How to Sell My House Fast in Killeen, TX: Cash Offer Options

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

Still not sure if selling to a Killeen house-buying company is right for you? Here’s a quick look at the main benefits and drawbacks of this option.

Pros

• Fast offer: You can get a cash offer within 24 hours and close in a few days, significantly speeding up the home-selling process.
• Sell as-is: These companies buy homes in any condition, allowing you to skip expensive repairs or renovations.
• No staging or showings: Avoid the hassle of prepping your home for staging or managing multiple showings.
• Cover closing costs: Some companies cover your closing costs, saving you from the fees typically associated with a home sale.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: Selling to a cash buyer can help avoid a looming foreclosure, providing you with temporary financial stability.

Cons

• Below market value: Offers are usually below market value, which means you will likely be leaving a sizable chunk of money on the table.
• Uncertainty: With no competition among buyers, there’s less chance for multiple offers that could drive up the price of your home.
• Potential risk for scams: Not all companies are reputable, and you could risk falling victim to a home-buying scam.
• You give up control: You have less say in the sale terms and little to no room to negotiate the final sales price.

Sandee Payne, a top real estate agent in Killeen who works with 76% more single-family homes than the average agent in her market, cautions sellers that home-buying companies are out to make a profit.

“They are never going to offer you full market value because their strategy is to purchase the home at a discount, make some improvements, if any, and turn around and resell the home at market value. So they’re in it for their own profit, not for the gain of the seller.”

Payne also recommends consulting with a real estate agent, even if you are choosing to work with a cash buyer.

“Because of a cash buyer, there are… expenses in the terms of contracts that will often fall on the seller. For example, seller concessions towards lender fees. If you’re a cash buyer, you don’t have a mortgage lender, so you aren’t going to incur those fees,” she says.

Consulting with a real estate agent who understands how cash buyers operate can help you negotiate and avoid any hidden fees.

Option 2: Hire a top Killeen real estate agent

Even when you need to sell your house quickly, hiring a top real estate agent in Killeen can still be a smart strategy. An experienced agent understands the local market and can guide you through a speedy and successful sale. From setting an accurate list price and staging your home to negotiations and paperwork, they handle the nitty-gritty details to help you maximize your profit, even under a tight deadline.

Now, let’s explore how fast homes are currently selling in the Killeen market, the benefits of working with a real estate professional, and how to find a top-performing agent in your area.

How fast are homes selling in Killeen?

In Killeen, homes are currently spending an average of 53 days on the market before going under contract. Once a contract is signed, buyers typically need an additional 43 days to close on their purchase loan, bringing the total selling timeline to a little over three months.

With a median home price of $240,750 and an inventory level of 3.8 months, Killeen’s market is fairly balanced, but leaning in favor of sellers. A truly balanced market is typically characterized by four to six months of active inventory.

“Our area has a wide variety of home selections,” Payne says. “I would say price point is really going to determine how fast homes are selling.”

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

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

Data source(s): The Temple-Belton Board of Realtors

Benefits of selling with a top Killeen agent

Working with a top Killeen real estate agent can greatly accelerate the home-selling process. These experts offer valuable insights and proven strategies that help streamline the sale and increase your chances of a faster closing. So, what are the main benefits of hiring a real estate agent? Let’s explore them below:

• Accurate, effective pricing: A skilled agent knows the Killeen market and can set a competitive price that attracts buyers quickly.
• Professional negotiation skills: As experts in negotiation, agents can secure the best deal for your sale and expedite the closing process.
• Advanced marketing: Agents use advanced marketing tactics to showcase your home, increase visibility, and draw in potential buyers from the minute it lists.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced agent guides you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth sale free of confusion.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: Agents can advise on wise repairs or updates that will add value to your home and help you avoid non-essential upgrades.  “For example, we’re thinking about putting granite in,” Payne says. “We can help them decide on their price point, in their neighborhood. Is that $7,000 investment going to increase the value of their home? Will they see that money return, or will it help their home stand out against the competition?”
• Contract savviness: Agents handle the complexities and nuances of real estate contracts, taking mounds of dense paperwork off your plate.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: They’re well-versed in navigating state-specific legal requirements, ensuring you have all correct documents and disclosures.
• Network of skilled professionals: Agents have a network of skilled inspectors, appraisers, and contractors who can quickly address any issues, keeping the sale on track.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Agents use their expertise to expedite the selling process and attract serious buyers right off the bat.

“The minute [homeowners] think about selling, they should get with a real estate agent,” Payne says. “We’re the ones who know first-hand what things are going to help their home sell and what are good investments to make. That will actually either increase the value of their home or increase the desire and appeal of their home against the competition.”

One of the biggest pieces of advice Payne tells sellers is to trust their real estate agent. “We know the market; let us help set proper expectations on what the market’s doing so that they know how their sale is going to progress.”

How to find a top Killeen real estate agent

Ready to find the right real estate agent for your home sale, but don’t know where to start? HomeLight’s Agent Match platform makes it easy. By analyzing over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews, we match you with top-rated agents in the Killeen market who will help you navigate your individual home-selling needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Killeen house fast

When selling your Killeen home, there are a few strategic steps local real estate agents recommend to expedite the process. Consider following these expert tips to secure a fast sale:

• Price it right from the start: Avoid the temptation to overprice your home to attract more buyers and reduce time on the market. “Don’t overprice the home,” Payne says. “Listen to your real estate agent and use the market data to really define what price your home should go to market in comparison to other homes in your close proximity.”
• Highlight outdoor spaces: Show off your little slice of Texas sun by highlighting outdoor spaces, such as pools, decks, and patios, for relaxing and entertaining.
• Stage for remote workers: Create a dedicated home office space to appeal to Killeen’s population of remote professionals.
• Focus on curb appeal: First impressions matter, so enhance your home’s curb appeal with simple steps like power washing, sprucing up landscaping, and repainting the front door.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-listing home inspection can identify any issues before your house goes to market, helping you avoid unwanted surprises or delays during the closing process.
• Offer a home warranty: Providing a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind, especially those who might be on the fence about the cost of future repairs.
• Use professional photography: High-quality, professional photos make any listing stand out on the MLS and can attract serious buyers more quickly.
• Consider timing: The market can vary seasonally, so consult with your agent or use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to find the optimal time to list.

Payne’s top recommendation for sellers is to make their homes move-in ready before attempting to sell. Because Fort Cavazos, one of the largest military bases in the U.S., is located near Killeen, potential military homebuyers don’t have an abundance of time to browse the housing market.

“They are definitely looking for homes that they can just move into with the least amount of time, things to do, cosmetic repairs, or anything that’s broken. Just making sure the house is in good working order and very clean,” Payne says.

According to Stephanie Nash, another top-selling agent in Killeen, there are two primary “seasons” in which military members and their families move: one in March and the other in October. You’re likely to see heightened demand for your home during these months.

Ready to sell your Killeen house fast?

Whether you choose to work with a top real estate agent in Killeen or opt for an all-cash offer, the goal is to find the best option for your unique home-selling situation.

• If time is of the essence, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be a swift and convenient solution.
• Alternatively, working with an experienced agent can ensure that your home is marketed effectively and priced to sell quickly. HomeLight can connect you with the best agents in Killeen.

If you’re still unsure, consider comparing a cash offer with an agent’s market analysis. This way, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of your options and can make an informed decision.

While selling your house fast in Killeen may seem like a challenge, HomeLight is here to guide you through the process. Armed with the expert tips, resources, and insights shared in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate a fast sale for your Killeen home with confidence and ease.

Header Image Source: (Cole Ankney / Unsplash)