Did you know that property is one of the most popular investment methods? This is for a good reason, as it lets owners charge a rental for a relatively passive level of work. But did you know homes also accrue value as they age?

Known as appreciation, there are several ways the value of a property increases the longer you hold it. Below, we’d like to discuss the factors influencing average home appreciation each year.

What Is the concept of home appreciation?

Home appreciation is a term used to describe the increase in value a home will gain as it ages. There is a wide range of factors that can contribute to this. It may involve improvements made to the property, trends in the local real estate market, and the economic conditions of the country in which the property is situated.

Many homeowners benefit from appreciation by seeing an increase in their home’s equity. This can be used to borrow money or make other investments. It is another reason why many see second properties as good investments, as you can earn money from rental incomes and the increase in value.

Factors that can influence home appreciation

If you are wondering how much homes appreciate per year, then several factors can influence the value of a home, both positively and negatively.

If you want to determine how a house may appreciate for investment purposes, you should also understand that none of these is a given. You may find none of them have a bearing depending on the property, while some may change the value massively.

Location

The location of any property can significantly influence how it gains value. When homes are located in desirable areas, they tend to appreciate quicker than less sought-after ones. Areas with good schools, low crime rates, and good transportation routes are most likely to accrue value faster.

This is because the demand for homes in these areas is high, so prices increase. Additionally, homes in areas experiencing economic growth or redevelopment may also appreciate as new businesses move in and improve employment.

However, this can work both ways. All it may take is a large business closure or industry collapse to send it into reverse. Homes located in areas that are declining economically then often go on to suffer high crime rates and unemployment, and they may even decrease in value.

Home improvement

Making upgrades to a home will increase its value if they are well-planned and thought out. They do so by making the property more attractive to potential buyers. However, certain home improvements may add more value relative to the initial outlay.

For example, installing a hot tub is an expensive outlay that may seem like it makes a home more valuable and desirable. The truth is that they are expensive to install and run and are not sought after. On the other hand, replacing appliances may turn out cheaper to complete and be a much more inviting addition to potential buyers.

One of the most popular improvements is to remodel the kitchen or bathroom. They can have a huge impact on the overall appeal, as they are considered high value.

Another is to increase the curb appeal of a home. This is the view from the outside of the house. It may involve adding decking and landscaping the yard or garden.

Finally, adding more livable floor space is guaranteed to increase the value. You may finish a basement or convert an attic.

Interest rates

Changes to interest rates can have implications for the real estate market. This is because most of it is financed by borrowing through mortgages.

A rise in interest rates makes it more difficult for first-time home buyers to get on the property ladder. When interest rates are high, it becomes more expensive for people to borrow money to purchase a home. This can decrease the demand for property, lowering its value.

At the opposite end of the scale, when interest rates are low, it makes it more affordable for people to borrow money. Demand for housing goes up, as do prices.

What is the influence of home appreciation?

Home appreciation will result in several different changes to the value of the property. Some of these, such as taxes, may also influence its upkeep and running costs. The most important are collected below.

Taxes

Taxes are one of the main factors which will change as a home accrues value. The first main change will be with property taxes. As they are based on the value of a home, the tax payments will go up with it as it increases.

Another area to consider is capital gains taxes, though this only applies when selling the home. This tax is also only based on a percentage of the profit a buyer makes from the sale. Depending on the owner’s tax bracket and the time the home is held, it will also change.

Expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and specific home improvement costs may be tax-deductible. This can also vary depending on the location and the circumstances. It may also change over time, so get up-to-date advice from an expert.

Rent

When the value of a home goes up along with its desirability, landlords may be able to charge higher rent. They can charge. more if they add extra space andugh home improvements.

External values can also impact rent prices. When interest rates are high and buying a house becomes unfeasible for most people, they naturally turn to property rentals.

This stimulates demand, increasing rents further. In fact, 44.1 million US households are now renters.

In areas with rent control laws, the value of a property may be capped, which can limit the ability of landlords to increase rents. Hospitality, particularly schemes like Airbnb, can also impact this in larger cities. Many owners may change to short-term lets, pricing out locals.

In some cases, laws have been put in place to prevent this. However, the demand for short-term let properties in tourist areas can also drive-up appreciation.

Equity

The equity in a home is the difference between its value and the remaining mortgage left to pay on a property. As value increases, so does equity. It is important for the owner as the money can be used as a guarantee if they want to borrow or take out other mortgages.

Imagine a home is worth $200,000, and the homeowner has a mortgage balance of $100,000 left to pay. The homeowner’s equity in the property would be $100,000.

Should the value of the home increase, the homeowner’s equity would increase with it. The more mortgage they pay off will increase their equity as well.

Home appreciation determination method

To determine how much a home has appreciated, you first need to know its current value. You can check similar properties in the local area and see what they are selling for or on the market for. Remember, this is just an average, so a full appraisal by an expert will be more accurate.

You can then compare the property’s current value to its past value. Deduct the purchase price of the property from its current market value. If you want to go further and determine your equity, deduct the mortgage owed from the total, and you will get the value you have made after the remaining balance is paid off.

Predicting how much a house will appreciate is much tougher. Economic factors and the local market are beyond your control and are always speculative. However, you can get a rough prediction by working out how much prices have risen in the area, on average, over a given number of years.

Once you have this, add the value of any major renovations you plan on doing in the coming years. Get a rough value of what this will add to the property.

Wondering what your home’s worth? We can help

We can assist if you want to find out how much your house is worth in the current market conditions. All we need is some details about your house and we’ll let you know how much you could cash in.

iBuyer.com is the easy way of selling a house. With just a few clicks, you can get instant offers for your home. Get a free home valuation with no obligation in an instant.

The post The Basics of Home Appreciation: What You Need to Know appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Home prices mostly influence a property’s appraisal value in your local area. However, other factors, such as the amenities and condition of the home, can also influence the value. Namely, you might find that an appraisal comes back low if a home needs repairs.

As a homebuyer, you may have heard of the term “appraisal required repairs” but had no idea what it meant. You might even be asking yourself if an appraisal can require repairs. The short answer is yes.

Appraisal-required repairs are any issues that must be fixed in the property before (or sometimes during) escrow is closed. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered when deciphering this complicated real estate language.

This comprehensive guide will explore who’s responsible for completing appraisal repairs and how they can impact your homeownership experience. So if you’re looking to get a house appraised soon, settle in as we walk you through everything you need to know.

What is an appraisal and why is it important?

A home appraisal is essential to the home buying process, as it helps determine the home’s fair market value and gives insight into potential issues.

During a home appraisal, a certified appraiser visits the home and inspects both its interior and exterior, taking into account things like:

• Location
• Lot size
• Condition of home
• Improvements that have been made

Based on what they see, the appraiser will create a detailed written report that appraises the home’s value and conditions. This information is important for buyers and sellers in helping them make educated decisions about their home purchase or sale.

Can an appraiser require repairs based on what they see? It depends on the situation, the type of appraisal, and more. Before we get too far into appraisal-required repairs, let’s discuss the basics of appraisals first.

Home appraisal definition

Simply put, a home appraisal is a process of determining the market value of a home. The person determining this value is an independent, unbiased professional. This means the lender or seller can’t send someone out to value the home more or less than it’s worth.

The result is a detailed report containing an estimated value for the home. It provides crucial information when buying or selling a home and refinancing it. However, home appraisals are sometimes used to determine local tax assessment values.

Types of appraisals

This process sounds simple enough, right? It is in most cases, but that depends on the type of appraisal you need. While you’ll see terms like “Automated Valuation Models” or even “sales comparison approach,” we’re talking about an appraisal for a conventional mortgage or a refinanced mortgage here.

Do conventional appraisals require repairs? It is, yes. Your lender needs to make sure that the property is in acceptable condition and does not have any repairs or issues that would prevent them from giving you a loan.

What happens if there are appraisal-required repairs for a conventional mortgage? It happens. In some cases, certain repairs may be required before closing. If these appraisal-required repairs aren’t completed, it can lead to delays with closing or even possibly voiding the contract altogether.

What about appraisal-required repairs for refinancing a home? When refinancing your mortgage, everything hinges on your appraisal.

A low appraisal value means you may be underwater, meaning it’s impossible to go with the refinancing. Even if appraisal value allows for refinancing, any equity under 20% can mean additional expenses, like paying for PMI or bringing cash to the table for a cash-in refinance.

This also makes lenders consider you riskier, so interest rates may be higher than you hoped. The bottom line? If you’re refinancing your mortgage, it pays to understand how any repair required could affect that process.

Minimum requirements for an appraisal

When a home appraisal is conducted, it involves an expert inspection of many aspects of the property. Generally speaking, minimum requirements will include assessing:

• Age
• Condition
• Square footage
• Amenities

In some markets, appraisers might also look at what other properties in the area have sold to determine fair market value. It also requires an analysis of local zoning codes for land use and development potential. Additionally, minimum requirements may include surveying raw data such as comparable sales and public records to give a more accurate account of a home’s worth.

Overall, the minimum property standards depend on what kind of loan you’re looking for. The FHA has different requirements from conventional loans, for example. To determine the minimum requirements, it’s best to research the minimum property standards for your type of mortgage loan.

Appraisal required repairs. What happens next?

So, you’ve paid for a home appraisal, and the result isn’t so great; there are appraisal-required repairs, and now you’re stuck wondering how you will move forward. Before you get a home appraisal, it’s helpful to understand what some of the most common appraisal repairs are. This will help you plan for any repairs long before you even reach the appraisal stage of the process.

Common appraisal repairs

Some of the most common appraisal repairs include the following:

• Lead-based paint
• Asbestos
• Age and condition of the roof
• Condition of interior stairs
• Foundation issues
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical issues

Namely, if the home was built before 1978, you’ll want to be mindful of lead-based paint and asbestos. This is a special category of home appraisals that appraisers must consider when inspecting homes built before 1978.

For the other common appraisal repairs, appraisers focus on ensuring the home is safe and secure. This means that issues with the stairs or roof, for example, won’t cause safety issues. That’s why common appraisal-required repairs include requests to fix the handrails on stairs, for example.

Appraisal repairs for government loans

Government-backed loans bring many benefits to home buyers, but they also have stricter appraisal needed repair standards. A property appraisal is necessary when applying for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. These loans meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) minimum property standards.

Unfortunately, they also often require appraisal repairs before closing in addition to what’s already required by traditional loan appraisal repairs. What do these common appraisal repairs include?

Typically, appraisal repairs for government loans focus on issues such as:

• Water heater relief valves
• Water damage
• Outlets
• Rotting exteriors
• Handrails
• Encroachments
• Earth-to-wood contact
• Attic and crawl space inspections

As you can see, the requirements are stricter and more complex. As always, an appraiser can request additional repairs if they see something unsafe or unsecured for future tenants.

Who handles appraisal repairs?

So, it’s necessary to do a repair. Who handles that in this situation, the buyer or the seller? For appraisal-required repairs, responsibility can vary depending on the purchase agreement. In the past, sellers were required to make and pay for the repairs before closing.

Today, buyers and sellers are known to share responsibilities when it comes to appraisal-required repairs due to specific stipulations in their purchase agreements. The inspection clause in the contract adds a degree of flexibility by determining if either or both parties need to take responsibility for appraisal-required repairs.

What happens when an appraisal is low?

A low appraisal can be a deal breaker for any potential buyer in a low-inventory, high-demand market. To combat that, sellers and their agents may want to request an appraisal waiver in the contract before the appraisal is done. However, if you didn’t do that beforehand, you typically have three main options.

1. Extra repairs

Sellers can also take matters into their own hands by proactively making repairs and upgrades before putting their home on the market, which may increase its value if appraised low. Taking control of these initiatives early on can ensure your home meets or exceeds closer to the asking price and help you avoid any unnecessary delays in closing the deal.

2. Cancel the deal

Buyers don’t have to stick with the deal if an appraisal is low due to repairs needed. Suppose the purchase agreement includes an appraisal contingency. In that case, the buyer can cancel the agreement and receive their earnest money deposit back as long as they fulfill any applicable conditions stated in the agreement.

3. Lower the price

Buyers can also try and negotiate a lower sale price or ask the seller to cover part or all of the difference between what they originally agreed upon and the home’s appraised value.

Low appraisals don’t automatically mean you’re stuck with a low price, though. Buyers can take steps to protect themselves from low evaluations. In fact, whether you’re the buyer or the seller, you can work to negotiate the price depending on your needs.

Get a cash offer from iBuyer.com

Selling your home can be a difficult and lengthy process. Getting a cash offer can save you from the time-consuming hassle of putting your home on the market and dealing with the home appraisal process. As you can see, appraisals can come with appraisal-required repairs that could decrease the value you would have received with an all-cash deal.

The bottom line? Taking cash over going through the home appraisal is ideal if you are looking for a short and simple selling experience. We’ve made it incredibly easy for you to quickly see the value of your home and get a cash offer, too. Click here to try our home valuation tool to get a home value estimate in seconds. You can request a cash offer if you’re happy with the value.

The post Appraisal Required Repairs: What Should I Do? appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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5-6 months of supply – that’s how a balanced housing market is frequently defined. Any less than that suggests a seller’s market; a situation where sellers have the advantage in housing deals. Over 6 months of supply is a buyer’s market, as there are many properties to choose from.

So, where does the Dallas housing market sit at the moment? In Texas, the housing market is sitting at roughly 3 months of supply. According to the previous figures, that should make the Dallas real estate market clearly a seller’s market.

But as always, there’s more at play.

At the moment, interest rates are far higher than usual. Even worse, they’ve climbed steeply and quickly. How does this affect the market?

First of all, it limits buyers’ choices.

High interest rates encourage buyers to keep their loans low, meaning they’ll consider a smaller range of properties. Therefore, sellers will receive less interest in their properties than usual.

Secondly, it slows down the market.

As interest rates have climbed so quickly, potential buyers may be stepping back from the process to re-evaluate their options. With higher interest rates, they may hold off on making offers to recalculate what they can afford. They may even hold off for a while, hoping that interest rates will drop.

Therefore what should be a seller’s market becomes less predictable. Buyers are cautious, even though sellers have the advantage.

But there are signs that it will soon be more stable. The future for the Dallas housing market looks promising and is worth investing in. To learn more, read on for four expert opinions on where the market is heading this year.

1. New Construction Is Down 38%

The first piece of data to consider is how many new houses are being constructed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Mitchell Parton, Residential Real Estate Reporter for Texas, recently reported the following.

In 2022, just under 49,000 homes were started by builders. While this sounds like a lot, it’s actually 16% less than the year before.

And this trend is continuing. For example, in the fourth quarter of last year, 8,000 new home starts began. This is a 38% decrease on the fourth quarter’s construction last year.

While 38% seems like a shocking number, it isn’t as serious as it seems.

The statistic has made headlines as a 38% drop in new house starts between quarters hasn’t happened since 2009. But this drop is almost to be expected, as the number of house starts had been growing so rapidly.

In other words, a large number of houses are still being built. Supply has not dramatically dropped to some kind of all-time low. If anything, it’s returning to more reasonable levels.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

First of all, houses will likely complete sooner, providing a more steady supply to the market. This will give buyers more choices as many of these houses become available for purchase.

Secondly, home prices in Dallas-Fort Worth may decrease. This is due in part to the number of current construction projects decreasing.

When the demand for skilled tradesmen and materials is so high, they can charge more. These increases are passed on to the buyer.

In contrast, as fewer projects are underway, those working on the projects will have to be more competitive with their pricing. When this happens en masse, the savings will likely get passed down to the buyer.

At the same time, we are finally emerging from supply chain issues that have lingered since the start of the pandemic. A backlog of demand has lasted for years but seems to now be settling back to normal levels. And an improved supply chain means more affordable materials, delivered faster.

Therefore, although there were 38% fewer house starts in Q4 2022 than in Q3, it is good news for buyers. It may well lead to having more options sooner, and at a better price.

For sellers, this translates into more competition. But as we’re still in a seller’s market, it shouldn’t cause significant issues for selling your home.

2. Home Prices Will Start Flattening

Connected to the reduced number of home starts is the flattening of house prices. Want to learn more? Sami Sparber reported the following insights based on real estate expert predictions.

Market Correction

House prices are predicted to flatten or even fall this year. But this does not indicate a crash in the housing market. If anything, it shows that the housing market is stable.

Sparber mentions that the small drop in house prices suggests a return to usual seasonality. That is a return to the normal pattern of when house sales increase and decrease.

If anything, flattening house prices suggest a more normal, predictable market is ahead. And that’s impressive, considering the DFW housing market is already one of the most stable in the country.

Slowed Sales in 2023 Q1

Because price fluctuation is returning to normal, so will buying real estate in DFW. The beginning of the year is generally a slow time for house sales. 2023 will likely follow this pattern.

In fact, it may even become slower than usual. Sparber attributes this to consumer awareness of economic issues and recession fears.

Less Price Growth

A seller’s market often leads to increased prices. Sellers can set their property’s price higher than usual as there’s little competition.

However, house prices have already increased significantly in recent years. During the pandemic, many areas achieved prices far higher than usual.

Therefore, 2023 will see a reduction in this growth. While prices may not flatten completely, the growth will definitely slow. Sparber even predicts that this leveling phenomenon will continue into the next few years.

Interest Rate Issues

As mentioned, increased interest rates are giving buyers pause. They may be less willing to spend as interest rates are so high. This is another factor that will stop house prices from continuing to climb, as buyers stick to the lower end of their price range.

A Balanced Dallas Housing Market

All in all, the flattening house prices ahead are good news all around. Buyers will be able to afford to invest in new properties as price growth slows down. Nonetheless, sellers’ properties will continue to grow in value.

3. Massive Developments Are Being Planned

As well as individual housing starts, the DFW housing market is expected to see the introduction of massive developments. These will bring thousands of new properties to the market over several years.

For example, Mitchell Parton reports that 5,000 new homes could come to the market from just one of these projects. The developments come complete with commercial space as well as parks and trails.

This ensures developments like these don’t put too much strain on surrounding areas. Their self-sustaining design means they are a long-term solution to demand.

What This Means for Home Prices in Dallas-Fort Worth

First of all, the addition of new developments should keep house prices stable.

Prices have been increasing year on year at a faster rate than usual. But this influx of property may help with the price flattening. It provides buyers with more options and adds to the housing supply.

If the developments build fast enough, this could even turn the tide into a buyer’s market. However, Parton reports that this isn’t a speedy project. Properties will probably release to the market gradually, meaning the market may not turn so drastically.

Still, this steady supply of new properties will stabilize the housing market. It could even protect Dallas home prices from ever falling or jumping out of control.

This steady market accommodates healthy growth. It contributes to the balanced market previously discussed. This is good for both buyers and sellers.

4. Rents Are Falling While Vacancies Increase

The Dallas rental market is intrinsically linked to potential Dallas housing market predictions. That’s why it’s so exciting to see dramatic shifts in rental data for the area.

Steve Brown reported for Dallas News that the decline in leasing is the first since 2007! Specifically, there were 6,000 fewer apartments rented in 2022 than in 2023.

On its own, this would be significant news. It could lead to a shift in investing in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. As demand for rental property decreases, the housing market fluctuates along with it.

Specifically, if the rental market has little demand, more properties may go up for sale. While some property owners will decrease their prices, others may sell their assets. They may prefer to invest in areas with higher leasing demand.

More Units Under Construction

However, there is even more at work here. Over 65,000 rental units are currently under construction. And roughly half should be finished within 2023. What will happen when these properties become available for rent?

One of two things.

The first scenario is a flood of property to the housing market. Developers may realize that their apartments won’t find a renter. Then they may choose to sell the property instead.

As we discussed earlier, a sudden increase in inventory can create a buyer’s market. Buyers may have thousands more properties to choose from, which will work against house price increases. In effect, it could continue to level the market.

The second scenario is where investors continue to lease their properties but drop their rates.

On average, rents have been dropping like this month after month since October. This will help landlords to fill their properties and keep an income. But a decreased rent may have another effect on the future of the housing market.

If rent rates fall low enough, many thousands of people will be in a better position to save part of their income. And once they’ve managed to save for a deposit, they become buyers.

A gradual increase in buyers to the market will keep it in the seller’s favor. More and more potential buyers trickling in lets sellers keep their options open.

However, what is most likely is a combination of these two factors. Ideally, both of these situations happening in parallel will keep the market balanced and stable for the next few years.

Key Takeaways

Where does that leave the Dallas housing market?

To summarize, less construction is starting in the area. This suggests house starts will complete quicker, offering more properties to the market. And because of increased competition, prices should fall slightly as well.

At the same time, house prices are flattening. After many years of growth, the market is finally slowing down to a place comfortable for both buyers and sellers. Sales are also likely to slow in the upcoming months, offering more options to buyers.

While house prices flatten, large developments are planned for the future. These will provide a gradual but steady stream of new properties to the area. This will likely balance the market even further, shifting it away from being a seller’s market into a balanced one.

Finally, the rental market is facing unprecedented changes.

Increasing rates have pushed many renters out, so occupancy is now as low as 94%. At the same time, apartment construction is booming. When these two factors play out, they will have a great impact on the housing market.

Either many new properties will come to the market or many new buyers. Most likely, it’ll be a balance of both. This will bring new life to the market, as well as further stabilize it for the future.

When considered together, these individual statistics indicate a stable market is ahead. Each of these factors balances the others, stopping the market from swinging too far in one direction.

If you’re considering investing in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, this year and the next look promising. Or if you’re looking to sell your house while the market is reliable, get in touch with us today.

The post The Dallas-Fort Worth Housing Market in 2023: 4 Expert Opinions appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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iBuyer companies like Offerpad buy nearly 1% of the US market’s homes annually. And this market share keeps going up.

Why? iBuyers and companies like them are making it easier than ever to buy and sell a home. Yet, with so many alternatives to Offerpad out there, it can be difficult to choose the right company.

Today, we want to help you find the right iBuyer for your needs. Keep reading this article to learn more about the top companies similar to Offerpad.

Offerpad Competitors

Offerpad is the second-largest iBuyer in the US. It operates in more than 50 different markets across the nation. And Offerpad ratings are among the highest of any iBuyer to date.

Offerpad features a streamlined home buying program with a 6%–10% service fee. In exchange, you get an all-cash offer within 24 hours and guaranteed closing within 90 days.

Check out Offerpad’s top three iBuyer competitors below.

1. Opendoor

Opendoor was one of the earliest companies to enter the iBuyer space. Eric Wu founded this company in 2014, only one year before Offerpad opened its doors. It is one of the closest competitors to Offerpad.

Here’s how it works. You submit your home’s information to Opendoor, and they will either accept or decline to make an offer. If Opendoor accepts, they will make an in-person visit to your home to verify its condition.

Opendoor purchases homes that need renovations. However, you will receive a lower offer than if it is in move-in condition. Like Offerpad, Opendoor provides cash offers and quick closing times if they accept your home.

So, what is the differentiating factor between these two companies? Offerpad is available in more cities. Meanwhile, Opendoor only buys homes in the following highly lucrative real estate markets.

Offerpad and Opendoor have very similar fees. You will pay 5% for the company to list your home. Still, because Offerpad is an iBuyer, these fees will be much less than the commission you would pay a realtor to list your home.

2. RealSure

RealSure is a program developed in partnership between Realogy and Home Partners of America. Realogy is the parent company of various real estate brokerages, including Century 21 and Coldwell Banker.

RealSure is not technically an iBuyer. It does not buy homes.

Instead, it is a program that provides real estate CRM leads to its parent company Realogy. And Realogy is the company that actually makes the cash offer.

Here’s how RealSure works. Realogy will provide a cash offer on your home. If you choose to accept, Realogy will inspect your home and deduct any costs for repairs or renovations.

If you do not accept the offer, this is when the RealSure program kicks in. You sign a listing agreement with one of the realtors affiliated with Realogy. You will also have to pay an upfront service fee.

Then, the agent will list your home on the market. And that agent’s goal is to sell your home for a higher amount than the guaranteed cash offer from Realogy. If your home does not get a higher offer in 45 days, you can leave the program at no extra cost.

As you can imagine, working with realtors means you must pay the agent’s commission fee as well as a service fee. Commission plus service fees range from 1% to 7% when you sell your home through the RealSure program.

The downsides to this service include that it is only available in a few dozen markets. If you do not like the offer Realogy makes (and it is usually lower than competitors), you also have to pay high fees.

Yes, RealSure can sometimes get sellers a more competitive offer than other iBuyers. But the fees can quickly eat into that offer. And that is why it may be better to go with Offerpad or another alternative.

3. HomeVestors

HomeVestors is the parent company of We Buy Ugly Houses. It has been making cash offers on homes across the country since 1996.

The company operates through a nationwide network of franchise locations. As you can imagine, it is difficult to rate HomeVestors as a whole because each franchise location differs in quality.

The good news about HomeVestors is that it buys homes in need of repair. However, they will deduct these costs from their offer. But on the plus side, HomeVestors will cover all closing costs for sellers.

Here’s how HomeVestors works. You can input your address on the HomeVestors website. The company operates in 45 US states via its more than 800 franchise locations, making this company one of the most accessible of Offerpad’s competitors.

A representative from HomeVestors in your area will then schedule a visit to your home. Then, the representative will make you a cash offer based on the condition of your home.

If you accept the offer, HomeVestors promises to close in at least three weeks. This timeline is longer than other iBuyer’s closing windows. For example, most iBuyers promise to close in less than two weeks.

But the most significant downside to this company is its offers. HomeVestors’ offers can be as much as 55% less than what you would receive on the open market.

Unlike companies like Offerpad, though, HomeVestors does not market its services to everyone. The company states that its services are best for sellers who need to sell their homes as-is in a limited amount of time.

But if you have the time to spare, we recommend choosing an alternative to HomeVestors. You will get a higher offer for your home. And you may even be able to close even faster than if you were to go through HomeVestors.

Offerpad Alternatives

iBuyers are not the only companies that help people sell their homes and buy new ones. All-cash buyers, home trading programs, and other business models offer alternatives to iBuying.

Below, we are talking about the best alternatives to Offerpad.

4. Orchard

Orchard is not an iBuyer. Instead, it markets itself as a home trade-in company. You can sell your current home and buy a new one through Orchard’s trade-in program.

Here’s how the program works. You submit your home’s information to Orchard’s trade-in service, Move First. The company will then help you identify your home’s equity.

Before you even sell your home, Orchard will help you buy a new one. The only contingency is that the new home must be worth 90% or less of the value of your current home.

Once you select a new home, Orchard will give you the cash to fund the purchase. According to a recent report, home sellers are 4 times more likely to accept an all-cash offer, especially when there is a bidding war.

And all of this happens before you even sell your home. You can move into your new home as soon as you close. Then, Orchard will take care of the renovations and list your old one.

If your home does not sell in 120 days, Orchard will purchase it. Of course, their cash offer will be lower than what you might get on the open market. And you must pay a 6% fee for the service.

By now, you may be thinking: all this sounds too good to be true. There has to be a catch. And you would be right because Orchard only operates in a handful of markets and is very exclusive about the homes it makes offers on.

Orchard only operates in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Atlanta, Georgia.

And unlike its competitors, Orchard only accepts newer homes. Your home must have been built after 1972 for Orchard to make an offer.

5. Knock.com

Knock.com is a mortgage company with ties to the well-known real estate aggregator Trulia. Knock also offers a home buying and selling service.

Knock is similar to Orchard in that it is not technically an iBuyer. It does not make cash offers on homes. Instead, this company offers a trade-in service via its Home Swap program, which is available in only 15 US states.

Here’s how Knock Home Swap works. Like Orchard, Knock will fund your purchase of a new home via the equity in your current one.

You can use their funding to put a downpayment on your new home, even if your old house is still on the market. Alternatively, you can use this funding to cover the mortgage on your old house until it sells or any repairs that could improve your old home’s market value.

The catch is that you must get a mortgage through Knock. Then, you have to pay a 1.25% service fee for the use of the program, plus $1,450 for mortgage underwriting.

Knock itself will not make an offer on your home. Instead, it has partner agents you can list with. Unlike many of its competitors, Knock also allows you to pick your own agent if you do not want to list with them.

Something else to note is that Knock has a significant interest in the sale of your old home. They list your home on the open market. And this allows sellers to get the most competitive offer.

Knock is the program to go with if you have an older home. Unlike Orchard, Knock will accept homes built as far back as 1930!

But what happens if your home does not sell? Knock promises to purchase your old home if it does not sell within six months.

6. Ribbon Home

Like Orchard and Knock, Ribbon Home is not an iBuyer. Instead, it calls its program the Power Buyer Model. And the Power Buyer Model’s goal is to help people purchase new homes faster.

Here’s how Ribbon works. Ribbon will make an all-cash offer on your new home via its RibbonCash program. While your house is on the open market, you pay rental payments to Ribbon to live in your new home.

Once your old home sells, you can stop renting your new home. Using the money you earn from the sale of your old home, you then purchase your new home from Ribbon.

Unlike Orchard, Ribbon is not a lender. It offers its services via partner mortgage providers to help individuals and families buy a new home. You must have a mortgage pre-approval letter to qualify for Ribbon’s program.

Find the best companies like Offerpad with iBuyer.com

Companies like Offerpad can help you sell your home or purchase a new one faster than ever before. But Offerpad is not for everyone. Consider its competitors and alternatives before settling on the right model for you.

Are you searching for the best all-cash offer on your home? iBuyer provides instant quotes for what all-cash companies in your area might pay for your home. Get a quote for your home’s value today!

The post 6 Companies Like Offerpad: Here Are Your Best Alternatives appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Predictions for the 2023 real estate market indicate that experts believe the number of days a house sits on the market will likely increase throughout the year. What does this mean for those eager to sell their homes? Getting an instant cash offer might be the best route.

Are you thinking of selling your home quickly? Companies like Opendoor are great options for those who want a convenient, efficient way to list their homes without having to go through the hassle of staging and making repairs.

If you’re considering listing with Opendoor or similar online appraisal technology then this guide is for you! Here, we’ll explore six different alternative real estate websites that make buying and selling simple.

Whether you’re ready now to sell or just need information in case the time comes later on down the line, read on for everything you need to know about alternatives like Opendoor and companies similar to Opendoor.

What is Opendoor?

Opendoor is a company designed to simplify the process of buying and selling homes. Their goal is to make it easy for customers to buy or sell homes quickly and with minimal hassle.

As a real estate platform, they offer various home buying and selling services, from providing home valuations to helping customers find the best mortgage rate. They are similar to competitors in this sense but lack the resources that some others offer (including iBuyer.com).

However, it’s important to note that, in all fairness, Opendoor does respond quickly to home valuation requests. In most cases, you can expect to receive a cash offer as fast as 24 hours.

Also, if your home needs repairs, Opendoor subtracts them from your offer price before reaching an agreement. All these aspects make selling a house with Opendoor fast, convenient and efficient. With that in mind, there are some drawbacks to using this platform.

Disadvantages of using Opendoor

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, and for many people, the online real estate platform Opendoor can seem like a great solution. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of using this service before making your decision.

Sales price

One of the major drawbacks of using Opendoor when selling a home is that prices can be discounted. Opendoor buys homes below the fair market value and then increases the home’s sale price when sold.

This means that the sellers might not be getting the best deal. They may feel their home is worth more than what was offered, whereas potential buyers could find themselves paying an inflated price for a property.

Hefty fees

Likewise, many homeowners complain about the fees involved with using Opendoor. While standard real estate agents typically only charge a commission fee of 6%, with Opendoor, that percentage can be much higher at 5% to 14%.

What affects the total price you’ll pay with Opendoor? It all comes down to how long it will take to sell your home, the comparable homes in your area, and your home’s features.

Rushed sales process

When using Opendoor to sell your home, you should be aware of the possible financial losses that you could incur. Due to the speed of the sales process, they might not accurately determine your home’s market rate.

This means that even though Opendoor offers easy cash for a quick sale, it may be much lower than what you could have gotten through traditional routes. Furthermore, Opendoor offers can include significant deductions due to potential repair costs.

This is a benefit for some homeowners not interested in making those repairs themselves. If your goal is speed then this is a huge plus for you. However, their pricing deductions are often more than what you’d pay by handling the repairs yourself.

Real estate experience

All in all, those unfamiliar with the real estate experience should tread carefully. Real estate websites and users recommend this service only to those with considerable experience buying and selling homes.

This is because you need to understand the market, real estate trends, and a bit of jargon when working with Opendoor. You can get less than fair-market pricing if you don’t know what kinds of questions to ask during the valuation process with this platform.

Opendoor competitors & alternatives

Opendoor isn’t the only online appraisal technology in town when it comes to buying and selling houses with ease and convenience. You’ll find that companies like Opendoor also provide services to homeowners looking to sell quickly without using an agent, have a simpler closing process, and get an offer almost immediately. Here are a few of the top alternatives to Opendoor to consider as you navigate the process of buying or selling a home.

1. Offerpad

Like Opendoor, Offerpad makes it easy to sell your home without all the hassle of listing it through a realtor or spending money on repairs.

All you have to do is provide Offerpad with information about your home’s condition and structure and they’ll generate an offer price for you within a few days. In this sense, Offerpad can be slower than Opendoor and other competitors.

Offerpad uses data from local experts as well as a data-driven algorithm to determine how much they’re willing to pay for your home. Then you need to pick a closing date that works for you.

The commission? A bit lower than Opendoor at around 6% to 10%. While that’s similar to Opendoor, there are other drawbacks to consider. Namely, online reviews from other users note that lowball offers and the lack of an experienced agent to help guide you through the process as two major drawbacks of this platform.

2. Keller Offers

Keller Offers is an iBuyer Program that allows homeowners to have access to non-traditional methods of selling their homes. You can receive an estimated cost of your home’s sale price, making it easier for you to understand the value of your offer before you make a decision.

Likewise, you can participate in other programs that can help you increase the value of your home before you sell it. This makes it a great alternative to Opendoor and Offerpad. For example, if your home valuation is too low due to costly repairs or other issues, you can work with Keller Offers to improve your home’s value before you sell it.

How does the process work with Keller Offers? When working with Keller Offers you’re able to connect with a Certified Keller Williams agent who will walk you through your various selling options. Typically, this results in you receiving a great cash offer to buy your home. However, there are other options available.

For example, Keller Offers has a Ready to Sell program for homeowners interested in optimizing their home’s value before putting it on the market. Or, the Ready to Stay program is a great option for those interested in making improvements to their home via flexible financing options.

3. Express Offers

ExpressOffers provides a great service to help simplify the process of selling your home. By pairing you with a real estate agent, ExpressOffers removes the worry and hassle of the traditional home selling process: no more repairs, staging, showings, or lengthy negotiations with buyers.

How does it work? Instead of purchasing your home directly, ExpressOffers serves as a middleman who helps guide and support you throughout the process. You’ll only have to pay 3% in listing fees, and ExpressOffers is available to homeowners nationwide. So wherever you move, you should be able to take advantage of their services.

While this means that their fees are lower than Opendoor’s, it does mean that you might not be able to sell your home as quickly. It also means that there is slightly more work involved than a quick cash offer.

4. EasyKnock

This New York City-based company, founded in 2016, offers the first commercialized residential sale-leaseback program in the United States, which allows people to access the value of their homes without having to relocate.

EasyKnock’s Sell & Stay and ReLease programs are quite different from traditional reverse mortgages and home equity lines of credit. EasyKnock will purchase your property at its full appraised value and give you up to 75% cash at closing with a simple 2.99% processing fee. You can then receive the remaining amount once your house is fully sold.

Their processing fees depend on which program you choose:

• Sell & Stay and ReLease: 3.75% of the house’s purchase price
• MoveAbility: 3.49% to 3.99%

All in all, this is a different option than Opendoor and Keller Offers, for example, but an interesting one for those interested in a sale-leaseback program.

5. Flyhomes

Similar to Opendoor, Flyhomes provides a real estate service that allows home buyers to avoid the hassle of closing a sequential sale and purchase transaction. Their innovative approach offers an all-cash purchase on your new home upfront, followed by listing your old home for sale after you have moved.

Why do some homeowners use Flyhomes instead of Opendoor or another Opendoor alternative? Flyhomes ensures that when your original home is sold, you can buy back your new one seamlessly without needing a temporary move between homes.

The real estate platform also assists those seeking housing in competitive neighborhoods; their all-cash offers give even the smallest bidder an edge in these situations.

Unfortunately, however, Flyhomes is also only available in certain parts of the country. Currently, it’s only available in certain cities in Washington, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Texas, and Colorado.

6. Homeward

Homeward provides its users with a streamlined and simplified experience when it comes to the traditionally difficult process of home ownership. Homeward assist both buyers and sellers, offering services such as:

• Listing properties
• Helping clients find the perfect home
• Negotiating deals between buyers and sellers

All in all, Homeward is a better option than Opendoor if you’re buying and selling at the same time. They allow you to buy before you sell. You can then bundle your service packages together to have them help you find a home before you have to move out of your current one.

Why is it important to analyze Opendoor alternatives?

Selling your home is a huge decision that must be thought through carefully. Trying to sell your home on your own, without the help of an expert, can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why researching Opendoor alternatives is so important; you owe it to yourself to ensure you get the best deal possible when selling your home.

From iBuyers to traditional real estate agents, there are multiple options with different benefits that could save or make you a lot of money in the long run. Looking at alternatives before selling with Opendoor will ensure you’ve done all due diligence to sell your home at top dollar in the least amount of time.

Find the best company like Opendoor with iBuyer.com

If you’re looking for cash offers when selling your home, iBuyer.com has you covered. While several companies like Opendoor offer similar valuation tools and services, with iBuyer.com, you only need to provide some basic info about your home and get an estimate of its value.

You will receive a fast cash offer from us that best meets your needs. Using our expert home valuation tool and cash offer potential allows you to confidently and safely make the right decision to move forward with the sale of your home. It’s what makes us one of the best Opendoor alternatives. Ready to get started?

The post 6 Companies Like Opendoor: Here Are Your Alternatives appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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