# CityLife Home Buyers We Buy Houses for Cash - Sell My House Fast Pittsburgh - Site: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/ ## Vacant - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/vacant/ - Published: 2023-03-23T15:10:20-04:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh How to sell a vacant house for top dollar Do you have an unwanted property sitting vacant, “deteriorating” away?  Maybe windows have been smashed, the interior trashed, and code enforcement notices are piling up?  In either case, I want to show you how to sell a vacant property quickly and hassle- free — while still getting the most dollar for its value.  First off, let’s talk about why it’s difficult to sell a vacant house…  Then we’ll transition into some serious liability issues. # Why you can’t sell a vacant house…  If you’ve only been vacant for a couple of months… then you’ll have no issues selling it. However, the problem exists when you have missing/broken items (even small) where no bank will loan on the house. And if a bank doesn’t loan a property, no traditional buyer can purchase it.  Here’s a list of “property criteria” that a bank needs to see before lending on it: 1. No termites or wood-destroying insects  2. No damage to the roof 3. No damage to the exterior (cracks in walls, beams showing, compromised wall, etc) 4. No foundation damage 5. No loose writing 6. No exposed electrical 7. All utility functioning properly 8. Must have safe and reasonable access 9. The heating system must be operating normally and heat the house properly 10. No chipping or peeling lead-based paint 11. Adequate access to crawl spaces and ventilation in crawl spaces 12. Properly functioning water heater 13. Access to tap water 14. No mold or any other health concerns (like animal or human feces) 15. No safety concerns (like having a steep staircase without handrails) 16. Must be considered “marketable” (Can it sell? Is it pleasing to buyers?) If any one of these is “broken”, then can’t get a buyer to get a loan on it until it’s fixed.  To figure out beforehand, if you need any crucial items fixed before listing…  then, it’s best to get an inspection done (Usually costs anywhere from $250-$500), so you can get a list of things to tackle.  ## Or you can always call your local cash buyers CityLife Residential, to give you a fair cash offer to buy it off your hands as it sits… we love taking on these projects! Just call us at: (412) 744-2366 Liabilities of keeping a vacant house **Let me encourage you to not let your house sit for too long… ** You see, right now, in @Property_City and surrounding areas, there are squatters on the lookout for houses like yours. A house they can break into and take shelter in.  Then they move their stuff in… they use your toilet (even if it doesn’t flush)… they leave trash… they start fires to warm up… the rodents then follow…  All these things pile up.  And an overlooked big liability is children getting hurt and their parents suing you because the door was unlocked (I guess the squatters forgot to lock it)  I know this sounds like fear-mongering, but it does happen. You see it from time to time in the local news about kids playing in a vacant house and getting hurt. Don’t let a vacant house sit for too long. People move in, repairs pile up, and the house deteriorates.  # How to value a vacant house This can be a tough one especially if you’ve got a bit of updates that need to be done, or any bank loan-required items are missing.  In order to get a value of your house, you need to find similar homes like yours in size and condition that have recently sold in the 6 months to 1 year. But the problem is that a lot of vacant homes (that need work) don’t typically sell in the open market. They sell off-market to investors or family members. Just know, that if your property needs work done, the house will be worth significantly less than the updated retail homes selling on the open market.  NOTE: check out our article on [“how to fix a property and what items are work remodeling”](http://www.citylifehomebuyers.com/repair) # **Who you can sell to** If your house won’t be able to sell to a traditional buyer (a family looking for a “move-in ready” home), then your only option is an investor.  They are usually the only ones willing to fix up a house (sometimes you find a family that loves rehab projects and have the type to fix up their primary residence, but they are rare to find). So with that, you have two choices:  1. Sell on the open market waiting for an investor to make an offer — (Investors on the open market typically buy at a big discount AND you still have to pay closing costs and agent fees) 2. Or… Sell it off-market to an investor, without an agent — (there are SOME investors that go directly to the property owner (like us), who’ll make you a fair cash offer with no fees or closing costs attached.  ## If you’d like to see our cash offer… please don’t hesitate to call us!  ## Dial (412) 744-2366 today for a Commission-free, repair-free, cash offer!  The post [Vacant](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/vacant/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## Tenant - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/tenant/ - Published: 2023-03-23T15:09:04-04:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh How to sell a house quickly and hassle-free with tenants You’ve spent years collecting rent, and now you want to sell that property. But there’s a problem!  The tenants are still inside and you don’t know what to do.  The good news is you have choices… the bad news is…. You have many choices, which can make decision-making difficult. So, as property owners ourselves we’ve dealt with these kinds of situations. So we’ve written a guide to help you with that decision. Everything from getting the highest price, to what you need to do today to sell. Let’s get started…  ## As a landlord, you have 3 choices to get your rental sold: 1. Vacate tenants, remodel, sell retail (Highest price, most hassle, most costly) — Selling traditionally in the retail market will give you the highest price. However, it comes with a few requirements. For one, families buying the property to live in it will expect a clean and repair-free house; Very few want a fixer-upper, and very few (if any) want to deal with tenants. To get the highest price for your property you’ll need:– No tenants when you list– Clean and free of clutter– Somewhat updated ([see this article on “How to repair a property to sell”](http://www.citylifehomebuyers.com/repair))– Patience to wait 71 for a buyer to come.*Extra costs: evicting a tenant can be costly in time, money, and patience. If an official eviction is the only way to vacate the property, that can be costly in legal fees and not worth the time. 2. Vacate tenants, sell as-is to an investor (Some Hassle, lower price than retail)— Typically, in real estate, there are a few “price tags” for your home. You have the “as-it-sits price” which is what someone will take for your house with tenants and in the shape, it’s currently in. And there’s the FULL retail price (or “after repair”), which is what is worth when it’s cleaned up, has no tenants, and is completely updated to market standards — see [this repair article](http://www.citylifehomebuyers.com/repair) on what remodel items are worth doing or not. 3. Sell with tenants, as-is (No hassle, lowest price) — Some (but not many) will buy the house with the tenants inside. However, this is (typically) the lowest price you can get for the property from most inventors. However, for a small deduction, it frees up a lot of hassle and headaches However,  there are some investors (like us), that see the value in having tenants in the house and pay a fair price regardless of whether or not there are tenants: call us to find out what we can offer on your property: (412) 744-2366 To help you make your decision here are a few extra tidbits of info: 1. A good agent/realtor will give you a few options — Depending on your situation, they may advise you to just sell to an investor. However, you’ll not only get the lowest price but ALSO pay 12900 in commission (that’s the average commission payout in @Property_City. If you sell directly to an investor (like us), you’ll pay no commission and no fees. 2. If you have time and patience your best bet is Retail — if you have nothing but time, consider selling it the traditional way: vacate the property (hopefully they’ll leave with no problem), remodel/update, clean up, and list it with an agent. This process will most likely take a couple of months or more (depending on how many updates it needs, then you have the average time it takes to sell a home in @Property_City. [See this article on how to prepare a house to sell](http://www.citylifehomebuyers.com/vacant) in @Property_City 3. Know the hidden fees — Depending on how you sell, you’ll have to pay a huge amount in agent fees and closing costs. So take that into consideration when selling the traditional way. At CityLife Residential, we PAY for your closing costs, and you’ll pay no agent fees with us.  There’s a huge range of choices to make, but it falls under whether or not your situation allows you to wait, make repairs, and sell retail…. Or just sell to an investor.  To get a fair offer on your property today (with no hidden fees and with or without tenants), give us a call today!   Dial (412) 744-2366 for a fair offer today. The post [Tenant](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/tenant/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## Repair - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/repair/ - Published: 2023-03-23T15:07:14-04:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh What Home Repairs Give You The Most Value…  # … and how to repair your house to sell fast!  Want to sell your property for top dollar?  House in shambles but you want to sell? Well, CityLife Residential is going to give you the low-down on making repairs and remodels to help you sell your property for the highest dollar possible. Because truth be told… there are some “remodel investments” that just don’t give any money back. Many homeowners think that any remodel update increases the value of your home… not true. And after years of experimenting and remodeling ourselves,  we’ve written this guide to help you make the right decision in the realm of “remodeling and repairs”. Here we’ll cover:  1. Do you even need to remodel?  2. What remodel items give you $$$ back 3. How and where to start — and mistakes that can cost you $$$ 4. How to sell without ever swinging a hammer, while still getting top dollar So, let’s get started…  # Do you even need to remodel?  There are times and places when you just don’t even need to remodel (or do much besides paint).  And it narrows down to 2 factors:  1. Market cycle 2. Condition of your house in comparison to the others There will be “high years” and there will be “low years”. During “high years”, there are TONS of people shopping for homes, and buying everything no matter what they look like. But during “low times” there are very few buyers and they are picky and only choose the “best ones”. Let’s give some scenarios to help…  Let’s say it’s a “high time” in the economy. And you have a basic tract home in a desirable neighborhood. And people are buying up properties around your town like crazy. And your house is clean, maybe just needs some paint but that’s all. The kitchen and bathrooms are originals from 2000. In that case, you DON’T need to remodel your house. Remodel probably won’t raise the price of your home one bit.  Let’s look at a second scenario:  It’s a stable time in the economy. But your house doesn’t look too good; The kids left big scratches in the paint, they drew on the walls, your kitchen and bathrooms are from 1996 or later, and you’ve got some chipped tile.  You take a look around your neighborhood and the houses that are like yours (in size and model), are recently updated and selling for $300,000 (for example). But the houses that need some work… are selling for $240,00 (if you need help figuring this out, you can call a local agent, OR call us at (412) 744-2366).  A basic cosmetic remodel won’t be over $60,000 more like $25,000+ depending on the size and extent of the damage. So putting in some money, time, and elbow grease can give you some money back.  When do you absolutely need a remodel no matter the market? If you have FUNCTIONAL problems in the house:  * Odors * Broken floors * Non-working appliances, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.  * Foundational issues Sometimes this could be a house destroyed by tenants (if you have tenants and you’re looking to sell, make sure you check out our article [“how to sell fast with tenants” Sometimes this could be a vacant house that’s been trashed by squatters, or sitting,“ rotting” away. If so, check out our article on [“How to sell a vacant house for top dollar” It’s Much harder to sell houses “as-is” with functional problems because the only buyers willing to take those are investors.  # What items give you $$$ back When remodeling, some items are just a pure waste of time and money; things that do not raise the value of your property one bit.  But there are others that you should be paying attention to, and can potentially lift the value and desirability of your home.  Let’s start with a list in order of importance:  1. Broken “functionality” items (Lift value and decrease time spent on the market — If you have broken: HVAC, electrical/plumbing problems, foundational issues, Leaky roof, broken fence/gate, broken doors/windows, broken floors (chipped, cracked)… you need to get these items fixed ASAP. Because the only buyers will be investors. 2. Bathrooms (lift value and decrease time spent on the market) — This should be top on your list. They bring up the resale value and they say you can actually get a 40% return on your investment. The average cost of a DIY bathroom remodel ranges from $2,000-$10,000. 3. Kitchens (lift value and decrease time spent on the market) — This is the first thing buyers see, and it’s the one thing that buyers will pay a premium for if the kitchen is upgraded. Some things to upgrade are luxury appliances, quartz countertops, backsplash, new floor tile if it’s chipped (or just deeply cleaned if it’s really grimy), and new cabinets if they’re broken or extremely outdated (or just fresh paint if they’re decent)… The average cost of a DIY full kitchen remodel ranges from $5,000 – $50,000 4. Exterior (Decrease time spent on the market but won’t do too much to raise the value) — Curbside appeal is what attracts good buyers. When buyers are scrolling through listings, they make their decision on whether or not the front looks good. Here are some items that can give your curbside look a “facelift”: fresh paint, landscape (trimming bushes, getting rid of dead plants and leaves, getting the grass green), new garage door (if it’s outdated (the old “death trap” doors buyers steer away from), or just give a nice cleaning and replace windows if its a newer door), Sidings (if they can’t be painted over)… the average total DIY cost of all these can range from $3,000-$8,000 for a 1,500 square foot house. 5. Interior (Decrease time spent on the market and can potentially give you some lift in value) — This may or may not be needed (the first three tasks are TOP priority). But when a buyer walks through your house, what will they see? Clutter? Bubbled vinyl or laminate flooring? Old ugly paint? Old furniture? If you said yes to any of those, you might need an update. And the total DIY cost of all these can range from $4,000 (for only paint) to $12,000 for a 1,500 sq ft house. Not a long list… But it gives you an idea of where to start. Alright on to the next items…  # How and where to start Now that you have an idea of what you need to repair…  Let’s figure out if you’re going to DIY or hire someone. Of course, this is 100% up to you and your abilities, time, and resources. If you’re skilled, DIY can save you a LOAD of money. The quotes I gave you above are rough estimates with the lower ranges being DIY prices; meaning the lower numbers are material only.  But if you hire a contractor (and we’ll talk about how to hire one in a bit), you can double the amount you spend on the material.  How to hire a contractor **There are 2 types: subcontractors and general contractors. ** A subcontractor is someone like a painter, an electrician, or a plumber; someone you hire to do one job, like fixing all the GFCI outlets in your house, for example. A general contractor is someone who does ALL the jobs needed for your house. So if you have a “laundry” list of big repairs items like Bathrooms, floors, and paint… Then the general contractor will handle it all for you. He/She usually knows subcontractors. He’ll give you one big quote to complete the entire remodeling job.  Which to choose?  A general contractor will be more expensive…. But it’s very “hands-off”. So our recommendation is if it’s a very lengthy “to-do” list with complicated jobs, and you lack time, then it’s best to get a general contractor. If it’s only 1-3 minor jobs, then you can get away with finding your own subcontractors.  2 Words of warning:  1. **DO hire a licensed contractor…  Someone who is licensed also has insurance for their business. Someone who’s NOT licensed and gets hurt while working on your property can sue you.**** 2. DO tell your insurance about your remodel BEFORE you start… If anything happens( like a fire for example) to your home while under construction, your insurance WILL NOT cover the damage because you didn’t alert them about the work you were doing to the house. Some may raise the insurance just a tiny bit only WHILE you’re working on the house… but it’s worth the small cost.  Because you can’t predict accidents. And if it does happen, you won’t have the damage paid for by your insurance. # A faster way to sell without swinging a hammer while still getting top dollar?  And if you want to skip all that time and money on remodeling but STILL get a top- of-market offer that’s fair based on the current value of your house…  You can always give us a call: (412) 744-2366 We give fair offers based on current values.  Dial us or text me at: (412) 744-2366 And we’ll be happy to assist you with your situation!  The post [Repair](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/repair/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## Equity - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/equity/ - Published: 2023-03-23T15:00:06-04:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh # A New Way To Sell Your Property At Top Price, Effortlessly! With No Low-Ball-Investor Offers…  _Dear homeowner, _ If you’re reading this right now, it’s probably because you’ve already been presented with our brand new “Equity Protection Program”.  Here’s the recap of it:  1. You pay for no extra costs — We agree and sign to a net price. This is the NET amount you’ll receive (before debt and liens). No commissions or closing costs are in that (we pay for all that). 2. You do none of the work — We’ll do ALL the heavy lifting of selling the property: marketing it to our network and on the MLS, showings, dealing with appraisals, inspections, and contractors 3. Never be bothered by agents or buyers — While we’re handling the concessions, the inspections, and the “back-and-forth” with buyers and agents… you’ll never be bothered by us or any buyers. 4. You get your promised NET amount — After we facilitate the sale, and pay for all the marketing costs, the closing costs, and any other fees associated with selling… you get 100% of the original price we agreed on! 5. BONUS: Never pay for post-sale repairs — Sometimes buyers might want some work done on the house. We’ll handle those for you at our expense. It’s literally the easiest way to get your best price AND stay completely “out of the weeds” from selling a property.  So by this point…  You’ve been selected and offered this Equity Protection Program…  All we ask is for you to be flexible with time of sale (since we’ll be facilitating the sale and finding the right buyer for you)… and allow us reasonable access (if you need us to coordinate with tenants on your behalf we’re more than happy to). But still…  You might be asking: ## What happens if you don’t find a buyer? Well first off, just like when listing it with an agent, the price is unfortunately not guaranteed.  If you need a guarantee of sale… we can talk about those other options. We have those options for you, just reply back to this email.  However, there are big differences between listing it with an agent and using our Equity Protection Program… ## How’s this different from a listing with an agent?  1. We have a larger network of buyers than agents so it means with us you have a much better chance of getting your house sold and done with. 2. They’ll still nag you to clean things up, or get repairs done (With us, you don’t to do anything except sign the agreement) 3. With an agent, you don’t know how much your NET will be after they deduct closing costs and commission (with us the NET we agree is what you’ll get paid (not including any debt), so we pay for all other costs above your net promised). 4. Agents will only be looking for “as-is” buyers who are low ball (with us, we have networks of retail buyers, and hedge funds that are happy to pay full retail… and we market the property much better than agents). 5. With agents you still have to deal with appraisers and inspectors contacting you( with us, we’re happy to take on all that for you). ## How is this different from your cash offer? 1. The cash offer is much lower in price than what you get with the Equity Protection Program… Because our cash offer is guaranteed and we can close very fast, it only works this way if it’s a discounted cash offer… with the Equity Protection Program it’s a much higher price in your pocket. 2. Our cash offer typically closes in 14 days… the Equity Protection Program needs a few more weeks. 3. Our cash offer needs less access (we just need a couple of visits to verify repair costs)… The Equity Protection Program needs more access to the property. 4. With our cash offer, we’ll close with our own funding or from our partners… The Equity Protection Program reaches out to a network of buyers, negotiates, and sells your property to them on your behalf without any hassle or costs to you. ## Cons of the Equity Protection Program: 1. It’s not suited for those that need to sell in less than a month — takes longer than a cash offer 2. It’s not suited for properties that need repairs or have non-paying tenants — these are harder to sell to buyers without being low balled; however you’ll find that our cash offer doesn’t care how many repairs or what type of tenants you have.  ## Benefits of the Equity Protection Program: 1. You get a much higher cash offer than normal 2. No commission attached 3. Less hassle than a traditional listing (We don’t demand anything from you, and we do all the heavy lifting) 4. No closing costs  So then why consider the Equity Protection Program?  Because if you desire the BEST price with the convenience of a NO HASSLE sale…  … Then this might be your best.  ### If you’ve been selected and presented with this Equity Protection Program from us, and you’d like to continue with it… ## Then call us today to start the selling process!  ## (412) 744-2366 The post [Equity](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/equity/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## Why is it better to sell your distressed Pittsburgh Property - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/why-is-it-better-to-sell-your-distressed-pittsburgh-property/ - Published: 2023-02-16T08:35:08-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![Sell Distressed Property in Pittsburgh](https://cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/40191/ 2023/03/image.png) Selling a distressed property can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It can also be emotionally taxing, particularly if the property holds sentimental value. However, sometimes selling a distressed property is the best course of action. If you are a homeowner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and you find yourself in this situation, there are several reasons why it is better to sell your distressed property. 1. **Avoiding Foreclosure** One of the most common reasons why people choose to sell their distressed properties is to avoid foreclosure. If you are behind on your mortgage payments and are unable to catch up, the lender may initiate foreclosure proceedings. Foreclosure can have a devastating impact on your credit score and financial future. Selling your distressed property can help you avoid foreclosure and the associated negative consequences. 2. **Saving Money** Distressed properties often require a significant amount of money to bring them up to livable standards. If you are unable or unwilling to invest in costly repairs and renovations, selling your property as-is can be a more cost-effective solution. You may be able to sell the property for a lower price, but you will save money on repairs and other associated costs. 3. **Avoiding Legal and Financial Issues** Distressed properties can come with a variety of legal and financial issues that can be challenging to navigate. For example, if the property has liens, judgments, or other legal encumbrances, selling the property can be complicated. Selling your distressed property to a cash buyer or real estate investor can help you avoid these legal and financial issues. 4. **Moving On** Distressed properties can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. Selling the property can help you move on with your life and alleviate the emotional burden associated with owning a distressed property. Selling your property quickly can help you avoid further stress and anxiety associated with owning a property that you no longer want or need. 5. **Quick Sale** Selling a distressed property can be challenging, but working with a cash buyer or real estate investor can make the process much more manageable. These types of buyers often offer quick sales, allowing you to sell your property in a matter of days or weeks, rather than months. In conclusion, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to sell your distressed property, there are several reasons why it is better to do so. Selling your property can help you avoid foreclosure, save money, avoid legal and financial issues, move on with your life, and achieve a quick sale. If you are ready to sell your distressed property, consider working with a cash buyer or real estate investor who can make the process more manageable and less stressful. The post [Why is it better to sell your distressed Pittsburgh Property](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/why-is-it-better-to-sell-your-distressed-pittsburgh-property/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## 6 Reasons why Pittsburgh, PA is the best place to live in 2023 - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/6-reasons-why-pittsburghpa-is-the-best-place-to-live-in-2023/ - Published: 2023-01-27T20:34:36-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is one of the best place to live in now a days](https:// cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/40191/2023/02/1-1024x402.png) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a city that is often overlooked when it comes to great places to live in the United States. However, Pittsburgh, PA is a charming city located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers has a lot to offer and is becoming increasingly popular among people looking to relocate. Here are a few reasons why Pittsburgh, PA is the best place to live now. **Affordable cost of living** Pittsburgh is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the US. This means that residents in Pittsburgh, PA can enjoy a high standard of living without having to spend a lot of money. Housing costs in Pittsburgh are particularly affordable, making it an attractive option for people looking to buy a home. **Growing job market** Pittsburgh is home to a diverse economy with a growing job market. The city has a strong presence in the healthcare, education, and technology sectors. This has increased job opportunities in Pittsburgh, making it an ideal place for people looking for work. **Rich culture and history** Pittsburgh has a rich history and culture, with many museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore. Pittsburgh is also home to a thriving music and theater scene and several annual festivals and events. **Natural beauty** Pittsburgh is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Pittsburgh is surrounded by beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the famous Point State Park, which offers stunning views of the downtown skyline. **Sports** Pittsburgh is a sports-loving city and is home to two major league teams, the Steelers( football) and the Penguins (hockey). It’s an excellent place for sports enthusiasts who can enjoy the games live and the city’s lively atmosphere during the games. **Food** Pittsburgh is known for its delicious and diverse food scene. There’s something for every palate from traditional pierogies to Primanti’s sandwiches. The city is also home to many craft breweries and wineries, making it an excellent place for food and drink enthusiasts. In conclusion, Pittsburgh is a city that has a lot to offer. With its affordable cost of living, growing job market, rich culture and history, natural beauty, sports, and food scene, it’s no wonder that Pittsburgh is becoming an increasingly popular place to live. It’s a great place to live now and has a lot of potential for the future. The post [6 Reasons why Pittsburgh, PA is the best place to live in 2023](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/6-reasons-why-pittsburghpa-is-the-best-place-to-live-in-2023/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## 4 Reasons Why Selling Your Home on Your Own Can Be a Huge Mistake for Property Owners - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/selling-your-home-on-your-own-can-be-huge-mistake/ - Published: 2023-01-20T00:00:00-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![](https://cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/1410/2022/12/4-Reasons-Why-Selling-Your- Home-on-Your-Own-Can-Be-a-Huge-Mistake-for-Property-Owners.png) If you’re selling your home, you may be tempted, like many other sellers, to go the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route in order to avoid paying that irksome agent commission. But you might want to think again before you take that step. But the simple fact is that most sellers who work with an agent sell for more and more quickly. And there are other major benefits you’ll miss out on if you try to do it yourself. Read on, then, to discover 4 reasons why selling your home on your own can be a huge mistake for property owners. ## **1. Much Less Market Exposure ** Maybe the biggest mistake you’ll make when selling your home on your own is that you will drastically limit your market exposure. These days it takes a lot more to sell a home than a for-sale sign in the front yard. “What [homeowners don’t] realize is how many buyers need to see that sign in order to actually produce a serious, ready, willing, and able buyer. The number could be in the hundreds, and . . . the number of actual qualified buyers that drive by[ your] house will be very few. Even if you’re home happens to be located in a popular city like San Antonio or San Diego where investors are buying houses with cash, they may not even know that your home exists.” And marketing on the big third-party real estate sites won’t help you all that much either. Yes, you will get more exposure that way, but you’ll also “get a lot of tire kickers and ‘unqualified’ buyers contacting you.” Really, the only way to get the exposure and marketing reach you need to sell fairly quickly and at a good price is by working with an experienced local agent. “[M]ost of the ‘pre-qualified buyers’ are already represented by agents, that are off viewing houses that they were shown to by their agents. Agents only look on the MLS when trying to find homes for their buyers, so if your home isn’t listed there, you’ve just removed a very large pool of available buyers.” In addition, today, you also need effective online marketing strategies that only an experienced agent can provide. To discover more about how an agent can help market effectively, just call [phone]. ## **2. Netting Less Money** As we mentioned early on, if you try selling your home on your own, you will very likely end up with less money in your pocket – even though you don’t have to pay an agent commission. And there’s not a little irony involved in this. “Many homeowners believe they’ll save the real estate commission by selling on their own. [But] the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.” Studies have shown that sellers who sell on their own don’t actually save any money.“ In some cases, the seller may even **net less money **from the sale. [One] study found [that] the difference in price between an FSBO and an agent-listed home was an average of 6%.” As we just indicated, the main reason for this is the limited exposure and marketing reach with an FSBO. The greater exposure you get with an agent typically makes the agent’s commission a bargain because you’ll access a much larger target market and pool of potential buyers. “The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place.” ## **3. Lack of Experience and Expertise** Another important reason why selling your home on your own can be a huge mistake for property owners is that you most likely just don’t possess the necessary experience and expertise. “How many times have you negotiated closing costs, sales price, or even repairs with a home buyer? . . . Like it or not, most real estate agents have much more experience in the industry than you will ever have, and in real estate, inexperience can translate into financial losses.” Keep in mind that good agents typically work hard on constantly educating themselves. They take continuing education courses to gain additional certificates so as to be able to negotiate better for their clients. Agents are trained to negotiate every aspect of a real estate transaction – something you will likely miss out on if you go it alone. ## **4. Much Time Required** [Selling your home](https://www.lifehack.org/395068/heres-4-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-sell-your-house-yourself) on your own can also be a huge mistake for property owners because it just eats up so much. It takes a huge time investment to do it right, and most sellers just don’t have enough available time. And don’t forget that time is money. “Before taking the leap to sell by owner, in order to save the 6% commission, try calculating what your time is worth in dollars. Then, estimate how many hours you’ll realistically need to work to get your house sold.” That 6% commission begins to look like a huge bargain when you do this.   ## **Get Professional Assistance for Selling Your Home ** Ultimately, selling your home on your own can easily be a huge mistake. To get the needed marketing reach and to sell for more and more quickly, most property owners are far better off working with an experienced local agent. If you’re considering selling your home and want to avoid these mistakes, be sure to[ contact us](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/) at [phone]. The post [4 Reasons Why Selling Your Home on Your Own Can Be a Huge Mistake for Property Owners](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/selling-your-home-on-your-own-can-be-huge-mistake/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## 5 Tips to Help if You Have Inherited a Hoarder House in Pittsburgh - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/inherited-a-hoarder-house-in-pittsburgh/ - Published: 2023-01-20T00:00:00-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![5 Tips to Help if You Have Inherited a Hoarder House in Pittsburgh ](https://cdn. carrot.com/uploads/sites/1410/2022/12/5-Tips-to-Help-if-You-Have-Inherited-a-Hoarder- House-in-market_city-.png) While the news you’ve inherited a house may sound like a windfall, you may have an entirely different perspective if you should discover you’ve inherited a hoarder house. Inheriting a house from a hoarder brings a unique set of considerations. Hoarders assign value to possessions that no longer serve them and fill their homes with these items. In addition, these homes pose a fire hazard to the surrounding properties and any occupants, with exits challenging to reach and health risks because they attract rodents.  While your loved one may have had the best intentions in leaving you their house, unfortunately, when you have a hoarder house on your hands, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of work ahead of you. So read on as we explore these five tips to help if you have inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh.  ## Take Up Residence Our first tip if you have [inherited a hoarder house](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/house-title.asp) in Pittsburgh is to consider taking up residence. However, moving in is not so easily accomplished with homes in this condition; you’ll have to ready the house, including the clean-out and repairs. In addition, it can be tough to assess the condition of a property when piles are lining every available space from floor to ceiling. Suppose you aren’t interested in living in the property. In that case, you can forget about making the repairs and doing the prep work or passing an inspection by selling directly to a local cash investor like those at [company]. A cash investor from [ company] will buy your hoarder house as-is for cash. ## Rental Property Another tip if you’ve inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh is to consider making it a rental property. Being a landlord means you’re now in the real estate investing business and dealing with people, so it helps to be a people person. Owning an investment property requires following all local, state, and federal laws concerning tenants; missteps in this area can be extremely costly. Additionally, you should establish a stringent tenant screening process and ensure you keep your documents and records organized to realize the full potential of any tax benefits. You should also be prepared to respond promptly to emergencies, night or day, when your tenants call. Cash investors like those from [company] work with top-notch property managers who can help you avoid the costs of undesirable tenant placements. ## Selling If you’ve inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh and decide to sell the property. In that case, one of the cornerstones of conventional real estate sales is the showing process which requires sellers to prepare the property to sell for the highest possible profit. Or perhaps you’ve thought of prepping the house, listing it as an FSBO, and selling it yourself to save the real estate commissions. However, there are many reasons FSBO sales rarely work out in favor of the seller, such as limited marketing and a failure to properly screen buyers among them. So our next tip is to sell by working with local cash investors like those at [company], who will buy your hoarder house, paying you a fair market value without charging any real estate commissions.  ## Holding Costs Suppose you inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh. Another tip is understanding the costs of holding the property, such as the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities, adding a financial strain to your life. Additionally, there is the emotional cost of losing precious time with family and friends as you take on the monumental task of digging into the piles and cleaning the house. It may be worthwhile to hire professionals to take on the job. However, if you’re under a time crunch or the financial burden is too much, and you want to sell, a cash investor like those from [company] will provide you with a guaranteed closing date, with no closing costs in just days. ## [Company] If you inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh, a direct sale to a cash investor at [company] is the best tip. A cash investor from [company] will walk you through the process, taking the time to listen to you and answer any questions or concerns you may have without any obligation. If you’d like to know what you could profit from listing vs. a direct sale, start with a cash investor from [company]. At [company], our policy is full transparency because we want you to feel good about working with us long after the closing. The cash investors at [company] will lay all the numbers on the table, detailing the expenses and profit of each sales method so you can make an educated decision about what works best for you. If you have inherited a hoarder house in Pittsburgh, why not talk to one of the cash investors at [company] today? [Call [company]](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/) at [phone]. The post [5 Tips to Help if You Have Inherited a Hoarder House in Pittsburgh](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/inherited-a-hoarder-house-in-pittsburgh/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## Unlock the Power of BRRRR Investment - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/unlock-the-power-of-brrrr-investment/ - Published: 2023-01-14T17:32:10-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![](https://cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/40191/2022/12/home-1183150_960_720.jpg) ???? The BRRRR model of investing in real estate is a popular strategy among real estate investors. BRRRR stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat. The strategy involves buying a property, renovating it to increase its value, renting it out for cash flow, refinancing the property to pull out the equity, and then repeating the process. ???? The first step in the BRRRR model is to buy a property. Investors often look for properties that are undervalued or in need of repairs. This allows them to purchase the property at a lower price and invest in renovations to increase its value. ????️ Once the property is purchased, the next step is to rehab it. This can include anything from minor cosmetic repairs to major renovations. The goal is to increase the value of the property and make it more attractive to renters. ???? After the property is rehabbed, the next step is to rent it out. This provides a steady stream of cash flow, which can help offset the costs of the purchase and renovation. ???? The final step in the BRRRR model is to refinance the property. This allows investors to pull out the equity they’ve built up in the property and use it to purchase more properties and repeat the process. ???? The BRRRR model is highly scalable and can be repeated multiple times to grow an investor’s real estate portfolio. It’s a great strategy for those looking to build wealth through real estate investing. ????It’s worth mentioning that BRRRR strategy can be complex and require a good knowledge about the real estate market, renovation, financing and rental properties, so please consult with a licensed professional before making any financial decision. The post [Unlock the Power of BRRRR Investment](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/unlock-the-power-of-brrrr-investment/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com). ## 5 Tips to Help You Sell Your House During the Holidays in Pittsburgh - Link: https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/tips-to-sell-your-house-during-holidays-pittsburgh/ - Published: 2023-01-13T00:00:00-05:00 - Author: cityliferealtypgh ![5 Tips to Help You Sell Your House During the Holidays in Pittsburgh ](https:// cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/1410/2022/12/5-Tips-to-Help-You-Sell-Your-House-During- the-Holidays-in-market_city-.png) You’ve probably heard it before: winter is not a good time to sell a house, especially during the holidays. Yes, it is true that the real estate market heats up during the spring and summer, but the holiday season can also be a good time to sell. Inventory is usually lower, and the buyers who are out and about, though fewer, are typically serious buyers. With the right preparation and approach, you can indeed sell during the holidays. Check out these 5 tips to help you sell your house during the holidays in Pittsburgh. ## **1. Price It Right** Whether you want to [sell your house](https://www.redfin.com/blog/selling-your-home-during-the-holidays/) during the holidays in Pittsburgh or at any other time, pricing correctly – pricing to sell – is the first, most important step.  “You and your listing agent will most likely come up with a pricing strategy together based on comparable homes in the area, what the current housing market is doing, and what the demand for housing looks like or is projected to do. Ultimately, several variables go into pricing your home to sell.” Your Pittsburgh can perform a comparative market analysis, which will consider the many variables to help you price in line with market value. To talk to an agent about this, you can call [phone]. One effective strategy you can deploy in pricing to sell is to use strategic price points. It’s the old retail trick of ending a price in a number that makes it ** seem** smaller, for example, pricing at $1.99 so that it seems to buyers a bargain because it’s less than $2.00. “This simple manipulation of pricing is called setting strategic price points and actually makes the price of something appear smaller ( or cheaper) than it really is. The same exact concept works when pricing your house to sell. For example, if you decide your home could sell for $500,000, pricing it at $499,000 can (theoretically) draw in more traffic and possibly more offers.” ## **2. Cut Back on Holiday Decorations** It may be difficult to do, but if you want to sell your house during the holidays, you should cut back on the holiday decorations. Yes, you can and should decorate for the holidays, but do it judiciously and exercise some restraint. “Too many decorations can be overwhelming and distracting. . . . Minimizing decorations will make your home appear more spacious and will keep pathways clear. When buyers enter your home, you want them to imagine putting their furniture in each room and making the place their own, and they can’t do that if your holiday decorations dominate the stage.” ## **3. Depersonalize** Similarly, you must depersonalize to sell your house, especially during the holidays. Your goal should be to create a blank-palette effect in your home so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there with all their belongings in place.  But if your home is filled with highly personal items like family photos, memorabilia, quirky knick-knacks, and so on, buyers will have difficulty imagining themselves living there and enjoying the holidays in their new home. So try to remove as many highly personal items as possible so buyers can picture your house as their home. ## **4. Use Holiday Scents and Treats** It is the holidays, after all, so it’s also a good idea to take advantage of the appeal of holiday scents and treats.  For example, when buyers come for a showing, you could put out, say, gingerbread cookies, Christmas candy, and/or other holiday goodies. And don’t forget the subconscious power of scents and aromas. Try using natural, holiday-scented candles placed strategically throughout your home. Just make sure the smells are not overpowering. ## **5. Work on Curb Appeal** Do not neglect curb appeal if you want to sell your home during the holidays. We typically don’t give much thought to the appearance of our yard during the winter, but you should. Nothing creates a great first impression like an attractive yard and exterior. “During these winter days, your lawn may not be as lush green as it usually is during the summertime, and your trees may be barren. That’s why making your curb appeal a top priority is necessary when selling your home in winter. Make sure to pick up all the sticks, dead leaves, and debris so that your lawn is neatly trimmed. Even during the colder months, a few weeds that poke up from the ground can make your lawn seem neglected.” Also, trim those neglected shrubs and put new mulch in beds. And be sure to touch up exterior paint where. You might also consider installing an attractive new front door. ## **Lean on Your Pittsburgh Agent’s Expertise** These are indeed some great tips to help you sell your house during the holidays in Pittsburgh, but there’s more you need to consider. And that means chiefly the fact that what works in one local market may not work well in another. That’s where an experienced local Pittsburgh agent comes in. Your agent will know exactly what you need to do in the local market – what appeals most to buyers – to sell at this time of year. So if you plan to sell your house during the holidays, be sure to [contact us](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/) at [phone]. The post [5 Tips to Help You Sell Your House During the Holidays in Pittsburgh](https://citylifehomebuyers.com/blog/tips-to-sell-your-house-during-holidays-pittsburgh/) appeared first on [CityLife Home Buyers](https://citylifehomebuyers.com).