Here’s a clear step-by-step guide on how to get a cash offer on your home today, including what to expect and how to maximize your chances of a fast and strong offer:
🏠 1. Prepare Your Home for Quick Evaluation
Buyers who pay cash still want to see the property:
- Clean, declutter, and make minor repairs (leaky faucets, burned-out bulbs, etc.)
- Take good exterior photos — curb appeal still matters
- Have recent utility bills or inspection reports ready (if available)
💻 2. Contact Cash Buyers / Investors
There are several ways to quickly connect with people who buy homes for cash:
✅ Local Real Estate Investors
Investors often close fast and pay in cash because they’re not financing through a bank.
How to find them:
- Search “we buy houses cash” + your town/city online
- Look for investor ads on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Google
- Ask a local real estate agent for investor contacts
Tip: Investors typically buy “as-is,” meaning no repairs or showings.
📱 3. Use Online “Cash Offer” Platforms
There are online companies that can give you an instant or same-day cash offer:
- You enter property details online
- They give you a preliminary offer quickly
- A representative may call to verify details and set up a walk-through
These platforms are convenient, but offers are often lower than market value because the buyer assumes risk.
📞 4. Reach Out to Multiple Buyers
Getting 2–3 cash offers allows you to compare and negotiate:
✔ Better price
✔ Better terms (closing date, what’s included)
✔ Avoid selling to a lowball buyer
Keep in mind: investors usually pay less than retail buyers, but they close fast.
📊 5. Provide Clear Details About Your Home
To get the best possible cash offer today, be ready with:
- Property address
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Condition of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- Any recent repairs/updates
- Any liens, taxes owed, or title issues
The more accurate the info, the faster you’ll get an offer.
⏱ 6. Be Ready to Show the Home
Even cash buyers often want a quick walk-through:
- Usually 10–30 minutes
- Buyers want to confirm condition and repairs needed
- Some investors may waive this if they trust the info you gave them
📉 7. Understand Why Cash Offers Are Lower
Cash buyers — especially investors — take on risk and cost of repairs/resale. So offers are usually:
🔹 Lower than market listing price
🔹 But faster and more certain
For many sellers, speed and certainty outweigh a higher price with more hassle.
🧾 8. Review the Contract Carefully
Even with cash offers, pay attention to:
✔ Closing date
✔ Inspection contingency (or no inspection)
✔ Earnest money deposit
✔ Who pays closing costs
✔ Any contingencies (e.g., appraisal, title issues)
If you’re unsure, a real estate attorney can review terms.
📆 9. Close Fast
Cash sales can close in as little as 1–2 weeks, depending on:
- Title company availability
- Buyer’s ability to wire funds quickly
- Whether there are title issues
Make sure you have:
✔ Clear title
✔ Any repairs documented
✔ Keys and codes ready
📌 Quick Summary
| Step | Timing | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare home | Same day | Clean & gather info |
| Contact cash buyers | Hours | Calls/emails/texts |
| Get offers | Hours to 1 day | Compare 2–3 |
| Accept and sign | Same day | Contract with buyer |
| Close | 1–2 weeks | Title & funds transfer |