Removing excess furniture and personal items can make spaces feel larger and help buyers focus on the home’s potential.
  • Deep clean the interior. A thorough cleaning can leave a stronger impression and signal that the home has been cared for.
  • Tidy up the yard. Trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn, and clearing debris can improve curb appeal without a major investment.
  • Address small cosmetic issues. Replacing burnt-out light bulbs and touching up scuffed or marked walls can make the home feel more inviting.
  • Clean windows. Letting in more natural light can brighten rooms and make the property show better overall.

Photograph to show potential

Professional photography is worthwhile even when selling a house “as is” in Kansas. An experienced real estate photographer can capture each room from flattering angles, maximize available light, and edit images to present the home clearly and accurately.

Wide-angle photography can also help buyers understand a space’s layout and size, especially when marketing a property that may need updates. Your real estate agent will typically coordinate professional photography as part of the listing process.

Highlight the surrounding area

When a home needs work, its location can become an even bigger selling point. Be sure your listing highlights nearby amenities, such as:

  • Downtown areas
  • Major employers
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Sports venues and entertainment districts
  • Riverfront views or access
  • Highly rated schools
  • Access to outdoor activities
  • Public transportation

Include ‘as is’ in the listing

Including “as is” in the listing helps set expectations from the start. Buyers will understand that the seller does not plan to make repairs before closing, which can minimize confusion later in the process.

Depending on the property’s condition, agents may also use terms such as “priced to sell,” “investment opportunity,” “fixer-upper,” or “handyman special.” At the same time, the listing should highlight the home’s strongest features so buyers can see beyond the repairs it may need.

Understand buyers may still negotiate

Even when a property is marketed “as is,” buyers may still attempt to negotiate after viewing the home or completing an inspection. That’s why it helps to have an experienced agent who can explain how the home’s condition was factored into the asking price and advocate on your behalf during negotiations.

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans

Some buyers will pay cash, while others will need a mortgage. If your buyer is using financing, the home’s condition could become a factor.

Many loan programs have minimum property requirements. If a home has significant safety, structural, or habitability issues, it may not qualify for certain types of financing until repairs are made.

The buyer’s lender will usually order an appraisal before approving the loan, and the appraiser may note condition issues that need attention.

Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one

While some financed buyers are willing and able to purchase homes that need work, cash buyers often face fewer obstacles.

Because cash sales don’t require mortgage approval, they typically avoid lender-related delays and appraisal concerns. For homes that need extensive repairs, a cash offer can sometimes provide a quicker and more predictable closing process.

Pros of listing a home ‘as is’: 

  • Spend less time and money preparing the property for sale
  • Avoid completing major repairs before listing
  • Can be a practical option for inherited homes or out-of-state owners

Cons of listing a home ‘as is’:

  • Fewer buyers may be interested in the property
  • Offers are often lower than for updated homes
  • Buyers may still negotiate after inspections

Steps to sell directly to a cash buyer

If you don’t want to list your home on the open market, you may decide to sell directly to a real estate investor or house-buying company. While every company operates a little differently, the process usually looks something like this:

  1. Request an offer. Provide basic information about your Kansas home and its condition.
  2. Schedule a walkthrough. The company will typically visit the property to assess it in person.
  3. Receive a cash offer. After the evaluation, the buyer will present an offer that you can accept or decline.
  4. Review the terms. Most investor offers are not heavily negotiated, so it’s important to understand the details before signing.
  5. Close the sale. If you accept the offer, closing can often take place in a matter of days or weeks.
  6. Receive payment. Once the transaction closes, you receive your proceeds and move according to the agreed-upon timeline.

If you aren’t sure where to get a cash offer, consider Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight. With Simple Sale, you tell us a bit about your home, such as whether it’s a single-family or condo, and how much work it needs. From there, we’ll provide you with a full cash offer to buy your home in as little as a week.

Skip repairs

No need to call the roof inspector or drain your savings to replace the HVAC. HomeLight will provide an offer for homes in almost any condition.

Sell when it’s convenient

Want to get out right away? Or need a little more time to pack? Either way, we’re flexible. Pick a move date that works for your schedule within 30 days of closing.

Close with certainty

Cash buyers don’t need a lender’s involvement to purchase a home, so they can move more quickly than someone who needs financing. With Simple Sale, you can close in as little as 7 days, compared to the 30 to 60 days or longer it typically takes to close with a financed buyer.

Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it firsthand from one of our valued clients in the video below.

Additional We Buy Houses companies in Kansas

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the leading companies that purchase homes “as is” for cash in Kansas:

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How to Sell My House for Cash in Westford https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-westford/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:50:38 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70720 If you’re asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in Westford, MA?” chances are convenience and certainty matter just as much as price. Whether you’re moving closer to family, downsizing from a larger Colonial, or selling a home that needs updates, a cash offer can help you avoid repairs, staging, and weeks of showings.

In a town where many buyers are drawn by the schools and convenient commuter access, homeowners often wonder whether it’s worth making improvements before selling or accepting a faster, as-is offer.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common ways to receive a cash offer in Westford and what those options could mean for your bottom line.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Westford Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Westford home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Westford agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in Westford

Homeowners in Westford generally have two ways to pursue a cash sale: sell directly to a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent who can help attract a cash-ready buyer. Depending on the path you choose, the amount you ultimately receive can vary significantly.

Before diving into the details, use the calculator below to estimate how different cash-sale options in Westford could affect your potential proceeds.

  

As the calculator shows, homes in excellent condition often receive stronger cash offers. However, not every seller has the time, budget, or interest to take on repairs before moving. For homeowners facing a job relocation, a major life transition, or the challenge of selling an inherited property from out of state, the speed and simplicity of a cash sale can be especially appealing.

Here’s a closer look at each way to sell a house for cash in Westford.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Westford

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors focus on purchasing homes directly for cash. Many buy properties in as-is condition, allowing Westford homeowners to skip repairs, deep cleaning, and staging. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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We Buy Houses in Hyde Park: Top 6 Companies https://www.homelight.com/blog/we-buy-houses-in-hyde-park/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:26:09 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70742 How to Sell My House for Cash in Redmond https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-redmond/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:06:55 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70644 In a place that’s rooted in career and tech opportunities, life can move quicker than expected. So if you’re looking to sell a house for cash in Redmond, you may be relocating for work or changing family needs — making a fast, uncomplicated sale a potential priority.

This type of transaction can make your life easier by allowing you to skip repairs and showings to close on your timeline. Still, you might be wondering how to begin selling for cash in Redmond. What are the tradeoffs of this convenience, and how much more can you get by making repairs?

In this article, we’ll explain the two most common options for receiving an all-cash offer in Redmond. You’ll also learn what the offer amount might look like depending on who you sell to and whether you make repairs or sell as-is.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Redmond Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Redmond home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Redmond agent.

How can I sell my house for cash in Redmond?

You can typically choose between two common options: working with a house-buying company or investor, or hiring a real estate agent to help get a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each has different net proceeds, so your final payout will vary depending on what you want to prioritize.

Take a look at the calculator below for a quick estimate of what a cash offer in Redmond might look like based on how you decide to sell. It can help you get a clearer sense of your options before we break them down in more detail.

 

As you can see, your cash offer will be much higher if your Redmond home is in good condition, but making major repairs isn’t always realistic. If you’re facing an imminent life change, financial need, or want to sell an out-of-state inherited property, the convenience of an all-cash offer can’t be beaten.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Redmond.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Redmond

House-buying companies and investor groups are known for purchasing homes quickly with cash. Many operate on an “as-is” basis, which means you can skip repairs, cleaning, and staging. These are commonly called “We Buy Houses” companies.

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How to Sell My House for Cash in Sammamish https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-sammamish/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:54:12 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70648 If you’re looking to sell a house for cash in Sammamish, there’s a good chance your home no longer fits your life the way it once did. Maybe the kids have moved out, you’re thinking about downsizing, or maintaining a larger property no longer feels worthwhile.

With this type of transaction, you can skip prep and repairs, avoid time-consuming showings, and close on your schedule. But, you might have some questions about the process, the pros and cons, or how much more you can earn by making repairs.

In this post, we’ll explain the two most common ways to receive an all-cash offer in Sammamish. You’ll also get an idea of what that amount might look like depending on who you sell to and whether you make repairs or sell as-is.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Sammamish Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Sammamish home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Sammamish agent.

How can I sell my house for cash in Sammamish?

You have a couple of options: either work directly with a house-buying company or investor, or hire a real estate agent who can help attract a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each choice can result in different levels of proceeds.

Before we get more into the details, try out the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how a cash offer in Sammamish might compare depending on how you sell.

 

As you can see, a home in good condition will result in a higher cash offer. However, making repairs takes a lot of time, effort, and money that you may not want to spend right now.

You could be trying to sell an out-of-state inherited property, or maybe you’re facing a life change or financial need. For those sorts of situations, an all-cash offer is very convenient.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Sammamish.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Sammamish

House-buying companies and investor groups focus on buying homes for cash. Many will purchase properties in “as-is” condition, so you won’t have to clean, make repairs, or stage your Sammamish home. They’re often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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Who Pays Realtor Fees in Utah? https://www.homelight.com/blog/who-pays-realtor-fees-in-utah/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:53:55 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70889 If you’re preparing to sell a house in the Beehive State, you’re probably reviewing recent sale prices in your area and estimating how much you might take home in proceeds. If this is your first home sale — or it’s been a while — you may also be asking: Who pays Realtor fees in Utah?

This is a fair question, and one that’s asked more often since a National Association of Realtors (NAR) court settlement changed how real estate agent commissions are handled. Beginning in August 2024, sellers are no longer automatically expected to pay the buyer’s Realtor fees — a break in a longtime industry practice.

So what does this mean for Utah home sellers today? In this post, we’ll explain who typically pays Realtor fees in Utah, how commissions work in the current housing market, and when covering a buyer’s agent fee may still be a sound financial strategy. You’ll also find a Utah agent commission calculator to help you estimate your potential costs.

A Top Utah Agent Can Increase Your Proceeds

Our free Agent Match tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which local agents have a proven track record for success in your Utah market. Our data shows that top agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.

Who pays Realtor fees in Utah?

Following the NAR settlement, some industry experts predicted that buyers would feel pressured to pay their own Realtor fees, moving this expense away from home sellers. However, this fee rerouting hasn’t happened at scale — in Utah or anywhere in the country. According to a recent nationwide HomeLight survey, 92% of top agents report that sellers are still paying their buyer’s agent commission.

If it’s not required, why do most Utah home sellers continue to cover the buyer’s Realtor fees?

  • High interest rates and affordability issues can limit buyer budgets.
  • Offering to pay the buyer’s agent fees can grow your buyer pool.
  • This incentive can help your house sell faster or closer to your list price.

Surveyed agents said the decision to cover the fee often comes down to common-sense marketing. Paying the buyer’s agent commission and offering other concessions is a prudent way to attract more buyers and give the seller more options.

Utah real estate agent commission calculator

As you plan your home sale, try the Utah Real Estate Commission Calculator below. It lets you quickly compare selling scenarios using average statewide commission costs, which, combined, are about 5.71% of your home’s listing price. However, you can adjust the percentages up or down based on the rates you expect to negotiate.

With a quick toggle, you can compare the costs of paying both agent commissions versus covering only your listing agent fees.

Are Utah sellers required to pay the buyer’s agent?

There is no state law or mandate in Utah that requires a home seller to pay the buyer’s agent compensation. Still, as HomeLight’s survey uncovered, most sellers choose to offer this incentive because it can increase buyer interest and potentially attract more offers.

While at first glance, refusing to pay your buyer’s Realtor fees in Utah may seem like a money-saving strategy, it could ultimately:

  • Reduce your home’s visibility to buyers
  • Limit your showings and offers
  • Increase your days on market (DOM)
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Selling a House With No Contingencies https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-with-no-contingencies/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:19:18 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=20151 You list your house, and things start moving fast, but then come the inspections, financing checks, and repair requests that slow everything down or even derail a deal. Suddenly, every offer feels a little fragile, like it could fall apart at any moment. That’s where selling a house with no contingencies starts to sound appealing.

Get Expert Help with Contingencies

If you’re trying to navigate contingencies, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can make the process a lot less stressful. They can help you evaluate offers, spot potential risks, and guide you toward the strongest path to closing.

A contingency-free home sale sounds like a dream: fewer conditions hanging over the deal and a much cleaner path to closing. Instead of juggling repair demands or waiting on lender approvals, you’re dealing with buyers who are ready to move quickly and commit. It can take a lot of the uncertainty out of the process and make everything feel more straightforward.

In this article, we’ll break down what selling a house with no contingencies means, how to make it happen, and how to protect yourself along the way.

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How Does Refinancing a Mortgage Work? A Homeowner Planning Guide https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-does-refinancing-a-mortgage-work/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:45 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=40328 Maybe you’ve been opening your mortgage statement each month and wondering if there’s a better way forward. Perhaps you’re thinking about tackling a renovation, consolidating debt, lowering your monthly payment, or paying off your home sooner. As your finances, goals, and life circumstances change, it’s natural to take a fresh look at your mortgage and whether it still fits your needs. If you’ve started exploring your options, you may be wondering: How does refinancing a mortgage work?

Check Your Home Value First

Before you refinance, use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to quickly see what your home might be worth right now. It gives you a clearer picture of your equity so you can make smarter refinancing moves with less guesswork.

While some homeowners have put those plans on hold because of higher interest rates, there are still situations where replacing your current loan could make financial sense.

“It’s always worth talking about refinancing,” says Clint Hammond, a mortgage expert in Columbia, South Carolina, with more than 20 years of experience. “Whether it’s going to make sense enough to conduct the transaction is another matter.”

In this post, we’ll look at how refinancing a mortgage works, what you can expect, and how to decide if leveraging this financial tool is right for you.

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Can You Buy a House With Mold? What Every Buyer Should Know https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-can-you-sell-a-house-with-mold/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=26225 You walk into what looks like the perfect home: great light, solid layout, maybe even the right neighborhood you’ve been hoping for. Everything seems to check out at first glance, and you start picturing yourself moving in. Then your inspector points out something you didn’t expect: signs of moisture and possible mold. At that moment, you might start wondering: Can you buy (and sell) a house with mold?

It’s a question that suddenly shifts the way you see the entire property. For homebuyers, this is where excitement meets reality, and due diligence becomes non-negotiable. What happens next can determine whether that “dream home” is still worth pursuing.

Achieve Greater Buyer Confidence With a Top Agent

HomeLight can connect you with the most experienced buyer’s agents in your home shopping area. These top professionals can help you make the best buying decisions and protect your interests.

Finding mold in a home is often an instant turnoff, but is it always a deal breaker?

We did the homework and gathered expert insights to help you figure out what mold could mean for your home purchase. Hint: Mold may be bad, but it’s not always the end of the world.

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What Does It Mean to Back Out of a Home Purchase? https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-meaning-of-backing-out/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:19:07 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=40007 Buying a house is a major milestone, but what happens when you have second thoughts or you can’t fulfill the agreement you signed? Backing out of a home purchase isn’t a decision made lightly, yet it’s a scenario that buyers might face. But what’s the real meaning of backing out of a home purchase?

In this guide, we’ll walk through what it means to step away from a real estate deal, the common situations that lead buyers to reconsider, and when backing out is still an option. We’ll also cover the protections that may help you exit a contract with fewer risks and share practical tips for navigating the process as smoothly as possible.

A Top Agent Can Find the Right Deal For You

HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing, trusted agent who has the experience to find you the right house at the right price. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

What does it mean to back out of a home purchase?

In real estate, backing out means a buyer decides to walk away from a home purchase after their offer has been accepted but before the transaction officially closes.

This action is more formally known as rescinding or voiding a residential home purchase agreement. It’s a legal process where you, as the buyer, decide not to proceed with the purchase of the property. This decision can occur at various stages, including after an offer is made but before it’s accepted, after signing a purchase agreement, or even days before the closing.

When you back out of a home purchase, you’re essentially deciding not to move forward with buying the property. While that can sometimes be the right call, it’s important to know that it may come with financial, legal, and even emotional consequences for both you and the seller.

What happens next largely depends on your contract and when you choose to back out. In some situations, you could lose your earnest money deposit or face other penalties. But if your contract includes the right contingencies and you’re still within the allowed time frame, you may be able to walk away with little to no fallout.

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Homebuyer Beware: Unexpected Mortgage Closing Costs to Watch Out For https://www.homelight.com/blog/unexpected-closing-costs/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:19 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=12089 Many homebuyers think the hard part is over once their offer is accepted. They’ve run the numbers, locked in a price, and started imagining life in their new home. But at closing, there’s often a moment of shock when unexpected mortgage closing costs appear on the final statement. One minute, everything feels settled, and the next there are lender fees, title charges, insurance, and other costs quietly adding up.

Avoid Costly Surprises with Expert Guidance Today

Don’t let unexpected mortgage closing costs derail your plans. An agent can walk you through every fee before closing day. Partner with a trusted real estate professional so you can budget with clarity and confidence.

It’s a reality check that can catch buyers off guard right when emotions are running high. Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you stay prepared and avoid last-minute financial stress.

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What Does Zestimate Mean in Real Estate? https://www.homelight.com/blog/zestimate-meaning/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:57:06 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=45107 Maybe you’ve been casually scrolling through homebuying apps when a thought pops into your head: How much is my home actually worth right now? You open a few websites, compare houses sold near you, and quickly realize that every source seems to give you a different answer. That’s often when the phrase Zestimate meaning enters the picture, promising a quick estimate of your home’s value with just a few clicks.

For many homeowners, that number can be both exciting and confusing at the same time. After all, when you’re thinking about selling, refinancing, or tapping into your equity, accuracy matters. Seeing a value that’s higher or lower than expected can raise more questions than answers. Understanding how a Zestimate works can help you decide whether it’s a useful starting point or just one piece of the bigger picture.

Start With a Free Home Value Estimate

Enter a few details about your home, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary estimate of value in less than two minutes. This won’t replace a home appraisal, but it can be a helpful starting point.

What does Zestimate mean?

A Zestimate is an estimated market value for a home, provided by Zillow, the largest online real estate marketplace in the U.S. It uses a proprietary algorithm to predict a home’s worth based on various data points. Zestimates are intended to give homeowners a starting point for understanding their property’s value.

Why you might want a Zestimate

Knowing your home’s estimated value can be beneficial for several reasons:

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Realtor Code of Ethics: What Home Sellers Should Know https://www.homelight.com/blog/realtor-code-of-ethics/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:42 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=9075 Hiring a real estate agent takes a lot of trust. Your home is likely your largest financial asset. Plus, you’ll share information about yourself, your home, finances, and confidential details that could affect your negotiating position.

This is why Realtors® — members of the National Association of Realtors — are required to follow a Code of Ethics designed to protect consumers and promote fair dealing.

While the Code won’t guarantee a perfect transaction, it does establish standards for honesty, transparency, confidentiality, and professional conduct that sellers should expect from their agent.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Realtor Code of Ethics is, how it differs from state licensing rules, and the ethical obligations that matter most to home sellers.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

What is the Realtor Code of Ethics?

The Realtor Code of Ethics is a set of professional standards established by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). First adopted in 1913 and updated regularly, the Code outlines how Realtors should conduct themselves when working with clients, other real estate professionals, and the public.

Today, the Code consists of 17 Articles supported by detailed Standards of Practice. While many of the rules address professional conduct behind the scenes, the overarching goal is straightforward: protect consumers and encourage ethical behavior throughout the real estate transaction.

As retired NAR CEO Bob Goldberg once said: “Consumers can feel confident that the Realtor they choose to work with has taken the voluntary step of agreeing to abide by a code of ethics developed with public protection and trust in mind.”

In many situations, the Code requires Realtors to meet standards that go beyond state licensing requirements.

Realtor vs. real estate agent: What’s the difference?

Many consumers use the terms “Realtor” and “real estate agent” interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing.

A real estate agent is someone who holds a real estate license issued by their state.

A Realtor® is a licensed real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors.

In other words, every “Realtor” is a licensed real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a Realtor.

Because Realtor members agree to follow the Code of Ethics, they can be subject to additional professional standards and disciplinary procedures beyond those required for state licensure.

As a home seller, the distinction matters because the Code establishes expectations around how Realtors should represent you, handle your confidential information, disclose conflicts of interest, and market your property honestly.

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How to Sell My House for Cash in Taft https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-taft/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:43:48 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70748 If you’re asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in Taft, CA?” there’s a good chance you’re looking for a simpler way to move on. Whether you’re relocating, handling an inherited property, downsizing, or selling a home that needs repairs, a cash sale can help you avoid the time and expense of preparing a house for the market.

In a community known for its oil-industry roots, affordable housing, and tight-knit neighborhoods, homeowners often wonder whether it’s worth making updates before selling or if accepting an as-is cash offer makes more sense. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common ways to sell a house for cash in Taft and how each option could affect your final proceeds.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Taft Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Taft home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Taft agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in Taft

Homeowners in Taft generally have two options when selling for cash: accept an offer directly from a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent who can help attract a cash buyer through the open market. The route you choose can significantly impact your final proceeds.

Before exploring each option, use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how different cash-sale paths could affect your bottom line in Taft.

 

As you can see, your cash offer amount will be considerably higher if your Taft home is in good condition. However, not everyone has the time, money, or funds to make repairs. For homeowners facing a major life or job change, financial need, or the stress of selling an inherited property, the convenience of an all-cash offer can’t be beat.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Taft.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Taft

House-buying companies and investors specialize in purchasing homes with cash. Many buy properties in as-is condition, allowing sellers to skip repairs, staging, and extensive cleaning. These businesses are commonly referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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Bridge Loans in Colorado Springs: How to Unlock Home Equity to Buy Before You Sell https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-bridge-loans-colorado-springs/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:40:58 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70613 Selling your current home while buying another can feel like a delicate juggling act. Coordinating both transactions at the right time, particularly in a competitive market like Colorado Springs, can add a lot of pressure to an already busy move.

When housing inventory is limited and home prices remain elevated, it may seem like your only choice is to sell first and move into temporary housing while you search for your next home. But moving twice isn’t always ideal. Fortunately, there’s another path to consider.

A bridge loan can help you purchase your next home before your current one sells. This short-term financing solution can provide greater flexibility and more control over your moving timeline. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bridge loans in Colorado Springs.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that helps you buy a new home before selling your current one. It allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built in your existing home to access funds for a down payment, closing costs, or other expenses related to your next purchase.

Because bridge loans are designed to provide quick access to funds and greater flexibility, they often come with higher costs than a traditional mortgage. For many Colorado Springs homeowners, however, that tradeoff can be worthwhile if it helps them avoid a rushed sale or the inconvenience of temporary housing.

You may also hear bridge loans referred to as:

  • bridge financing
  • bridging loan
  • interim financing
  • gap financing
  • swing loans

How does a bridge loan work in Colorado Springs?

One common scenario is finding your next home before your current one has sold. In that case, a bridge loan can allow you to use the equity in your existing home to cover the down payment and closing costs on the new property.

In many cases, the lender providing your new mortgage may also offer a bridge loan. Lenders often require your current home to be listed for sale and typically structure bridge loans with terms ranging from six months to one year.

As part of the approval process, the lender may evaluate your debt-to-income ratio using your current mortgage payment, proposed new mortgage payment, and any bridge loan obligations.

However, if your existing home is already under contract and the buyer has secured final loan approval, the lender may only consider your new mortgage payment. This can help reduce risk and demonstrate that you’ll be able to manage your finances if your current home takes longer than expected to close.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Colorado Springs?

A bridge loan can offer several advantages when you’re buying and selling at the same time in Colorado Springs:

  • Make a stronger offer: You may be able to submit a non-contingent offer, which can be more attractive to sellers.
  • Move only once: Avoid the cost and inconvenience of temporary housing, storage units, and multiple moves.
  • Prepare your current home more easily: Move into your new home first, then focus on staging, repairs, and showings.
  • Potentially delay payments: Some bridge loan programs don’t require monthly payments until your current home sells.
  • Act quickly when the right home becomes available: You can pursue a purchase without waiting for your existing home to close.

What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

While a bridge loan can increase your flexibility and relieve some pressure during a buy-sell move, there are still a few drawbacks to consider.

  • Additional costs: You may pay origination fees, underwriting fees, and other closing costs.
  • Greater financial obligations: Depending on timing, you could be responsible for two mortgage payments and a bridge loan simultaneously.
  • Stricter qualification requirements: Lenders often have higher standards for credit, income, and equity.
  • A more involved approval process: Underwriting may take longer than you expect, particularly if multiple properties are involved.

When is a bridge loan a good solution?

A bridge loan isn’t the right fit for every homeowner, but it can be especially useful in situations such as:

  • You need the equity from your current home to fund the down payment on your next home.
  • You want to avoid the expense of a double move or temporary housing.
  • Your ideal home has come on the market, and you need to act quickly.
  • Sellers have been reluctant to accept offers with a home sale contingency.
  • You’d prefer to move out before preparing, staging, or showing your current home.
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How to Sell My House for Cash in West Palm Beach https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-west-palm-beach/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:38:14 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70633 If you’re asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in West Palm Beach, FL?” speed may be only part of the equation. You might be facing costly repairs, rising insurance premiums, an inherited property, or simply want to move on without preparing your home for the market. In a city where housing options range from historic bungalows to waterfront condos and golf community homes, sellers have different reasons for seeking a quicker, more predictable sale.

In this post, we’ll break down the most common ways to receive a cash offer in West Palm Beach, what those offers typically look like, and how selling as-is compares to making repairs and listing on the open market.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top West Palm Beach Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your West Palm Beach home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top West Palm Beach agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in West Palm Beach

If you’re considering a cash sale, there are generally two paths to choose from: selling directly to a house-buying company or investor, or working with a real estate agent who can market your property to cash-ready buyers. Depending on the route you take, your proceeds can vary significantly.

Before diving into each option, try the calculator below for a quick estimate of how different cash sale scenarios might compare for your West Palm Beach property.

  

As the calculator shows, homeowners with properties in strong condition often receive higher offers. However, not everyone has the time, budget, or interest to tackle repairs before selling. If you’re dealing with a relocation, inherited property, financial pressure, or simply want to avoid the work of preparing a home for the market, the convenience of a cash sale is hard to beat.

Here’s what to expect from each of the most common ways to sell a house for cash in West Palm Beach.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in West Palm Beach

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors focus on purchasing homes directly from owners. Many purchase properties in as-is condition, allowing sellers to skip repairs, cleaning projects, and staging. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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How to Sell My House for Cash in Triangle East https://www.homelight.com/blog/triangle-east-sell-my-house-for-cash/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:33:47 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70655 If you’re searching, “Triangle East sell my house for cash,” you may be facing a situation where speed and simplicity matter more than squeezing every last dollar out of the sale. Maybe you’re relocating for work, settling an inherited property, downsizing, or simply don’t want to spend time and money fixing up your home.

As more people move to the area for its extra space, lower costs, and easy access to Raleigh, Triangle East continues to attract a wide range of buyers. In this post, we’ll explain the most common ways to receive a cash offer and what you might expect to earn depending on your home’s condition and the selling route you choose.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Triangle East Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Triangle East home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Triangle East agent.

Triangle East ‘sell my house for cash’ options

Homeowners in Triangle East generally have two ways to pursue a cash sale: sell directly to a house-buying company or investor, or work with a real estate agent who can help attract cash-ready buyers. Depending on your goals and timeline, one option may result in higher proceeds than the other.

Before we break down each approach, use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how different cash-sale options in Triangle East could affect your bottom line.

 

As you’ll see, homes in good condition often command higher cash offers. That said, not every homeowner wants to invest in repairs or spend weeks preparing a property for the market. If you’re relocating, handling an inherited home, facing a financial change, or simply want a quicker sale, a cash offer can be an appealing alternative.

Let’s look at what you can expect from each Triangle East “sell my house for cash” option.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Triangle East

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors specialize in purchasing homes directly from owners. Many buy properties as-is, meaning you can skip repairs, cleaning projects, and staging. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

 

 

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Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Memphis https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is-in-memphis/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:29:03 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70576 Selling a house “as is” in Memphis can be a practical option if you want to avoid repairs and move on quickly. Whether you own a fixer-upper or have recently inherited a family member’s property, you may be hoping to receive a reasonable offer and sell on your timeline.

“There are usually a couple of reasons that people sell ‘as is.’ The first one, I’ve noticed, is that they don’t necessarily have the physical capabilities to go through with the repairs,” says Aaron Edwards, a leading Memphis real estate agent with 15 years of experience. “Sometimes it’s a money factor. Sometimes it’s a timing factor.”

That said, selling a house “as is” often results in a lower sale price, and buyers may still try to negotiate based on the home’s condition. In this guide, we’ll walk through your options for securing an offer, explain how the process works, and outline what you can expect along the way.

Fast facts about selling a house ‘as is’ in Memphis

Median sales price in Memphis $220,500
Average days on market (DOM) for Memphis 60 days
Disclosures Tennessee law requires sellers to disclose material facts about the property through the Tennessee Residential Property Condition Disclosure.
MLS has a field to mark a listing “as is”? No
Is a real estate attorney required? Real estate attorneys are not considered essential for closing in Tennessee.
Real estate transfer taxes? $0.37 per $100.00

What is as-is condition in real estate?

“As is” is a type of home sale in which it’s understood that no improvements will be made to the property. When selling a house “as is,” the seller declines to entertain buyers’ requests to complete repairs or provide a credit for them.

An as-is sale may also indicate that the functionality and longevity of certain components of the home, such as a stove on its last legs or an aging roof, is not guaranteed.

When selling a house “as is” in Memphis, the general condition of the property should already be accounted for in the purchase price of the home to the best of the seller’s knowledge.

“The biggest piece of advice that I give sellers is to make sure that they’re taking into account the property condition when we set our list price,” says Edwards. “I also let them know that buyers always tend to overestimate how much it’s going to cost to fix something or to make repairs.”

Which types of homes are sold ‘as is’?

Homes sold “as is” often need some work or may be cosmetically outdated. It’s not a label you’re likely to place on a listing in pristine, move-in-ready condition.

As-is sales often attract investors searching for their next flip or buyers seeking a good deal, perhaps on a home with potential in a great location.

What problems do you have to disclose in Memphis?

Selling a house “as is” in Memphis doesn’t allow you to hide known issues with the property.

In most residential sales, Tennessee sellers must complete the Tennessee Residential Property Condition Disclosure or provide a legally permitted disclaimer statement. The disclosure asks sellers to report known material defects and other conditions that could affect the property’s value or desirability.

The form covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Structural, foundation, roof, and drainage issues
  • Problems with plumbing, electrical, heating, or air conditioning systems
  • Water intrusion, flooding, or moisture damage
  • Termite damage or wood-destroying organisms
  • Environmental concerns or soil problems
  • HOA obligations and neighborhood issues
  • Past repairs, renovations, or code-related concerns
  • Boundary, easement, or shared-access issues

Completing the disclosure before listing your home or requesting offers can help you prepare for the sale process and avoid surprises later. Even when selling a house “as is,” Tennessee law generally requires sellers to disclose known material defects to the best of their knowledge.

“If you know about an issue, you need to disclose it because if you know about it and you don’t disclose it and then somebody buys a house and has the same problem, you can end up in a courtroom really quickly,” Edwards warns.

Tennessee does provide limited exceptions to the disclosure requirement. For example, certain transfers involving estates, foreclosures, court-ordered sales, bankruptcies, public auctions, and some properties that the seller has not occupied within the previous three years may qualify for alternative disclosure requirements. Because these exceptions can be fact-specific, sellers with inherited or unfamiliar properties should consult a local real estate professional or attorney to determine their obligations.

Review your options to sell ‘as is’ in Memphis

The main options to sell a house ‘as is’ in Memphis include:

List ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

An experienced Memphis real estate agent can help you successfully market and sell a home “as is.” They can recommend simple ways to improve presentation, help establish a price that accounts for the property’s condition, and connect with buyers who are comfortable taking on a home that may need work.

Sell directly to a cash buyer

Another option is to sell directly to a property investor or house-buying company rather than listing the home on the open market. This route can appeal to sellers who want to avoid repairs and move quickly. Many We Buy Houses companies purchase homes in their current condition, often at a discounted price, and can provide a streamlined closing process.

Steps to list ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

Find an agent willing to list the home ‘as is’

Choosing the right real estate agent is important in any sale, but it can be especially valuable when selling a home “as is.” Look for an agent who has experience marketing properties that need updates or repairs and who may have connections with local investors or cash buyers.

Your agent should also be prepared to market the home’s potential. Given that a majority of Americans say they would prefer to buy a move-in-ready home, an as-is sale likely has a smaller buyer pool from the start.

Consider a pre-listing inspection

A pre-listing inspection works much like a traditional home inspection, except that the seller arranges and pays for it before putting the property on the market. While it may seem unnecessary for an as-is sale, the inspection can reveal issues that affect value and help support a more accurate pricing strategy.

“It’s going to help the seller get a better picture and a better understanding of what is going on with their property, and it will help me help that seller come up with an accurate list price,” Edwards says.

Having this information upfront may also make it easier to explain how the home’s condition was factored into the asking price if buyers later request concessions based on their own inspection findings.

Price to reflect ‘as is’ condition

The median sale price for homes in Memphis hit $220,500 in April 2026, a 0.3% increase over the year prior.

“The proceeds are not going to be as high as they would be for a house that’s in tip-top shape and has no issues,” says Edwards. “But we can still get a good price if we’re smart about it and price it in line with the market, basically, minus the cost of the repairs that are going to need to be done.”

A realistic pricing strategy can also help account for buyer negotiations, which are common in as-is transactions.

You can start with a free estimate from HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator (HVE).

Our HVE analyzes public records, tax assessments, and recent sales data from nearby properties. Using a short questionnaire, we also gather details about your home, such as the property type and condition. Input your address, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary home value estimate in under two minutes.

What is Your Memphis Home Worth?

Enter your address and get a preliminary estimate of home value in under two minutes.

Do ever-so-light preparations

Even for as-is home listings in Memphis, Edwards typically recommends sellers complete a few basic preparation steps before putting the property on the market.

“If somebody walks in and the house is spotless, and it looks nice, and it’s super clean, and it shows really well, somebody might be willing to look past that roof leak if the property is priced correctly,” Edwards says.

Simple improvements can help buyers focus on a home’s potential rather than its flaws. Consider:

  • Deep clean the entire home
  • Remove excess furniture and clutter
  • Mow the lawn and tidy up landscaping
  • Clear away debris from the yard and exterior
  • Improve curb appeal with simple, low-cost touchups
  • Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light
  • Address minor cosmetic issues that are inexpensive to fix

Photograph to show potential

Professional photography can help showcase a home’s strengths, regardless of its condition. An experienced photographer knows how to capture each room from its most flattering angle, maximize lighting, and produce images that present the home clearly and accurately.

Because high-quality photos help buyers better understand a property’s layout and possibilities, they can play an important role in generating interest and encouraging showings.

Your real estate agent will typically arrange professional photography as part of the listing process.

Highlight the surrounding area

When evaluating an as-is property, buyers often pay close attention to location and future potential. Be sure your listing highlights nearby amenities and features that could add value, such as:

  • Downtown areas
  • Major employers
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Sports and entertainment venues
  • Riverfront views or access
  • Highly rated schools
  • Access to outdoor activities
  • Public transportation
  • Airport access

Include ‘as is’ in the listing

If your intention is to sell the property “as is,” that should be clearly stated in the listing description. Common terms used in Memphis-area listings include “fixer-upper,” “investor opportunity,” “handyman special,” and “priced to sell.”

At the same time, the listing should emphasize the home’s positive attributes. Work with your agent to create a description that acknowledges the property’s condition while drawing attention to its best features and potential.

Understand buyers may still negotiate

Listing a home “as is” in Memphis doesn’t prevent buyers from requesting concessions or a lower price. Even if you’ve already discounted the asking price to reflect the home’s condition, negotiations are still common. An experienced agent can help set expectations and keep the transaction on track.

“Buyers tend to always overestimate the amount that it’s going to cost to make any repair, and they’re going to try to use that as a negotiation tactic,” says Edwards.

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans

If your buyer is using financing, the home’s condition could affect their ability to secure a loan. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans each have property standards that may need to be met before financing can be approved.

As part of the process, the buyer’s lender will typically order an appraisal to evaluate the home’s value and condition. If your property needs significant repairs, financing hurdles may arise. Reviewing FHA property standards can provide a helpful benchmark, as they are often among the more stringent requirements.

Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one

Some financed buyers can purchase fixer-uppers, but cash buyers often provide a simpler path to closing. Without lender requirements or financing contingencies, cash sales can move more quickly and reduce the risk of delays related to appraisals or loan approval.

Pros of listing a home ‘as is’: 

  • Spend less time and money preparing the home
  • Reduce the need for major repairs before selling
  • Helpful for inherited, vacant, or out-of-state properties

Cons of listing a home ‘as is’:

  • Fewer buyers may be interested
  • Offers are often lower than market-ready homes
  • Inspection-related negotiations can still occur

Steps to sell directly to a cash buyer

If listing your home doesn’t feel like the right fit, selling directly to a Memphis-area cash buyer may be an alternative. While the process varies by company, it generally follows these steps:

  1. Reach out to a buyer: Provide basic information about your property.
  2. Receive a preliminary offer: Some companies may provide an initial estimate before seeing the home.
  3. Schedule a walkthrough: The buyer evaluates the property’s condition.
  4. Review the final offer: You’ll receive a take-it-or-leave-it cash offer.
  5. Sign the agreement: If you accept, the closing process begins.
  6. Receive payment: Many cash sales close within days or weeks, depending on the company.

If you aren’t sure where to get a cash offer, consider Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight. With Simple Sale, you tell us a bit about your home, such as whether it’s a single-family or condo, and how much work it needs. From there, we’ll provide you with a full cash offer to buy your home in as little as a week.

Skip repairs

HomeLight’s Simple Sale can provide offers for homes in a wide range of conditions, helping sellers avoid costly repairs or updates before closing.

Sell when it’s convenient

Whether you need to move quickly or need extra time to prepare, Simple Sale offers flexible closing and move-out timelines.

Close with certainty

Cash buyers don’t need a lender’s involvement to purchase a home, so they can move more quickly than someone who needs financing. With Simple Sale, you can close in as little as 7 days, compared to the 30 to 60 days or longer it typically takes to close with a financed buyer.

Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it firsthand from one of our valued clients in the video below.

Additional We Buy Houses companies in Memphis

Below is a list of Memphis-area companies that purchase homes “as is” for cash, along with background information about each company.

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Bridge Loans in Virginia: How to Unlock Home Equity to Buy Before You Sell https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-bridge-loan-virginia/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:25:03 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70569 Buying a new home while trying to sell your current one can be challenging, especially when you’re attempting to line up both transactions. In a competitive Virginia market, where desirable homes can move quickly, many homeowners worry about selling too soon or missing out on their next purchase.

You might assume you need to sell first and find temporary housing while searching for your next home, but that’s not your only option.

A bridge loan can help cover the gap between buying and selling, giving you access to funds from your current home’s equity before it sells. With this short-term financing solution, you may be able to purchase your next home with greater flexibility and less pressure. In this guide, we’ll explain how a bridge loan in Virginia works, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and alternative options to consider.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that can help you purchase a new home before your current one sells. It allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built in your existing property and use those funds toward a down payment, closing costs, or other expenses related to your next home purchase.

Because bridge loans are intended to provide fast access to funds and added flexibility, they often carry higher costs than a traditional mortgage. Even so, many Virginia homeowners find the trade-off worthwhile if it helps them avoid a rushed sale, a contingent offer, or a temporary move between homes.

Bridge loans are also sometimes called:

  • bridge financing
  • bridging loan
  • interim financing
  • gap financing
  • swing loans

How does a bridge loan work in Virginia?

One common situation where a bridge loan can help is when you’ve found a new home in Virginia but haven’t yet sold your current property. In that case, you can use the equity in your existing home to help fund the down payment and closing costs on your next purchase.

In many cases, the lender providing your new mortgage may also offer a bridge loan. Lenders often require your current home to be listed for sale and typically structure the bridge loan with a term of six months to one year.

To determine eligibility, the lender will review your debt-to-income ratio, which may include your existing mortgage payment, your new mortgage payment, and any bridge loan payments.

If your current home is already under contract and the buyer’s financing is fully approved, the lender may only factor in the new mortgage payment. This helps reduce risk and confirms that you can comfortably manage your obligations if the sale of your existing home takes longer than expected.

What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Virginia?

Here are a few ways a bridge loan in Virginia can help make your move smoother:

  • You can make a non-contingent offer: Sellers often prioritize buyers without home sale contingencies.
  • You only have to move once: Skip the hassle and costs of temporary housing or storage.
  • You can prep your old home: Move out first, then focus on preparing your home with staging and repairs.
  • No payments during the loan period: You may not owe anything until your previous home sells.
  • You can act quickly on the right property: Make an offer without stressing about selling first.

What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

A bridge loan can make it easier to buy before you sell, but there are some trade-offs to keep in mind.

  • Higher borrowing costs: Bridge loans often come with origination fees, closing costs, and interest rates that are higher than those of traditional mortgages.
  • Multiple housing payments: Depending on your situation, you may need to manage your current mortgage, your new mortgage, and bridge loan payments at the same time.
  • Stricter qualification standards: Lenders may require stronger credit, more equity, or additional financial documentation than they would for a standard mortgage.
  • More complex approval process: Because the lender is evaluating two properties and multiple sources of financing, approval can take longer than expected.

When is a bridge loan a good solution?

While bridge loans aren’t right for everyone, they can be useful in situations where timing is critical.

A bridge loan may make sense if:

  • You need to access the equity in your current home to fund a down payment on your next one.
  • You want to avoid the expense and inconvenience of moving into temporary housing between homes.
  • You’ve found a home you love and need to act quickly in a competitive market.
  • Sellers have rejected your offers because they included a home sale contingency.
  • You’d prefer to move out before listing your current home so you can complete repairs, staging, or showings more easily.
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How to Sell My House for Cash in Waltham https://www.homelight.com/blog/sell-my-house-for-cash-waltham/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:21:35 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70593 If you’re asking, “Should I sell my house for cash in Waltham, MA?” chances are you’re hoping for a straightforward sale without the time and expense of fixing up your property first. Whether you own a longtime family home near Moody Street or a rental property close to the universities, a cash sale can offer flexibility and speed.

In this guide, we’ll break down the two most common ways to receive a cash offer in Waltham, explain the tradeoffs between convenience and price, and show how much your offer could vary depending on the condition of your home and the type of buyer you choose.

Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Waltham Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Waltham home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 7 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Waltham agent.

Options to sell my house for cash in Waltham

Homeowners in Waltham generally have two paths to a cash sale: selling directly to a house-buying company or investor, or working with a real estate agent who can market the property to cash-ready buyers. The amount you ultimately receive can vary significantly depending on which route you choose.

Before diving into each option, use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how different cash sale scenarios in Waltham might affect your bottom line.

  

As the calculator shows, homes in strong condition often command substantially higher cash offers. However, not every seller has the resources, time, or interest to tackle repairs before moving on. For homeowners dealing with a job relocation, inherited property, financial pressure, or another major life transition, the speed and simplicity of a cash sale can be especially appealing.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Waltham.

Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Waltham

Cash-buying companies and real estate investors focus on purchasing homes directly for cash. Many are willing to buy properties as-is, allowing sellers to skip repairs, deep cleaning, and home staging. These businesses are often referred to as “We Buy Houses” companies.

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Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Alabama https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is-in-alabama/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:52:34 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=70542 Are you thinking about selling a house “as is” in Alabama? Whether you own a fixer-upper, inherited a family member’s property, or simply don’t want to take on repairs, selling in its current condition can be a practical way to move forward.

“A lot of properties are sold ‘as is’ due to the fact that the seller doesn’t have any money to put into the property,” says Jessica Smith, a top-performing Alabama real estate agent with over a decade of experience.

That said, selling a house “as is” often results in a lower sale price, and it doesn’t necessarily stop buyers from requesting credits or negotiating after inspections. In this guide, we’ll explain how selling a house “as is” works in Alabama, review your options for receiving an offer, and outline what you can expect throughout the process.

Fast facts about selling a house ‘as is’ in Alabama

Median sales price in Alabama $263,518
Average days on market (DOM) for Alabama 59 days
Disclosures Alabama is a caveat emptor or “buyer beware” state, meaning buyers are responsible for inspecting a property before closing. Alabama courts generally view seller disclosures as a supplement to (not a replacement for) a buyer’s own due diligence.
MLS has a field to mark a listing “as is”? Yes
Is a real estate attorney required? Real estate attorneys are considered essential for closing in Alabama.
Real estate transfer taxes? $0.50 per $500 (known as a Recordation Tax)

What is as-is condition in real estate?

An as-is sale means the seller is offering the property in its current condition and does not plan to make repairs or improvements before closing. In these transactions, the seller typically declines requests for repairs or repair credits from the buyer.

Selling a home “as is” can also signal that the seller is not guaranteeing the condition, performance, or remaining lifespan of certain features, such as aging appliances, systems, or roofing materials.

“A home that is sold ‘as is’ is usually listed and sells for less than a property that is not sold ‘as is,’” says Smith.

This is because the home’s condition is generally reflected in the asking price to the best of the seller’s knowledge.

Which types of homes are sold ‘as is’?

Homes sold “as is” often need repairs, updates, or cosmetic improvements. The designation is more common for properties that require work than for homes that are fully updated and move-in ready.

These sales frequently attract investors looking for renovation opportunities, as well as buyers seeking a lower-priced home with the potential to build equity through improvements.

What problems do you have to disclose in Alabama?

Selling a house “as is” in Alabama doesn’t mean you can hide known defects.

Alabama is a caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) state, so sellers generally are not required to provide a formal property disclosure form. Instead, buyers are expected to inspect the property and investigate its condition before closing.

However, sellers must disclose known defects in certain situations, including when:

  • A defect poses a health or safety risk and is not readily apparent
  • A buyer directly asks about a specific issue
  • A fiduciary relationship exists between the buyer and seller

Examples may include:

  • Roof leaks or water damage
  • Mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint hazards
  • Structural or foundation issues
  • Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC defects
  • Flooding or drainage problems

While not required by law, many Alabama sellers complete a voluntary property disclosure form to document known issues and help avoid disputes later. Federal law also requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978.

Even in an as-is sale, sellers must answer questions honestly and disclose known defects that fall within Alabama’s legal exceptions.

Review your options to sell ‘as is’ in Alabama

If you plan on selling a house “as is” in Alabama, you have a couple of options to consider:

List ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

A knowledgeable real estate agent can guide you through every stage of an as-is sale. They can recommend cost-effective ways to present the property, help establish a price that reflects its condition, and market the home to buyers who are comfortable taking on repairs or updates.

“I really let the sellers know we can’t afford to overprice the property,” says Smith. “We have to price it based on the market conditions, the current competition, and looking at similar properties that have sold that were ‘as is.’”

Sell directly to a cash buyer

Another option is to sell directly to a real estate investor or house-buying company instead of listing on the open market. This approach can be appealing if the home’s condition may limit buyer interest.

In Alabama, many cash-buying companies purchase homes in their current condition, often targeting properties that need major repairs. While these buyers typically offer less than market value, they can provide a faster, more predictable sale and may cover some closing costs.

Steps to list ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

Find an agent willing to list the home ‘as is’

Choosing the right agent becomes even more important when selling a house “as is.” Look for someone who’s comfortable representing homes that need work and who has established investor connections.

Marketing also matters. Since most Americans say they would prefer to buy a move-in-ready home, an as-is sale likely has a smaller buyer pool from the start.

Consider a pre-listing inspection

A pre-listing home inspection is the same as a standard home inspection, except the seller pays for it before listing their home. It may sound like a counterintuitive step for an as-is sale, but having the inspection results upfront can showcase any issues that could impact the value of the home and inform an accurate pricing strategy. If a buyer requests further price reductions based on their own inspection, you can point out that the estimated cost of certain repairs has already been baked into the list price.

“It’s important, especially in Alabama, to allow the buyer the opportunity to get their own inspection. But getting it inspected before helps the seller see anything that would need to be addressed or that they could address before putting it on the market. That way, there are no surprises,” says Smith.Price to reflect ‘as is’ condition

The median sale price for homes in Alabama hit $263,518 in April 2026, a 15.2% increase over the year prior.

When pricing an as-is home, it’s important to account for any repairs, deferred maintenance, or outdated features that a buyer will likely need to address after closing. Buyers typically factor these costs into their offers, so setting a realistic price from the start can help attract interest and reduce the likelihood of lengthy negotiations.

You can start with a free estimate from HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator (HVE).

Our HVE combs public data, including tax records and assessments, and pulls recent sales records for other properties in your neighborhood. Using a short questionnaire, we also factor in specifics about your home, such as the property type and its condition. Input your address, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary home value estimate in under two minutes.

What is Your Alabama Home Worth?

Enter your address and get a preliminary estimate of home value in under two minutes.

Do ever-so-light preparations

Even when selling a home “as is” in Alabama, a few simple steps can help it show better to buyers without taking on major repairs or renovation projects.

Consider focusing on basic tasks such as:

  • Removing clutter and excess personal belongings
  • Deep cleaning the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living areas
  • Mowing the lawn and tidying the landscaping
  • Clearing porches, walkways, and entryways
  • Opening blinds and curtains to let in natural light
  • Replacing burned-out light bulbs
  • Removing trash, debris, or unwanted furniture
  • Addressing obvious safety concerns, such as tripping hazards

These low-cost efforts can help buyers focus on the home’s potential and may lead to stronger offers, even in an as-is sale.

“One thing that’s really important that I tell all my sellers is to make sure all the utilities are on. Sometimes you’ll see as-is investment properties without the utilities on, and that can make it kind of hard for homes to be shown,” says Smith.

Photograph to show potential

Professional photography is worthwhile even when selling a home “as is.” A skilled photographer can capture each room from flattering angles, optimize lighting, and edit images to present the property in its best possible light.

Wide-angle photography also helps buyers get a better sense of the home’s layout and size. In most cases, your real estate agent will arrange professional photography as part of the listing process.

Highlight the surrounding area

For many buyers, location can be just as important as the home’s condition. Be sure to call attention to nearby amenities and attractions, such as:

  • Downtown areas
  • Major employers
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Sports and entertainment venues
  • Waterfront views or access
  • Highly rated schools
  • Access to outdoor activities
  • Public transportation

Include ‘as is’ in the listing

If you plan to sell your home as is, make that clear in the listing description. Common phrases used in Alabama listings include “priced to sell,” “fixer-upper,” “handyman special,” and “investor opportunity.”

At the same time, the listing should emphasize the property’s strengths, whether that’s its location, lot size, layout, or future potential.

“With an as-is property, it first needs to be listed ‘as is,’ made clear in the listing agreement that it’s being sold ‘as is,’ and advertised in the MLS. It’s also important to put in the contract that the property is being sold ‘as is,’” Smith says.

Understand buyers may still negotiate

An as-is sale does not automatically eliminate negotiations. Buyers may still request price reductions, credits, or other concessions after reviewing the property’s condition.

That’s why it’s important to have a clear pricing strategy and an agent who can help manage negotiations while keeping the transaction on track.

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans

When your home hits the market, it’s impossible to know whether the eventual buyer will pay cash or use financing.

If a financed buyer submits an offer, the property may need to meet certain condition standards required by the lender. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans all have their own guidelines, and the home is typically evaluated through an appraisal.

Homes with significant safety, structural, or habitability issues may face additional hurdles when a buyer is using financing. If you’re unsure whether your home will meet appraisal requirements, you can start by taking a look at the FHA minimum property standards. If your house complies with FHA, then it complies with most other lenders’ requirements.

Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one

While some lenders will finance homes that need repairs, cash buyers often face fewer obstacles. Because there’s no mortgage approval process or lender-required appraisal, cash transactions can move more quickly and with fewer contingencies.

Pros of listing a home ‘as is’: 

  • Save time and money on prepwork
  • Possibility of reducing negotiations from the inspection
  • Solution for out-of-state owners and inherited homes

Cons of listing a home ‘as is’:

  • Limited buyer pool
  • Expect lower offers
  • Negotiations and repairs aren’t always off the table

Steps to sell directly to a cash buyer

If listing your home doesn’t feel like the right fit, selling directly to a cash buyer may be another option. While the process varies by company, it typically follows these steps:

  1. Request an offer: Contact a house-buying company and provide basic details about your property.
  2. Receive an initial estimate: Some companies will provide a preliminary offer based on the information you share.
  3. Schedule a property review: The buyer will typically arrange a walkthrough to assess the home’s condition.
  4. Review the final offer: After the assessment, the company will present a cash offer that you can accept or decline. Most cash buyers make non-negotiable offers.
  5. Sign the agreement: If you accept the offer, both parties sign a purchase agreement and begin the closing process.
  6. Close and get paid: Closings can happen in a matter of days or weeks, depending on the company and your preferred timeline.

If you aren’t sure where to get a cash offer, consider Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight. With Simple Sale, you tell us a bit about your home, such as whether it’s a single-family or condo, and how much work it needs. From there, we’ll provide you with a full cash offer to buy your home in as little as a week.

Skip repairs

Simple Sale can provide offers for homes in almost any condition, helping you avoid costly repairs or renovations before selling.

Sell when it’s convenient

Whether you’re ready to move immediately or need extra time to make arrangements, you can choose a closing timeline that fits your needs.

Close with certainty

Because cash buyers don’t rely on mortgage financing, transactions often move faster and face fewer delays than traditional home sales. With Simple Sale, you can close in as few as 7 days, compared to the 30 to 60 days or longer it typically takes to close with a financed buyer.

Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it firsthand from one of our valued clients in the video below.

Additional We Buy Houses companies in Alabama

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the leading companies that purchase homes “as is” for cash in Alabama:

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What’s an ‘Active Contingent’ Listing? Can I Still Make an Offer? https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-active-contingent/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:42:12 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=29061 You find the perfect home while scrolling through a homebuying app and immediately imagine your life inside it: the mornings in the kitchen, the quiet evenings in the living room, the future you could build there. You check the details, ready to schedule a showing, only to notice a small note about its status. The listing is still visible, but it has a status note showing it’s under contract with conditions: “active contingent.”

Start Making Offers Without Waiting to Sell Your Home

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

In real estate, active contingent is like a warning that the door isn’t fully closed, but it’s not fully open either. In this post, we’ll break down what that status really means, the common contingencies behind it, and what options buyers still have when they find a home they love at this stage.

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How Important is Flooring When Selling a House? https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-important-is-flooring-when-selling-a-house/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:19:52 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=31330 You’re standing in your home when your attention suddenly drops to the floors: the worn spot by the entry, the slightly flattened hallway carpet, the tile grout that’s darkened over time. None of it felt like a big deal when you were just living there day to day. But the moment selling enters the picture, those small details start to feel more noticeable. That’s when the question naturally comes up: how important is flooring when selling a house?

Connect with a Top Agent

Our data shows the top 5% of agents across the U.S. help clients sell their home for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent. It takes just two minutes to match with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.

Buyers may not always call it out directly, but flooring is one of the first things they register when they walk in. It helps shape their sense of how “move-in ready” a home feels, even before they look at anything else. For sellers, that means what’s underfoot can quietly influence how quickly (and how well) a home sells.

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Is it Cheaper to Build or to Buy a House? The Best House for Your Buck https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-is-it-cheaper-to-build-or-buy-a-house/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:19:01 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=22013 It’s time to consider packing your belongings and moving into your dream home. But what is your dream home? Is it a remodeled existing house, or something you build from scratch? Does a new construction meet your needs or your budget? Do you know off the top of your head if it’s cheaper to build or buy a house?

You’ll want to maximize the features and space you’re going to get for what you’re spending, so that six months from move-in, you are not regretting your decision

Let’s break down what you’ll pay with self-built, new, and existing homes, so you can narrow your search enough to have a great real estate agent take you the rest of the way to your dream home.

Step one: Talk to an expert!

Even if you’re just day-dreaming at this point, it’s never too early to ask a local real estate agent for advice on building a house.

Self-built homes

There are build-your-own-house programs that can make this cheaper, or you can use shipping containers or tiny homes, so you have a lot more flexibility with price — to a point. 

HomeLight’s own experts have determined you can build your own home for anywhere between $130,000 and $535,000, depending on various factors, including square footage, energy efficiency, and the level of DIY.

If you’re thinking of building your own home, Ben Marciano, seasoned contractor and owner of A-List Builders, has some sound advice.

“In general, it is totally possible to build your dream home, but it’s critical to work within your budget, and be realistic about it, to make it happen. Understanding how to measure for materials is key, in addition to understanding the skeleton of your home for remodels that aren’t just skin-deep.”

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Does New Flooring Increase Home Value? 5 Pro Tips to Get the Most Money Back When You Sell https://www.homelight.com/blog/does-new-flooring-increase-home-value/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:04:25 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=6039 One day, you’re staring at your scratched-up floors thinking they’ve seen better days, and the next, you’re deep in a rabbit hole of renovation costs and resale estimates. It’s a familiar homeowner dilemma: spend money now in hopes of making more later, or leave things as they are and save your cash. After all, not every home improvement project delivers the return you expect. That naturally leads to the question: does new flooring increase home value?

A Top Agent Can Help You Prepare Your Home

A top-rated real estate agent can guide you in selecting the best flooring and other value-boosting preparations to get the most return out of your investment. HomeLight’s data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more.

The answer isn’t always straightforward because it depends on factors like the type of flooring, the condition of your current floors, and what buyers in your area expect to see. Some upgrades can make a home feel fresh, modern, and move-in ready, while others may barely register with potential buyers.

Before you start tearing up carpet or pricing out hardwood planks, it helps to understand when new flooring is worth the investment.

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What Is National Homeownership Month? https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-is-national-homeownership-month/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:50 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=31404 Did you know there’s an entire month that honors homeownership in the U.S.? Many decades ago, June was dedicated to promoting home ownership, highlighting how deeply owning a home is valued in American culture. Dubbed National Homeownership Month, the yearly tradition might resonate with your own journey toward owning a home. But what is National Homeownership Month, exactly?

Whether you’ve already bought a home or aspire to in the future, the deep longing to find the perfect house in a welcoming community is something we can all relate to. Achieving homeownership has long been considered a foundational part of the American Dream.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into National Homeownership Month and all that it signifies. While we recognize the celebratory side of this month-long event, we’d be remiss to neglect the stark reality that homeownership in America has never been (and still is not) an equal opportunity for all Americans.

For that reason, we also examine the racial and economic disparities in homeownership in America, which must be acknowledged alongside progress made.

What is National Homeownership Month?

In a nutshell, National Homeownership Month is a time to celebrate the ways that homeownership benefits individuals, families, and communities in America.

Although it’s gone through many iterations over the years, the tradition first began during the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties following the end of World War I, when there was a sudden burst of societal growth and optimism. People embraced peacetime and had enough wealth to buy property and settle down with their families.

The tide of events quickly changed, as it would continue to do throughout the 20th century and into the present. However, the notion of setting aside time to acknowledge a shared vision for success persisted. Here’s how the tradition evolved:

  • 1920: Local Realtor groups wanting to promote the idea of homeownership create the first week-long celebration.
  • 1956: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) memorializes the celebration on a nationwide scale, thereby incorporating it into the ethos of the American Dream.
  • 1976: U.S. Congress issues a joint resolution designating the week beginning on April 18 as Private Property Week, renaming the tradition.
  • 1986: The celebration was then renamed again, this time as American Home Week.
  • 1995: National Homeownership Week was established by the Clinton administration to increase homeownership rates.
  • 2002: President George W. Bush expands the observance to the entire month of June.
  • 2016: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses the celebration to highlight the agency’s role in helping people buy homes in rural areas.
  • 2021: With the backdrop of economic pain brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Biden vows to expand stability and equal opportunity in the housing market.
  • 2022: HUD initially called 2022 a year of momentum for the nation’s homebuyers, but the 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped from 3.11% in January to a high of 7.08% in November.
  • 2023: A historic number of affordable multifamily units were under construction. The Biden administration proposed including $175 billion in housing investments in the federal budget.
  • 2024: Persistently high mortgage rates and limited inventory pushed home prices higher, keeping affordability out of reach for many buyers. Housing policy became a major topic in the presidential election, with both parties proposing plans to address affordability and increase housing supply.
  • 2025: Housing affordability remained a major challenge as home prices, mortgage rates, insurance costs, and property taxes continued to strain household budgets. The Trump administration emphasized policies aimed at reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for American homebuyers.
  • 2026: Affordability remains a key concern for buyers, though housing inventory is improving in many markets. National Homeownership Month highlighted efforts to expand access to homeownership through down payment assistance programs, financing options, and increased housing supply.

Here are some examples of groups that facilitate homeownership:

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
  • Housing assistance programs
  • Financial and housing counselors
  • National Association of Realtors®
  • Licensed real estate agents
  • Home builders and contractors
  • Mortgage lenders and title companies
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • State and local government housing agencies
  • Nonprofits that offer first-time homebuying classes
  • Real estate listing platforms
  • Lumber and steel suppliers
  • Modular home factories

Why does homeownership matter?

Homeownership carries both cultural and financial weight in U.S. society. So much so that the concept of the American Dream has become closely associated with homeownership, even if it wasn’t originally intended to be synonymous.

For these reasons, homeownership has, in a way, become a rite of passage between young adulthood and full-fledged adulthood, as it often coincides with finding employment, finishing higher education, and investing hard-earned savings.

For some, it’s timed closely to marriage and starting a family. Others buy homes with parents, friends, other relatives, a partner, or as individual owners. Single individuals are strong participants in the real estate market today. Homeownership tends to be evocative of settling down in a place and growing roots in a community.

How has homeownership changed over the years?

The following chart illustrates how homeownership rates have ticked up slightly over the decades, even as the price barrier to ownership has steadily risen.

Year Homeownership Rate Average Home Cost
1960 61.9% $11,900
1970 62.9% $23,900
1980 64.4% $63,700
1990 64.2% $123,900
2000 66.2% $165,300
2010 65.1% $222,900
2020 66.6% $329,000
2024 65.6% $389,400
2025 65.4% $429,300

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Association of Realtors

One primary reason rates have increased despite soaring costs is that the mortgage process was changed to allow people to borrow more money to afford homeownership.

Although the concept of mortgages has existed for decades, it wasn’t until after the Great Depression that the process became consumer-focused. As part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the FHA was created, which, among other things, created the 30-year mortgage standard.

In March 2023, the FHA announced its final rule that allows lenders to extend mortgage repayment schedules to 480 months (40 years) for distressed homeowners through a loan modification program.

Housing discrimination plagues the American Dream

For many Americans, the American Dream of homeownership was deliberately derailed or placed beyond their reach through generations of racist policies and practices inflicted against them since the days of slavery and beyond. The government, real estate agents, landlords, and financial institutions systematically discriminated against black homeowners and other minorities through unethical practices such as “steering” and “redlining,” among others.

What is steering in real estate?

Steering is when a real estate agent, landlord, landowner, or anyone in the industry pressures or influences a homebuyer to purchase property in certain communities — or “steers” them away from certain communities — based on their race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status, or national origin.

Here are a few examples of ways steering might look:

  • An agent refuses to show qualified candidates listings in certain neighborhoods
  • An agent shows more listings to white buyers and limits options for minority buyers
  • An agent dissuades white clients from purchasing a home in minority communities
  • An agent assumes their buyer would not want to live among people of a different race
  • An agent only shows clients homes in neighborhoods where the agent thinks they “fit in”
  • An agent speaks disparagingly about a neighborhood of a certain race or religion
  • An agent brings up crime concerns to white homebuyers, but not to minority buyers

Steering caused horrific racial disparities for minorities over many years, especially Black Americans, who were equally qualified but guided away from desirable neighborhoods and into disadvantaged neighborhoods with higher poverty levels and homes with less appreciation and lower home values.

While steering was made illegal under the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the practice has not been fully erased in the U.S.

What is redlining?

The Federal Reserve defines redlining as “the practice of denying a creditworthy applicant a loan for housing in a certain neighborhood even though the applicant may otherwise be eligible for the loan.”

The term is derived from the practice of mortgage lenders drawing red lines — figuratively or literally — around portions of a map to mark neighborhoods or areas where they would reject approval of home loans based on race or ethnicity.

Redlining was especially repressive and destructive for people of color who were denied the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families through homeownership.

The practice, which is now illegal, created egregious racial disparities in employment, education, health, and wealth, especially for Black families.

Racially restrictive covenants in deeds also kept Black families from moving out of redlined neighborhoods. Even Black soldiers returning from serving in World War II were rejected by lenders.

In addition, the urban renewal policies in the 1950s allowed the government to strip underprivileged families of their property to build federally funded highways, civic centers, and office buildings. The homes and businesses of many Black families were seized and torn down, forcing many of them to start over.

Damage to the dream continues

Additional restrictions worked against Black families and other people of color, exacerbating racial inequities in housing. Some of these included:

  • Racially crafted zoning laws segregating by wealth, income, or through lot or home sizes
  • Governments prohibiting low-cost housing options where they were needed
  • Predatory mortgages and refinancing programs targeting people of color
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Under Contract Meaning: Contingencies, Offers & Next Steps https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-under-contract-meaning/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:05 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=39824 Sometimes you come across a home for sale that checks off every box on your list, but the listing status says that it’s “under contract” or “sale pending.” Crestfallen, you move on and hope you’ll find an equally amazing home. But what does “under contract” mean in real estate? Can you still make an offer on a home that’s “under contract”?

In this post, we’ll explain the “under contract” listing status tag. We’ll also share expert insights on how this tag and others might impact your homebuying plans.

Find a Top Agent With Experience in Contingency Offers

If you need to make an offer on a home with contingencies, you’ll want a top agent by your side who can avoid pitfalls and secure the home you want. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

What does ‘under contract’ mean?

“‘Under contract’ is more or less a meeting of the minds,” says Julie H. Kaczor, a top-selling agent from Illinois with 33 years of experience. “It means the buyer and seller have agreed to the terms of the contract, such as the price, the closing date, the personal property, the earnest money, tax preparation, and contingencies.”

It sounds pretty straightforward, right? But Kaczor explains that while “under contract” indicates that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, the deal is not yet final. In most cases, there are contingencies in the buyer’s offer that need to be cleared before the transaction is moved to the more solid “sale pending” status.

What contingencies might be attached to ‘under contract’ listings?

Oriana Shea, a top-rated agent in California who has been helping homebuyers for 29 years, says that, depending on local multiple list service (MLS) rules and where the property is located, a listing might actually be tagged as “contingent” rather than under contract. “Both indicate that the buyer and seller have come to a ratified agreement,” she explains.

To fully understand what “under contract” means, let’s take a look at some of the contingencies that might be attached to such a listing.

There are four common types of real estate contract contingencies. After you open escrow and the buyer submits a good faith earnest money deposit, some or all of the following contingencies may need to be addressed:

  • Financing contingency – This will appear in contracts where a buyer needs to finalize a mortgage loan to purchase the home. The buyer may even be pre-approved by their lender, but there’s still work to be done before the financing officially comes through.
  • Appraisal contingency – This is a clause that gives the lender the opportunity to have an appraisal done and ensure the amount the buyer is offering for the house is fair market value. If the value comes back under the contract price, and the seller won’t come down on price or meet the buyers halfway, the buyers can walk away from the deal.
  • Inspection contingency – This allows time for a thorough inspection by a third party to catch any issues — minor and major — with the home that the buyer should be aware of. For example, if the inspection reveals the roof needs to be fully replaced, the buyer may ask the seller to lower the price or have it replaced before proceeding. If both parties can’t reach an agreement, and the issue is large enough, the buyer can choose to back out of the agreement.
  • Home sale contingency – This says the buyer will purchase the house only once they’ve sold another property they own. This is common when the buyer needs equity proceeds from their existing home to buy their new home. The first three contingencies on this list are almost always in a purchase contract, while this one is a little more of a wild card. It creates uncertainties, especially for anxious sellers.

If all the conditions in a purchase agreement are met, the sale can move forward. Alternatively, if the conditions aren’t met, the house could go back on the market.

Can I get more time if a contingency hasn’t been met?

If some contingencies haven’t been met, the buyer’s agent can ask for an extension to the contract. Kaczor notes this is usually because the lender or another party in the transaction needs additional time to button everything up.

“Then the question is: Why?” Kaczor explains. “The buyer can call up and say, ‘Hey, I want to extend my finance contingency at my lender’s request because they couldn’t process the paperwork.’”

She provides another example: “Suppose there’s a contingency on a house sale, and they’re supposed to close in 60 days, but the buyer couldn’t sell their home within that time. The buyer can ask for a 30-day extension and continue to try to sell.”

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HomeVestors Reviews: Is Selling to a Cash Buyer Worth It? https://www.homelight.com/blog/homevestors-reviews/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:33:27 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=62036 If you’re considering selling a house in poor condition or you’re facing a tough deadline, you may have come across HomeVestors, the company behind the “We Buy Ugly Houses” brand. Known for making all-cash offers and quick closings, HomeVestors has helped thousands of sellers offload unwanted properties, from inherited homes to houses at risk of foreclosure.

But as you research HomeVestors reviews, you’ll see mixed opinions. Some sellers say the process was simple and stress-free, while others felt the offer was too low.

Before you decide whether to accept a cash offer from HomeVestors, here’s what you need to know about how the company works, what past customers say, and what alternatives you might consider.

Sell Fast With a Cash Offer or Top agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer in 24 hours through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform and close in as few as 7 days. You can also compare the offer with an estimate from a top agent.

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How to Decipher a Home Inspection Report https://www.homelight.com/blog/home-inspection-report/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:26:34 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=6931 For sellers, the home inspection can often feel like the ultimate judgment day for their property. Did you do everything you were supposed to over the years? Did major issues happen right under your nose?

As nerve-wracking as it might seem, understanding the home inspection report will help you to differentiate between small matters and larger issues that will cost you thousands of dollars in profit.

We asked the founder of one of the nation’s largest inspector associations, a certified professional home inspector, and a top-performing real estate agent what goes into a home inspection report for your house and what to make of it after the fact.

Prepare for a home inspection with a top-rated agent

HomeLight has analyzed over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will help you be ready for your home inspection.

 

What is a home inspection report?

Before closing, most buyers will get a home inspection to make sure there are no issues with the property. While home inspectors follow the same general format to confirm every inch of the home is covered in the report, no two home inspection reports are the same.

“Home inspectors should not have a bunch of pre-printed material,” says Nick Gromicko, founder of InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. “They should include photos of the home and the defects found.”

A typical home inspection takes two to four hours, depending on the size of the home. Then, it takes a few more hours to write up the exhaustive report. According to Bill Hirsch, a highly acclaimed certified home inspector and owner of Total Home Inspection in Fairfield County, Connecticut, the entire process takes at least one full day to complete.

“Most buyers will request 10-15 days to get an inspector out to the property. The inspection takes about a few hours and then 1-3 days to write the report up and get it to the buyer,” says Thomas Day, a top real estate agent in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Home inspections typically cost between $300 to $500, which includes the visual inspection and the written report. Typically, the cost of a home inspection comes out of the buyer’s pocket.

What is included in a home inspection report?

A home inspection report is no small task; a complete report can be anywhere from 15 pages for small homes to 70 pages for larger homes. Every page is chock-full of factors that can affect the outcome of your home sale.

Let’s break down the parts of a home inspection report and look at some examples.

 1. General information about the house and the inspection conditions

The first few pages of the report introduce the property address, information about the inspection according to the state’s standards of practice, home inspector information, and a comment key or definitions.

The home inspector will provide information to help the buyer (or seller if it’s a pre-inspection) understand what each different element of the report means. They’ll give a key of symbols or codes, which they’ll use throughout the report to identify the severity of each issue.

Codes abbreviations explained in home inspection report.
Source: (interNACHI)

For example, most home inspection reports will include, but are not limited to, a variation of the following codes:

  • I = Inspected. This item was inspected.
  • NI = Not Inspected. This item was not inspected.
  • NP = Not Present. This item was not accessible or locatable.
  • S = Safety Concern. This item poses a safety concern and should be addressed immediately.
  • R = General Repair. This item requires repair but is not causing immediate harm or damage.
  • D = Defect. This item is non-functioning and requires repair or correction by a licensed tradesman.
Sample home inspection report.
Source: (HomeCert, LLC)

The inspector will also include the weather conditions on the day of the inspection, who was present, and what areas were inaccessible.

2. A detailed assessment of systems and components

The bulk of the report covers every inch of the property, from the branches around the exterior to discoloration in the corner of a ceiling. This is where you’ll find the most detailed information about each issue, why it’s an issue, and the inspector’s recommended course of action.

“Anything and everything that has anything and everything to do with the house, we observe and evaluate and then report on,” says Hirsch.

“The roof, the HVAC system, the A/C system, electric and plumbing are the top things they’ll look at. In addition, termites and wood destroying organisms are things they’ll also look for,” says Day.

A home inspector isn’t a qualified, licensed expert in each home system; they can’t speak to the specific action required for each individual issue. However, they will point out which observations pose a safety concern, create more damage, or need basic repair.

3. Annotated pictures of reported problems

When an inspector spots an issue, they will take a photo to document it in the report. The buyer and their real estate agent will refer to the photos when they review the inspection report and prepare negotiations.

They’ll also use a thermal imaging radiometer to survey portions of the interior and exterior of the structure. This is used to indicate issues with moisture, electrical components, ventilation, or insulation.

Diagram showing issue zones in home.
Source: (HomeCert, LLC)

If an issue needs to be repaired, the homeowner, buyer, or a hired professional can look at the photo and immediately identify it. Following any requested repairs, the photos serve as a reference to make sure the task was completed.

4. Summary and rating for each issue

In the last pages of the report, you’ll find a summary of the identified issues accompanied by a symbol or rating. It makes it easier to refer back to a reported issue without having to dig through dozens of pages.

The summary is important to refer to during negotiations. Safety concerns and defects give the buyer more negotiation leverage, whereas general repairs are a lower priority.

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Your Guide to What Home Inspectors Look For https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-home-inspectors-look-for/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:19:21 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=4530 After going through the stressful process of staging and showing your house, you’ve accepted an offer that exceeds your expectations. But you’ll still have to get over the home inspection hurdle that could reveal unexpected roadblocks, leading to costly repairs or cause buyers to renegotiate a lower sales price — or even walk away from the deal. It’s critical to know what home inspectors look for because serious problems could derail the sale altogether.

In the current market, savvy buyers are more keen than ever to get their money’s worth, paying top dollar for inspections to ensure that their purchase is in good condition. According to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Spring/Summer 2026, 41% of agents surveyed say the home inspection contingency is the most likely to derail a deal.

Read on so you can take the necessary steps for a smooth sales process without lengthy setbacks or the inconvenience of losing a buyer and having to start all over again.

Prepare for a home inspection with a top-rated agent

HomeLight has analyzed over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will help you be ready for your home inspection.

 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is the visual examination of a house’s structure and systems to determine the condition of the home and identify problems that could impact health and safety. Buyers typically pay for the inspection to uncover major issues that may give them second thoughts about purchasing the house and avoid surprise repairs after moving in.

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Home Inspection Contingency Clause: What It Is and Why You May Want One https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-inspection-contingency-clause/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:19:13 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=27694 Buying a home often comes with a mix of excitement and second-guessing. Even after your offer is accepted, you may find yourself wondering whether you’re making the right decision or if there are hidden problems waiting to be discovered. An inspection contingency clause exists for exactly that reason.

It gives you a chance to pause, gather more information, and make sure the property is truly worth the investment. If major concerns are uncovered, you can renegotiate or walk away under certain circumstances. In many cases, it’s the safeguard that turns uncertainty into confidence.

Find a top real estate agent near you

We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. It takes just two minutes to match you with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process.

Nevin Raghuveer, who works with 85% more single-family homes than the average Twin Cities agent, says home inspection contingencies are one of a buyer’s best tools to avoid future homeowner regret.

With home inspection contingencies, a buyer can cancel a purchase contract with their earnest money intact… as long as they follow the rules.

We’ll cover exactly what those rules are, along with when and why you may or may not want a home inspection contingency clause.

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Remodeling? Avoid These 10 Home Improvements That Do Not Add Value https://www.homelight.com/blog/home-improvements-that-do-not-add-value/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:19:12 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=21165 Most homeowners think a better-looking home automatically means a more valuable one. But when it comes time to sell, the market doesn’t always reward the upgrades you expect it to. Some projects are more about personal enjoyment than real return, and that gap can be expensive. Knowing home improvements that don’t add value helps you avoid investing in the wrong places.

We analyzed return on investment (ROI) data and consulted two top real estate agents to determine which upgrades don’t translate into higher home value. Below, we explain why these popular renovations often fall short of the returns homeowners expect.

Renovating? Check your home value first

How much is your home worth today? In as little as two minutes, HomeLight can provide you with a preliminary estimate of value in preparation of your plans to renovate, remodel, or make repairs.

1. DIY home improvement projects

While it might be tempting to spruce up your space with DIY projects like a faux fireplace or hand-painted cabinets, don’t expect these upgrades to add value to your home. According to top-selling Atlanta, GA, agent Madalyn Suits, buyers notice DIY projects from a mile away, for all of the wrong reasons.

“We use the phrase ‘lipstick on a pig’ a lot. When people try to put their hands on everything, it shows that someone tried to make it look good. Buyers might begin to think, ‘Did they do everything themselves?’” she shares.

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Comprehensive Closing Checklist for Home Sellers https://www.homelight.com/blog/closing-checklist/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:35 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=2297 Selling a home might feel like the hard part is over once you accept an offer, but closing day can still bring its own set of moving pieces. Between buyer requests, document prep, final walkthroughs, and escrow timelines, there’s still a lot that has to line up just right. Even small oversights at this stage can lead to delays or last-minute stress you weren’t expecting. That’s where a closing checklist can make a big difference.

It helps you stay organized, track what still needs to be done, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. With a clear plan in place, you can move toward closing with fewer surprises and a lot more peace of mind.

Connect with a Top Agent to Sail Through to Closing

Working with a top agent can help you get to closing day faster — and can get you more for your home sale. Make finding a top real estate agent in your area #1 on your home selling checklist.

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How to Avoid Being House Poor With These 8 Critical Buyer Tips https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-avoid-being-house-poor/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:15 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=22823 When you imagine paying a mortgage, does it make you feel a little queasy? Are you worried or anxious you won’t have any money left over at the end of the month?

You’re not alone. There’s a term for this scenario: It’s called being “house poor,” — when your housing costs eat up the bulk of your income. It’s an uncomfortable way to live, but you don’t have to resign yourself to it if you want to buy a house. You can have a mortgage and still afford the things you want in life.

Step one: Talk to a few buyer's agents!

Tell us a little bit about your plans (where you’re looking to buy and when you want to make a purchase) and we’ll connect you with top-rated buyer’s agents in your area. It takes only a few minutes, and it’s free.

But if you want to avoid being house poor, you’re going to need to do a little work upfront to make sure your home loan is going to be manageable for you once you’ve bought the house. (And with home values skyrocketing across much of the country, it’s possible that you might not be able to avoid being house poor, at least at first.)

We’ve combed through the lending data and talked to some experts to help you figure out exactly what you need to do to avoid being house poor — before signing that dotted line.

What does ‘house poor’ mean?

The basic definition of house poor means spending more than you can afford on your housing expenses. That means not just your mortgage payment but also other housing costs, such as insurance, taxes, and maintenance. When you’re house-poor, too much of your income is tied up in your house, making it difficult to pay for the other necessities of life.

How much is “too much” when it comes to housing expenses? Well, there are different measures, but financial experts commonly recommend you spend no more than 30% of your income on housing costs — and 28% is better. According to the latest Census data, real median household income did not increase significantly from $82,690 in 2023 to $83,730 in 2024. With a monthly income of about $6,976, it’s recommended not to spend more than $1,953 on your home each month.

That figure would include not just your mortgage, but your utilities, too. And home insurance and maintenance costs and taxes. Ouch.

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How to Create a Real Estate Listing That Gets More Showings https://www.homelight.com/blog/create-real-estate-listings/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:44 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=4975 Ask a group of Realtors to explain the purpose of real estate listings, and the truest answer you’ll receive is “to get showings.” Showings lead to offers, and offers lead to sales.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly all homebuyers use the internet during their home search. This means, to be competitive, your real estate listing needs to be magnetic — a scroll-stopper.

A strong listing does more than just describe your property. It combines professional photos, compelling details, and proper pricing to help buyers picture themselves living in your home.

If you’re preparing to sell, here’s how to create a real estate listing that attracts attention and gets more buyers through the door.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

1. Start with real professional photography

If there’s one area where sellers shouldn’t cut corners, it’s photography. This may seem obvious, but you might be surprised how often poor-quality listing photos are used, especially by less experienced, part-time, or discount agents.

Listing photos do most of the heavy lifting when buyers first discover your home online. In fact, eye-tracking studies reveal that buyers spend about 60% of their time looking at the listing’s photos, and the other 40% viewing property specs and agent comments (roughly 20% each).

HomeLight illustration

Professional photographers know how to use lighting, composition, and editing techniques to showcase your home’s strengths. They also understand which rooms deserve the most attention and how to present the property in a way that appeals to buyers.

“To list a property with poor pictures is like shooting yourself in the foot right out of the gate,” says Kathleen Caponigro, a top real estate agent in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region. “The photos are your hook to get people interested in the home.”

Professional photos are not only your best chance to schedule showings; research suggests they significantly speed up your sale and even boost your proceeds.

One study by VHT Studios, which analyzed over 200,000 real estate listings, found that professionally photographed homes sold 32% faster, reducing the average days on market (DOM) from 45 to 31.

Homes listed with professional photos also sold for $3,400 to $11,200 more than homes with amateur photos, depending on price range.

According to an imgix Digital Marketing Report, many potential buyers form an initial impression of a property within 20 seconds of viewing its online listing.

2. Prepare your home before the photoshoot

Even the best photographer can’t overcome clutter, dirt, or deferred maintenance.

Here are important steps to take before listing photos are taken:

Think of your photoshoot as a job interview for your home. Preparation matters. For expert tips on how to prepare, see our post, How to Declutter to Sell a House: 10 Key Rooms and Spaces.

3. Create a feature sheet for your agent

Your real estate agent will likely write your listing description, but you’re the person who knows your home best.

Caponigro says one of the most valuable things you can do before listing is create a simple feature sheet that outlines upgrades, improvements, and details buyers can’t see — or may not notice — in photos.

Some examples are:

  • A roof, HVAC system, or water heater that was recently replaced
  • A bonus room or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
  • Energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation, windows, or smart thermostats
  • Premium appliance brands and specialty features
  • Home security systems and smart-home technology
  • Custom built-ins or storage solutions
  • Major remodeling projects, like a kitchen or bathroom
  • Outdoor improvements such as decks, patios, landscaping, or irrigation systems
  • Unique architectural details or designer finishes

You can also share information buyers might not immediately recognize during a showing — easy commuting routes, neighborhood details, nearby trails, a popular coffee shop or farmers market, or other walkability advantages.

A thorough seller-provided feature sheet can also help the agent avoid generic real estate clichés such as “quaint,” “cozy,” or “cute.” Such overused words have become so common that many buyers simply tune them out.

Caponigro especially dislikes one popular phrase: “To me, saying ‘This one won’t last’ is the kiss of death. I just try to avoid it.”

4. Ask your agent about video and virtual tours

Photos remain the foundation of most real estate listings, but video can provide additional context.

Studies conducted by virtual tour service Panoee and Information Systems Research suggest that listings with more visual or interactive features receive more views and help the property sell faster than photo-only listings.

Depending on your market and property type, your agent may include these enhancements:

  • Video walkthroughs
  • Virtual tours
  • Floor plans
  • Drone photography

These tools can help buyers better understand your home’s layout and flow before scheduling a showing. More importantly, they help buyers envision themselves living in the home.

5. Make sure your price supports your listing

Even the most beautiful listing can’t overcome unrealistic pricing. If buyers believe a home is overpriced, they may skip it entirely.

Pricing and marketing work together. A competitive price attracts attention, while strong marketing helps buyers recognize the home’s value.

In fact, according to a recent nationwide HomeLight survey, 77% of real estate agents identified overpricing as the number-one mistake homeowners make when selling today.

Your agent should provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) and explain how your home’s price compares with similar recent sales in the area. If you hire a trusted, top agent, they will have the expertise to price your home right and avoid price reductions later.

A Top Agent Can Help You Prepare Your Home

A top real estate agent can guide you in selecting the right upgrades and repairs so you can get the highest sale proceeds possible. HomeLight’s data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more.

6. Seller tip: Partner with a trusted top agent

Professional photography, pricing strategy, MLS exposure, digital marketing, social media promotion, and showing coordination all play a role in how buyers respond to your home.

Working with an experienced real estate agent can help ensure every piece of the marketing plan works together to generate interest and attract qualified buyers.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects sellers with top-performing agents who know how to position homes effectively in their local markets. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

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How to Craft a Real Estate Offer Letter that Gets the House https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-real-estate-offer-letter/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:39 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=17472 After weeks of scrolling listings on homebuying apps, touring homes, and losing out on offers, it can feel like every house attracts a crowd of eager buyers. You may have a solid offer, but when multiple bids are on the table, standing out becomes a challenge. That’s why some homebuyers turn to a real estate offer letter as a way to add a personal touch beyond the numbers.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a real estate offer letter is, when it can help, and how to write one effectively.

Pair Your Offer Letter With Expert Guidance

Writing a compelling real estate offer letter is easier when you have professional guidance. Partner with a knowledgeable local agent who can help you present your strongest offer and stand out in a competitive market.

Why write an offer letter?

A real estate offer letter is a personal note from a homebuyer to a seller that accompanies a purchase offer and highlights why the buyer is interested in the home. At the end of the day, sellers are people too, and a simple, genuine note can help create a real emotional connection alongside your offer.

The business of buying and selling a house involves a lot of paperwork and a lot of numbers, and if the seller has competing offers that all look pretty similar to each other, they may find themselves looking for some sort of sign or feeling as to which one is the “right” one.

A letter that helps the seller make an emotional connection to you by sharing a little bit about yourself and what you like about the property has the potential to make your offer stand out from the crowd like a glowing beacon against the darkness of paper and math. Especially in seller’s markets, where there is lots of competition with other buyers, an offer letter can give you an edge.

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How to Build Equity in a Home: 12 Specific Tips https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-how-to-build-equity-in-a-home/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:19:23 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=48570 Many homeowners spend years making mortgage payments, fixing leaky faucets, and tackling weekend projects without giving much thought to what’s happening behind the scenes. While you’re busy living in your home, your property could be quietly growing in value right along with you.

It’s important to know which moves help make that value climb faster and which are mostly just sweat equity in the literal sense. That’s where understanding how to build equity in a home comes in. It can help you get more mileage out of every payment, project, and year you spend under your roof.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

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Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Nevada https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is-in-nevada/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:19:15 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=55596 Looking to sell a house “as is” in Nevada? Whether you’ve got a fixer-upper or recently inherited a relative’s home, sometimes you just want to sell the home quickly, skipping the hassle of repairs and scheduling showings.

Alex Adabashi, a top Nevada real estate agent with over 17 years of experience, says that the homes most commonly sold as-is are several decades old, by homeowners financially unable to bring these homes up to speed for a market sale. 

“[As-is sellers] do not [usually] have the funds to make the repairs needed,” Adabashi says. “Typically, it’s the homes that are 30 to 40 years old that the clients want to sell as-is,” he adds.

However, though selling a house “as is” usually means accepting a lower offer, it doesn’t prevent buyers from trying to negotiate savings. This guide will look at how to sell a house in Nevada, give you options for getting an offer, and explain what to expect from the process.

Fast facts about selling a house ‘as is’ in Nevada

The median sales price in Nevada (As of May 2026) $466,000
Average days on market (DOM) for Nevada 51 days
Disclosures Nevada law requires sellers to disclose material facts about the property through the Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Form
Does MLS have a field to mark a listing “as is”? No
Is a real estate attorney required? Real estate attorneys are not considered essential for closing in the state of Nevada
Real estate transfer taxes? $1.95 for each $500 of value (or fraction thereof) if the value exceeds $100.

What is ‘as is’ condition in real estate?

“As is” is a type of home sale in which it’s understood that no improvements will be made to the property. When selling a house “as is,” the seller chooses not to entertain buyers’ requests to complete repairs or provide credit for fixes.

An as-is sale may also indicate that the functionality and longevity of certain home components, such as major appliances like the refrigerator, is winding down. Additionally, the roof could be in poor condition. Nothing about the condition of the home is guaranteed.

When selling a house “as is,” the general condition of the property should already be accounted for in the purchase price of the home to the best of the seller’s knowledge.

Which types of homes are sold ‘as is’?

Homes sold “as is” often need some work or could be cosmetically outdated. You’re not likely to put this label on a listing in pristine, move-in-ready condition. 

“As is” sales often attract investors searching for their next flip or buyers seeking a bargain, perhaps on a home in a great location with lots of potential.

What problems do you have to disclose in Nevada?

Selling a house “as is” in Nevada doesn’t mean sweeping known problems about the house under the rug.

A good time to complete the Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Form is before listing your home or requesting an offer so that you know it’s taken care of.

According to the document, the seller must report all known conditions affecting the property.

The form will walk you through documenting what you know about the electrical system, plumbing, etc.

You’ll also be prompted to fill out information about:

  • Structural issues
  • Roof issues
  • History of infestation
  • Mold issues

No matter what method you choose to sell your home, it’s required to make these disclosures to the best of your ability.

“The major things that need to be disclosed are known structural issues, and the most common item overlooked is issues that have happened in the past, such as floods inside the home and mold damage,” Adabashi says.

“I think they need to really take the time and think through past repairs that they’ve done and make sure that they disclose everything. Over-disclosure is better than less disclosure,” says Craig Tann, a HomeLight Elite Agent with over 22 years of experience. 

“Over-disclosure doesn’t necessarily mean you’re gonna scare away the buyer. In fact, I think it’s more of a positive where if a buyer knows that you’re being honest about all previous issues, then I think there’s less chance of them backing out of the deal,” Tann adds.

Review your options to sell ‘as is’ in Nevada

The main options to sell a house ‘as is’ include:

List ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

A great real estate agent will provide assistance throughout the process of listing and selling a home “as is.” An agent gives simple presentation tips to improve marketing, helps to set an appropriate price that reflects the home’s condition, and works to find a buyer willing and eager to buy your home in its current state.

Sell directly to a cash buyer

Someone needing to sell their home “as is” can also work directly with a property investor or house-buying company rather than list, where it may be difficult to get an offer from a limited buyer pool.

We Buy Houses operations buy “as is” at a discounted rate and generally seek out homes in need of significant repairs. These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a seller’s closing costs.

Steps to list ‘as is’ with the help of a real estate agent

Find an agent willing to list the home ‘as is’

Your choice of real estate agent always matters, but even more so when selling a property “as is.” It’s important to find the right match. You’re looking for an agent who doesn’t shy away from listings that need a little TLC and maybe has a strong network of investor connections.

Consider a pre-listing inspection

A pre-listing home inspection is the same as a standard home inspection except that the seller pays for it before listing their home on the market. It may sound like a counterintuitive step for an as-is sale, but getting the inspection results upfront can illuminate any issues that could impact the value of the home and inform an accurate pricing strategy.

If a buyer requests further price deductions based on their own inspection, you can point out that the estimated cost of certain repairs was already baked into the list price.

Adabashi says a pre-listing inspection is an “absolute yes” when selling your home “as-is.”

“The [main] benefits are being able to tell the interested buyers the condition of the home, upfront, from a professional’s point of view,” he says.

Price to reflect ‘as is’ condition

The median sale price for homes in Nevada hit $466,000 in May 2026, a slight increase compared to the year prior. 

You can start with a free estimate from HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator (HVE).

Going with a Realtor that understands how investors think is really important,” Tann says. 

“You usually end up at fair market value or sometimes even better, at least in the Las Vegas market. So, really it’s property specific, condition-specific, and really having an agent that understands, that’s well-versed and understands, when to price it 10% under market value or 15%  and when to price it just slightly under, if the goal is to just get a fast sale,” Tann adds.

Our HVE combs public data, including tax records and assessments, and pulls recent sales records for other properties in your neighborhood. Using a short questionnaire, we also factor in specifics about your home, such as the property type and described condition. Input your address, and we’ll provide you with a preliminary home value estimate in under two minutes.

How Much Is Your Nevada Home Worth Now?

Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.

Do ever-so-light preparations

Abadashi says that the most important thing is the initial impression of the home from a visual standpoint.

“Visually, [just] getting the property to look its best. Removing any old furniture, pulling weeds out of the yard, and making sure there are no cars broken down in front of the house. We recommend professional cleaning, including the windows,” he says.

Photograph to show potential

Your home listing warrants professional photography regardless of its condition. A professional photographer will take steps to shoot each room from the best angle, ensure optimal interior and natural lighting, and edit for the ideal brightness and exposure.

A high-quality camera with a wide-angle lens is also essential to showcasing entire rooms rather than half or three-quarters of what’s there. For these reasons and more, professionally photographed homes can help earn homeowners up to a 47% higher asking price per square foot compared to houses marketed without professional photos.

Your real estate agent will almost always arrange for professional photos as part of the listing process.

Highlight the surrounding area

A home’s location will be important to buyers seeking out a home with potential. Mention in your as-is listing if your home is close to any of the following:

  • Downtown areas
  • Major employers
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Sports venues and entertainment districts
  • Waterfront views or access (ocean or a lake)
  • Highly rated schools
  • Access to outdoor activities
  • Public transportation

Include ‘as is’ in the listing

Unless you explicitly mention that your house is being sold “as is,” buyers will have no idea of your intentions with the listing. Other common descriptors mentioned in as-is listings in Nevada include priced to sell, fixer-upper, handyman special, or a “call for investors.”

To balance the focus on as-is condition, work with your agent to craft a property description that highlights the best features of the home.

Understand buyers may still negotiate

Listing “as is” provides no guarantee that buyers won’t try to negotiate savings on their purchase, even on an asking price you felt was already reduced to reflect the home’s condition. One of the best defenses you can have is an agent who takes a hard stance to prevent a deal from going south for the seller.

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans

When you place your home on the market, it’s hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

But if you do end up working with a financed buyer, be aware that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have different minimum property standards. These are standards related to the overall condition of a property, which will play a role in the willingness and/or ability of a lender to finance a buyer’s loan.

Before properties can be financed, their value and condition is typically examined by a state-licensed, independent appraiser contracted by the buyer’s mortgage company.

If you’re unsure whether your home will meet appraisal requirements, you can start by taking a look at the FHA minimum property standards. If your house complies with FHA, then it complies with most other lenders’ requirements.

Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one

On occasion, conventional lenders may even finance a fixer-upper property sold “as is,” and it’s not impossible to finance a fixer-upper with an FHA loan. However, if you’re selling a house “as is” — especially one that needs heftier repairs — you may want to consider accepting a cash offer if you receive one. Cash eliminates the lender-ordered appraisal as well as the time it takes to close on the buyer’s loan, creating a faster and clearer path to settlement.

Pros of listing a home ‘as is’: 

  • Save time and money on prep work
  • Possibility of reducing negotiations from the inspection
  • Solution for out-of-state owners and inherited homes

Cons of listing a home ‘as is’:

  • Limited buyer pool
  • Expect lower offers
  • Negotiations and repairs aren’t always off the table

Steps to sell directly to a cash buyer

Now that we’ve covered the general process of listing a home “as is,” let’s discuss the alternative of working with an investor. While the process varies from business to business, the steps to selling your home to a house-buying company typically go something like this:

  1. Decision: A homeowner decides a traditional listing isn’t for them. Perhaps their house needs a lot of work, or they do not want to host any showings or open houses. They’re concerned about finding a buyer willing to purchase their home “as is” in its current state.
  2. Contact: A seller contacts a company that buys homes in their area and provides some basic information about their home.
  3. Preliminary offer: At this stage, some house-buying companies will provide a preliminary offer that is subject to change after a house assessment.
  4. Assessment: The company schedules a walkthrough of the property to evaluate its condition, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
  5. Firm offer: The company makes a firm offer (usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walkthrough), which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
  6. Closing: If you accept the offer, you and the company will each sign the contract, and closing will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
  7. Payment: The seller receives payment quickly, typically within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.

If you aren’t sure where to get a cash offer, consider Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight. With Simple Sale, you tell us a bit about your home, such as whether it’s a single-family or condo, and how much work it needs. From there, we’ll provide you with a full cash offer to buy your home in as little as a week.

Skip repairs

No need to call the roof inspector or drain your savings to replace the HVAC. HomeLight will provide an offer for homes in almost any condition.

Sell when it’s convenient

Want to get out right away? Or need a little more time to pack? Either way, we’re flexible. Pick a move date that works for your schedule within 30 days of closing.

Close with certainty

Cash buyers don’t need a lender’s involvement to purchase a home, meaning they can move nimbly and quickly compared to someone who needs financing. With Simple Sale, you can close in as little as 7 days, compared to the 25-65 days or longer it typically takes to close with a financed buyer.

Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it firsthand from one of our valued clients in the video below.

Additional We Buy Houses companies in Nevada

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the leading companies that purchase homes “as is” for cash in Nevada and information about each.

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Need Help Paying for Home Repairs in Michigan? There Are Programs That Can Help! https://www.homelight.com/blog/grants-for-home-repairs-in-michigan/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:19:07 +0000 https://www.homelight.com/blog/?p=33212 Home repairs are a necessary but expensive part of owning a home. For Michigan homeowners who qualify, there are grants and low-interest loans that can help cover home repairs, updates, and renovations that improve the home and, by extension, the neighborhood and the larger community.

Here, we’ve rounded up a variety of loans and grants for home repairs in Michigan, along with the requirements for each program and where to find the application. We’ve also included tips for how to find programs in your specific county or city.

Are You Overwhelmed With Repairs on Your Aging Home?

Whether you are downsizing or just want to skip repairs and move on, HomeLight can provide a no-obligation cash offer in as little as one week, even if your home needs work. You can also choose a move-out date that works with your schedule up to 30 days from closing. Learn more today!

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development offers Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Michigan. This program is also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program. It provides low-interest home loans to low-income homeowners so they can repair, improve, and modernize their homes. To qualify, homeowners must meet income requirements, and the property must be in an eligible rural area.

Homeowners who qualify for low-income loans can receive a maximum loan of $40,000 with a 1% fixed interest rate and a 20-year term length. Homeowners at least 62 years old who meet the income limits can apply for a grant with a lifetime limit of $10,000.

Requirements:

  • Applicant must be the homeowner and occupy the house
  • Applicant must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
  • Household income must be within the very low income limit
  • For grants, applicant must be age 62 or older and not able to repay a repair loan

Apply through your local Rural Development office.

Revive (Neighborhood Impact Program)

The Revive Home Repair Grant, formerly known as the Neighborhood Impact Program (NIP) through the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Indianapolis participating member institutions, for example, offer subsidies up to $15,000 to complete eligible home rehabilitation or repair projects. You can check with your bank to see if they offer the Revive Home Repair Program.

Requirements:

  • Have total household income less than or equal to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) based on household size
  • Existing mortgage and property taxes must be current and paid as agreed
  • Must sign an acknowledgment identifying the contractor(s) used for the repairs
  • Recipients should have only one Bank grant of any kind for the same property in a five-year period unless prior grants have been repaid or their retention period has expired

Aside from deferred maintenance repairs, Revive – Home Repair Grant can also be used for accessibility modifications and upgrades, which used to be covered under FHLBank Indianapolis’ Accessibility Modifications Program (AMP).

Visit the Revive program site to view the full requirements.

Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program

The Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program offers home repairs for low-income homeowners who need help with home maintenance due to either physical or financial hardship. While this is a Habitat for Humanity program, local Habitat for Humanity organizations oversee the applications and completion of projects. In some cases, an affordable loan is made to the homeowner, and their payments are then placed in a revolving fund used to fund other Home Preservation repairs.

To apply, search for the Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program in your area, for instance, Northeast Michigan and Oakland County.

Michigan Home Repairs

Michigan’s State Emergency Relief can assist with home repairs needed to remedy unsafe living conditions and repair essential home systems. This program offers repairs for the furnace, hot water heaters, and septic systems, as well as non-energy-related repairs.

Requirements:

  • The applicant must be the owner or purchaser of the home. The applicant can hold a life estate or life lease on the home and have the responsibility of repairs
  • Must be the applicant’s permanent, usual residence
  • The home cannot be listed for sale
  • The home cannot be in jeopardy of loss
  • The applicant must be able to afford the ongoing cost of maintaining the home. Total housing costs cannot exceed 75% of the household’s net income

You can apply through the MIBridges website.

Mi Lead Safe

If you’re concerned about lead levels in your home or drinking water, the Mi Lead Safe Home Program allows you to apply for home lead services, learn about lead in drinking water, and find out where to get a blood lead test.

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