I Need to Sell My House Fast in Boise: What Are My Options?

Pros and cons of selling to a Boise house-buying company

Still not sure if selling your home to a Boise house-buying company is the right move? Here’s a quick overview of some of the key benefits and drawbacks to help you decide.

Pros

• Sell fast: In most cases, you will receive a quick offer (sometimes within 24 hours) and close in as little as a few days.
• Skip repairs: Most house-buying companies purchase homes in as-is condition, so there’s no need to make repairs.
• No staging or showings: You can skip the stress and expense of staging and showing your home to buyers.
• Flexible move-out dates: Many companies let you choose a move-out date that works best for you.
• No financing delays: There’s no waiting around for buyer financing since cash buyers don’t need mortgage approval.
• Cover closing costs: Some buyers will cover your closing costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses that come with selling a home.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: Selling to a cash buyer can help prevent foreclosure if you’re struggling to keep up with mortgage payments.

Cons

• Lower offers: Cash offers are typically below market value, sometimes by a significant amount, which means you will likely not get top dollar for your home.
• Less competition: Without multiple buyers making competitive offers, you won’t benefit from the potential of selling above list price or sparking a bidding war.
• You give up control: You may have less say in the overall sale terms and timeline.
• No negotiations: Cash buyers often present take-it-or-leave-it offers, leaving little room for negotiation.
• Potential risk for scams: There’s a risk of encountering less reputable companies or flat-out scams, so doing your research first is critical.

Barbara Dopp, a top Idaho real estate agent who works with 74% more single-family homes than the average agent in her market, cautions sellers that they stand to gain less for their home when selling to a house-buying company versus working with an agent.

“When you have an investor — and an investor is always looking for a bargain of how they win financially — that would be similar to selling your home for sale by owner, which does not typically net sellers the most money in their pocket,” she says. “Even though they feel like they’re not paying a commission, oftentimes, they don’t have anyone negotiating on their behalf.”

Next up, we’ll explore the pros and cons of working with a real estate agent so you can compare and contrast both options.

Option 2: Hire a top Boise real estate agent

Even if you’re aiming to sell your Boise home quickly, hiring a top real estate agent can be a smart choice. A skilled agent knows the local market, understands buyer behavior, and can help you secure a fast sale while simultaneously maximizing your home’s value. From pricing strategy to negotiations, an agent handles all the nitty-gritty details and guides you through the process to ensure a smoother sale, even under tight timelines.

Now, let’s see how quickly homes are selling on the Boise market and explore the benefits of working with a real estate professional.

How fast are homes selling in Boise?

In Boise, homes are staying on the market for a median of 40 days. This means that from the time you list your home to when you have a signed contract, it typically takes a little over a month. After a contract is in place, buyers often need to account for the additional 43 days it takes to close on their loan, bringing the overall selling process to about three months.

The current Boise real estate market is characterized by a median home sale price of $516,000, up 4.2% compared to last year, and an inventory level of 2.4 months. This relatively low inventory suggests a competitive market where well-priced homes can still move quickly.

“I do think that a home that is presented to the market in good condition and priced at, or even slightly below, market value and is in a good location will always sell quickly,” Dopp says.

Here is a snapshot of current real estate conditions in Boise:

*Does not include the typical 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

Data source(s): Multiple public transaction sites

“One thing to know about today’s market is that the buyer is less emotional than they were before, and that they are making decisions based on interest rate and availability. They’re taking more time to make a decision,” Dopp adds. “So, don’t panic that it’s taking more days to sell a home. 30 to 45 days used to be a normal market.”

Benefits of selling with a top Boise agent

A real estate agent’s job is to get your home sold as quickly as possible and for its highest price. Therefore, working with a top Boise real estate agent can significantly speed up the sale process from those 40 days on market and prevent you from leaving money on the table. An experienced agent brings invaluable insights and strategies to the table, from knowing how to price effectively and handle negotiations to leveraging industry connections.

To Dopp, the top benefits of working with a real estate agent are short and sweet: “An experienced negotiator, and pricing the property appropriately. Two huge wins.”

What are the other main advantages of hiring a real estate agent? Let’s explore them below:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent knows how to price your home competitively to maximize your profit as much as possible.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Experienced agents understand how to time the market according to various factors, contributing to faster offers.
• Accurate, effective pricing: By setting the right price from the start, an agent can draw in more buyers and reduce time on the market.
• Professional negotiation skills: “A big part of negotiating is really bringing opportunities to your listing,” Dopp says. An agent’s negotiating expertise ensures you constantly have someone in your corner fighting for the best deal.
• Elevated marketing: Agents use advanced marketing tools to reach the widest possible audience and position your home attractively toward buyers. Dopp emphasizes the importance of finding a “strong marketing agent with good experience.”
• Will know what to fix and not fix: A skilled agent advises on which repairs will yield a return on investment and add to your final sale price.
• Contract savviness: Agents are well-versed in handling real estate contracts, avoiding any confusion or delays you might encounter without their help.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Your agent ensures all legal requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Network of skilled professionals: Agents have connections with local contractors, stagers, inspectors, and photographers to help fix up your property faster.

How to find a top Boise real estate agent

Finding the right agent in Boise is key to a fast and successful sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform analyzes millions of transactions to match you with top-performing agents in your local market. Whether you’re looking to sell or buy, HomeLight can help connect you with the best Boise real estate professional to meet your individual goals.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Boise house fast

When selling your Boise home, there are other agent-approved tips and tricks you can take upon yourself to speed up the process. Here is some expert advice relayed from top Boise agents to help you get your house off the market quickly:

• Price it right from the start: Avoid the temptation to overprice your home, which can lead to longer time on the market. An experienced agent can help you price your home competitively to attract more buyers.
• Highlight outdoor spaces: Boise buyers appreciate outdoor living and a connection to nature, so emphasize any patios, decks, and backyard spaces.
• Stage for remote workers: With Boise’s growing number of remote workers, staging a home office may appeal to this population and attract faster offers.
• Focus on curb appeal: First impressions matter — fresh landscaping and a clean exterior can draw buyers in from the start. “Before homeowners sell, manicure and fertilize the yard, and make sure shrubs are alive and well,” suggests Nick Louie of Modern Landscape Idaho, based in Garden City.
• Get a pre-listing home inspection: A pre-listing inspection can uncover hidden issues so you can fix them before buyers are aware, avoiding delays or price decreases once an offer is on the table.
• Offer a home warranty: Providing a home warranty can offer peace of mind to buyers, especially those concerned about future repair costs.
• Use professional photography: In Boise’s competitive market, taking high-quality, professional photos will help your home stand out on the MLS and attract more offers quickly.
• Leverage social media reach: Sharing engaging photos and videos of your home on social media can help quickly increase visibility and attract serious buyers.

Ready to sell your Boise house fast?

Whether you choose to follow the agent-approved tips above and work with a real estate professional or decide to go for an all-cash offer, finding the right fit for your individual needs is key for a fast home sale in Boise.

• If time is of the essence, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a quick, hassle-free option.
• On the other hand, hiring a skilled agent ensures your home is marketed well and priced to sell, so you can maximize your proceeds without settling. HomeLight can connect you with top agents in the Boise market.

If you’re unsure, consider exploring both options. Seeing a cash offer and an agent’s insights side-by-side can help provide the clarity you need to make the best decision.

While selling your home quickly in Boise can be challenging, don’t underestimate the options and resources available to you. Armed with the right tips and resources, along with HomeLight’s help, you will be well-prepared to sell your Boise home fast and move forward.

Header Image Source: (Bryce Boehler / Unsplash)