Ask the “We Buy Houses Companies” the tough questions. Ask them about their experience, ask them what can cause delays in funding or closing. Demand that they deliver a Proof of Funds letter from their bank that includes a closing date! You need to ask them the hard questions, because if you don’t who will? If you are unsure about anything do NOT assume that they can perform and do NOT sign an Agreement.
We have all seen the signs and banners: We Buy Houses Stockton! We Buy Houses Sacramento, Modesto, Manteca and Lodi! It is their Battle cry. It’s in their mailers, their marketing materials and of course the Websites. If you were to believe everything you’ve read then it stands to reason that EVERY “We Buy Houses” company is the same… RIGHT?
Well, Not Exactly.
“Selling Your Stockton House Can Be A Quick And Simple Process”. “Give us 10 days to close FAST! RIGHT”?
Well, Not Exactly.
What if that “We Buy House” company really doesn’t have any money? Would that make a difference in their ability to close within 10 Days?
What if that same company, (which may or may not be local) was unfamiliar with Title Company rules and guidelines regarding closings and the paperwork associated with closing quickly? Could that impact the time frame? One step further… what if the Title had one or more liens and the title Company needed to issue “Demand Payoffs”? Would that make a difference?
What if the Title Company asked them for a statement of information, to prove who they were and they refused to Provide one? Would that delay the closing?
Of course all of these individually or combined can delay a closing. For a homeowner that needs to sell an unwanted house fast, the last thing you want is someone claiming to be something they are not. The last thing you need is to accept an offer from someone who cant perform.
I know this because I have had to clean up after other buyers failures. I received calls from frantic homeowners telling me about long unexplained delays and even buyer no shows for a closing. Its not uncommon when a Company A from the Bay area or Franchisee B with a national UGLY House company just cant or wont perform. I have received a call from a seller frantic because their buyer did not have the money for a closing .
So its important to ASK the We Buy Houses Companies the tough questions!
Why am I telling you this?
Seller Beware. There are differences between companies and their ability to perform. Unfortunately on the Internet we may all look alike.
It doesn’t matter what industry you choose. It stands to reason that some companies are just better than others at what they do.
Have you thought about why?
- Commitment of Ownership
- Experience
- Maturity
- Business Ethics
- Cash flow
- Good Business Decisions
- Commitment to Customer
Over the past several years, I have watched many would be companies come and go. All of them making similar promises, leaving the homeowner to figure out who to trust. With that said, no one can literally steal your house without paying for it , but they can waste precious time and money going through a lengthy process that will never bear the fruit of which they promise.
To make matters worse, we all have very similar We Buy Houses names. We all say generally and specifically the same things. We shout from the mountaintops and the valleys that we can “Buy your House for Cash and Close Quickly”.
Really?
So choosing an I Buy or We Buy Houses company just got a little more complex.
It should be?
Choosing a Company that can actually Buy your House may be more important than their offering price, if they cant perform. As a seller it is up to you to determine whether or not the company’s you INTERVIEW can perform on the promises that they make.
The truth is it has always been about the people, its the people that make a difference. At Westbrook REI, I would like to earn your business based on my commitment to perform.
When you visit our website and the Website of our competitors. Don’t look at the flash. Look at the substance. Go to the About Us Page. Go to the company Info Page and if you can’t tell who the owner is, If they don’t publish a telephone number. Run.
Because at the end of the day if you cant talk to them before you submit your information how are you going to find them after.
Finally, demand a face to face interview and then before you sign an agreement ask them for “Proof of Funds”. Ask them how long they have been buying properties and ask them for references regarding their performance. You may just be surprised at the responses.
At “Westbrook REI” and “I Buy Houses Stockton“, we are the best at what we do because we work at it every day. We understand that a commitment to customer and a commitment to our business only happens with hard work. We have years of experience and a plan that we follow. We are a real company with real people that are committed to helping you achieve your goals.