How to Sell My House Fast in Chesapeake, VA: Cash Offer Options

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

Still unsure if working with a Chesapeake house-buying company is the right choice for your home sale? Let’s take a quick look at some key pros and cons of this approach:

Pros

• Quick sale: You’ll typically receive a fast offer and can close within days, ideal for homeowners who need to move on urgently.
• No need for repairs: You can sell your home in poor condition, avoiding the time and expenses needed to make major repairs.
• No staging or showings: Skip the hassles of staging and accommodating open houses or showings in your schedule.
• Guaranteed sale: With no buyer contingencies or financing delays, the risk of your sale falling through is greatly reduced.
• Reduced closing costs: Some companies may cover your closing costs in full, saving you from seller fees you would have to pay in a traditional sale.
• Foreclosure relief: Selling to a cash buyer can help homeowners in financial distress avoid foreclosure, providing quick access to needed funds.

Cons

• Lower offers: Cash buyers typically offer below market value, meaning you’ll likely net less than you would on the open market.
• No competition: Without multiple buyers, you miss out on the potential for a bidding war that could increase your home’s sale price.
• Loss of control: The buyer generally sets the final sale price and terms, leaving little to no room for negotiation.
• Risk of scams: Be cautious of potential house-buying scams and thoroughly vet each company before moving forward.

Jeremy Stansbury, a top-selling agent with over 15 years of experience in the Chesapeake area, informs sellers that reaching out to a few house-buying companies is only the tip of the iceberg — and that’s why it’s critical to do your research and ensure you’re working with a trusted buyer.

“There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of investors that will buy a house for cash in this region. So if you’re dealing with a handful of those directly, you might not find that one investor that’s willing to pay 10 or 15 percent more,” Stansbury cautions.

Option 2: Hire a top Chesapeake real estate agent

Even if you need to sell your Chesapeake home quickly, hiring a top real estate agent can be a wise choice. An experienced agent understands the nuances of the Chesapeake market, helping you set an accurate price, market your property effectively, and negotiate with buyers. They manage the process from start to finish, aiming to maximize your sale price even when time is limited.

Stansbury emphasizes that working with an experienced agent over a typical agent can make all the difference in your home sale.

“The first thing is, we get more and better exposure [for your property], and the second thing is experience. There is a reason that 10% of the agents out there sell 80% of the homes — because we have better systems in place, better skillsets, and we know what to anticipate from a different market,” he says.

Next, we’ll break down current market conditions in Chesapeake, the main benefits of partnering with a real estate professional, and how to find a top agent in your neighborhood.

How fast are homes selling in Chesapeake?

Homes are selling relatively quickly in Chesapeake, with an average of about 27 days on the market from listing to contract. After receiving a signed offer, it typically takes an additional 43 days to finalize the buyer’s mortgage approval and officially close the sale, bringing the total process to a little over two months.

With the current inventory level at 2.8 months, the market is tipped in favor of sellers due to a lack of housing supply. This is good news for homeowners who want to act fast in Chesapeake’s current market. However, note that inventory has risen remarkably since the same time last year, with the number of active listings up by 29.2%.

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

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

Data source(s): Hampton Roads Realtors Association, World Population Review

Benefits of selling with a top Chesapeake agent

Working with a top real estate agent in Chesapeake offers many advantages that can translate to a faster, more efficient sale. What, exactly, are those benefits? Here, we’ll take a look at the primary ways an experienced agent can streamline your home sale while maximizing your return:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can use specific house-pricing strategies to attract serious buyers quickly and draw in offers that are at or above list price.
• Can generate a speedy sale: With deep knowledge of the Chesapeake market, agents know what features are the most desirable and often have a network of potential buyers.
• Accurate, effective pricing: Agents perform services such as a comparative market analysis to examine hyper-local comparable sales and set a price in line with the market.
• Professional negotiation skills: As expert negotiators, agents work tirelessly to secure the best deal for your sale and keep it moving along without excessive back-and-forth.
• Know which repairs to fix: Agents can advise on which repairs and improvements will have the highest return on your investment and which ones to avoid.
• Elevated marketing: Through advanced marketing techniques such as drone photography and virtual walkthroughs, agents can significantly boost your home’s exposure.
• Contract savviness: Agents are well-versed in handling real estate contracts, walking you through financing terms, closing costs, and fine print without confusion.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: With expertise in Virginia’s specific legal disclosures, an agent will ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and compliant.
• Network of skilled professionals: “We have the contacts necessary to get the best photographs, we have processes and procedures in place to make sure that everything is done right, and we’re going to market that property until it is sold,” Stansbury says.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced agent will serve as your right-hand man, answering all your questions and concerns and helping you streamline decisions along the way.

How to find a top Chesapeake real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Chesapeake is essential for a fast, successful sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform can narrow down your search by analyzing over 27 million transactions and reviews to match you with multiple top-rated agents in Chesapeake. Whether your goal is to maximize your sale price or sell as fast as possible, HomeLight can connect you with the best local expert to meet your unique needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Chesapeake house fast

When attempting to sell your Chesapeake home fast, there are several expert tips recommended by local agents that can make a difference in how your property shows and how quickly it attracts buyers. Consider following these tips for a successful sale:

• Price it right from the start: Avoid overpricing your home, which can lead to extended time on the market and stagnant offers. An agent can help you price your home in line with local market conditions.
• Highlight outdoor spaces: “Outdoor living space is a big one in this region. Something simple, like a small fire pit with some string lights above and a little bit of seating,” Stansbury recommends.
• Stage for remote work: With Chesapeake’s growing remote workforce, consider staging a dedicated home office space to appeal to this segment of buyers.
• Focus on curb appeal: First impressions matter, so spruce up your landscaping and make sure your exterior is clean. Strong curb appeal can capture buyers’ attention quickly.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-listing home inspection can reveal hidden issues or damage ahead of time, allowing you to address them before buyers raise concerns.
• Offer a home warranty: Providing a home warranty can attract buyers who are working with a tight budget or are concerned about potential repairs down the line.
• Use professional photography: In Chesapeake’s competitive market, professional listing photos can help your home stand out online and lead to more in-person showings.
• Declutter your home: “A house in good condition is going to sell better than a house that is in disarray or disorganized and cluttered,” Stansbury advises. Follow this 10-step guide to declutter your home.
• Consider timing: Chesapeake’s market can be seasonal. Use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to determine the optimal time to list.

In addition to the above, Stansbury recommends staging each room as if it’s an Airbnb or hotel room, where everything has a place.

“Focus on the kitchens and bathrooms. Every room should show as it’s intended to function,” he says. “So, a bedroom should have a bed, some nightstands, and things like that. If it’s a small bedroom, it can be an office space, but you don’t want a catch-all where you have a bunch of boxes and storage, because that just shows that the home might not have enough storage space.”

Ready to sell your Chesapeake house fast?

Whether you decide to request a cash offer or work with a top real estate agent in Chesapeake, the key to a fast and successful home sale is finding the best fit for your individual situation.

• If time is of the essence, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale can offer a quick and effective solution.
• Alternatively, hiring an experienced agent can provide professional marketing and strategic pricing to attract buyers swiftly. HomeLight can connect you with top agents in the Chesapeake market.

If you’re still unsure, why not consider both options? Comparing a cash offer side-by-side with an agent’s guidance can give you the comprehensive insight to make an informed decision.

While selling your home fast in Chesapeake may seem like a challenge, HomeLight is here to help you every step of the way. With these expert tools, tips, and resources at your disposal, you’ll be more than equipped to achieve a speedy home sale and maximize your value in Chesapeake’s market.

Header Image Source: (Matt Hardison/Unsplash)