There are plenty of companies advertising to buy your "ugly" or "distressed" home for cash, and they convince you they are doing you a favor. But, in reality, they aren't.

They offer to close in as quick as three days, without having to pay any commissions or fees or worry about inspections. There are some instances in which this might be your best option. But not always.

I decided to put myself through this process, to see what it is like for the customer. I clicked on a Facebook ad that offered to get me out of my house in three days, no questions asked. I filled out the form with my basic info, told them my home was in good shape other than maybe some cosmetic updates needed, and sent it off. I heard back within the hour, they asked me how much I wanted, and I told then I wanted $320k. This is just under market value for my home at the time. Within the day, I had a cash offer in my hands for $225k. And from there, I could have finalized the deal. 

But was that my only option? Of course not! And it may not be yours either. Why give away the equity you have in your home to someone else? It may just be a matter of a few improvement projects to ensure it sells for a fair market price.

To help you sell you home and maximize the equity you have, I have put together a team of superstars that can help with every aspect of getting your home ready for sale, and it can be quicker and easier than you think! Depending on your situation, some of these expenses can even be deferred until closing day.

These are the options we have available for you:

• Decluttering, packing, and purging - If your house just has too much in it, my go to professional organizer can work with you! She can help identify what is trash, what can be donated, what can be sold, and what can be stored away for another day. The goal is to minimize the clutter and depersonalize your house before listing it.
  
• Curb Appeal Makeover - The outside of your house is the first imppression people get when they look at your house. When they pull up to the house, they have a few minutes to take it all in, and imagine if this is the place for them. Make sure this first impression sets the tone for the rest of the house!
• Carpet and Paint - These two things alone are the biggst bang for your buck when it comes to helping sell a home. Neutral colors are best so people can begin to imagine where their furniture goes, and how it will all look. It also gives the place that "new home smell" that everyone loves so much!
• Odd jobs - Barring any major work that needs done, such as foundation or roof issues, most homes have a list of little things that need taken care of. Tightening stair rails, replaing a few deck boards, and any other light duty tasks that help the home look and feel better.

Believe it or not, with some collaboration and short timelines, we can have your home "flipped" in about a week, and ready to list! If you've received one of these cash offers, but aren't under contract (or are considering this route), I'd be happy to review it with you, and help determine your other options.

Don't give away the equity in your house to someone else. It belongs to you! Let's work together and see what we can do for you!

"Superstar" Partners:

• Smart Move Organizing
• Garret's Lawn Service