5 Reasons Selling to a Builder May Be Right For You

You may have heard of “spring selling season” or talks of the “spring market” as you see more homes added to Zillow, Redfin, and the MLS. Or maybe you are looking to sell your property and are considering the best upgrades and renovations for your best ROI.

Selling a home can be a complex and emotional process, especially if you or a family member have lived in the property for quite some time. While many homeowners stick to selling the traditional way, some homeowners choose to sell theirs to a builder rather than listing them on the open market. If this is something you’re considering, or this is the first time you’ve heard of this option, then keep reading! We’ve compiled a list of 5 common reasons why homeowners choose to sell their homes to a builder.

Selling a home to a builder can be a convenient option for homeowners who don't want to deal with the time and effort of selling their property through traditional means. Some builders, including Merit Homes, often release a non-refundable earnest money deposit for the property, which many buyers use towards their next home purchase!

The closing process for selling a home to a builder is typically much simpler than it is for a traditional sale. At Merit Homes we keep the process simple by using standard MLS forms, which can speed up the process and make it more straightforward and hassle-free for the homeowner.

Homeowners who sell their homes to builders often receive a higher price for their property than they would on the open market. Builders are often willing to pay a premium for properties in desirable areas, and a good builder will know how to maximize the property size for their next project, ensuring you get top dollar.

Additionally, when selling a home directly to a builder, there are no realtor fees to pay, which can save you thousands. This means homeowners can keep more of the money from the sale, which can be a major advantage for those who need to maximize their profits. However, we do encourage people to work with a trusted broker and/or attorney who can help you navigate this process, if that makes you more comfortable.

When selling a home to a builder in lieu of listing the home on the market, there is no need to make any repairs or renovations to the property. Builders are often willing to purchase homes in as-is condition, saving the homeowner time and money. This means no roof repairs, no updated electrical, and no time spent researching general contractors and renovation companies and getting multiple bids on projects. In addition to saving you time and money, this also helps to simplify the selling process. 

Selling a home to a builder eliminates the need for showings or open houses. This is especially beneficial for homeowners who are concerned about their privacy or who have busy schedules that make it difficult to accommodate potential buyers. If you don’t like the idea of strangers going in and out of your home while your personal belongings are still in there, selling to a builder may be a good option. If your home currently serves as a rental occupied by tenants, most builders don’t need to disturb them, nor even go inside most of the time.

Many sellers aren’t willing or wanting to move that quickly, especially if they are debating between renting or buying a new place. If you know you want to sell but aren’t ready just yet, then you’ll want to find a reputable builder who will lock in a contract with you, but have an extended closing timeline. 

Some builders are willing to close 6 months, 9 months, or even a year+ down the road. At Merit Homes, we can work as fast or slow as you need, with many of our sellers opting for longer closing timelines. This ensures you can stay in your home and have ample time to declutter, pack, and find your next place.  Want to learn more about how to move into a new home? Check out our moving guide. 

Overall, selling a home to a builder can be a great option for homeowners who want to simplify the sales process, receive a higher price for their property, and avoid the hassle of traditional home sales. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, it's certainly worth considering for those who want a cost-effective and convenient sales process.

If you’re looking to sell your property in Kirkland and surrounding areas, and would like to speak to Merit Homes about your specific needs and timelines, then please give us a call or fill out the easy-to-use form on our website! 

Flexibility, transparency, and fairness guide our mission in providing quality homes for new and existing residents throughout the Kirkland community. We are happy to provide a no-obligation, cash offer for your property, or help you strategize different terms and ideas that work best for you. Likewise, if you are in the process of selling your home this spring, check out our available homes in Kirkland.