Sell Quickly and Easily With Cash Home Buyers in Atlanta

Inside the Atlanta cash home buyers market

The Atlanta market for cash home buyers is relatively diverse. We’ll explore the different types of people and businesses who choose to buy homes with cash, and what drives their decisions.

New residents

Atlanta is a magnet for new residents, particularly those seeking a lower cost of living or job opportunities. The latest U.S. Census Bureau report shows that Atlanta’s population grew by over 12,000 residents between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023. This increase ranked Atlanta sixth among major U.S. cities in terms of population growth.

This influx includes remote workers and other professionals relocating from more expensive areas, who often have the financial means to buy homes in cash after selling their previous properties. These new residents are attracted to Atlanta’s vibrant culture, thriving job market, and relatively affordable housing options, making them ideal candidates for cash home purchases.

Baby Boomers

Although Georgia’s Baby Boomer population is low compared to other states, this demographic accounts for 35% of all homeowners in The Peach State. Many mature buyers have built up their home equity or long-term savings and are equipped to pay for properties without mortgages.

If your Atlanta house has accessible features that appeal to the Baby Boomer generation, like a first-floor primary suite, low-maintenance outdoor space, or wide doorways and hallways, mention them in your listing description to capture the attention of older buyers willing to pay cash.

Property investors

Homeowners in Atlanta are more likely to find success selling to property investors rather than traditional buyers willing to pay in cash. Property investors include institutional buyers, house flippers, iBuyers, wholesale investors, and buy-and-hold investors.

Seven corporate landlords ​​own more than 50,000 single-family rental homes in metro Atlanta. These investors tend to concentrate their purchases in specific neighborhoods that offer relatively low price points. Atlanta’s high investor activity means sellers stand a good chance of receiving an all-cash offer for their home.

Pros of working with an Atlanta cash home buyer

Opting for a cash offer can greatly simplify the home-selling process for Atlanta homeowners. Here are some key benefits of working with a cash home buyer:

How to request a cash offer in Atlanta

HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers an easier way to secure a cash offer for your home. By answering a few basic questions about your property, you can receive a no-obligation, all-cash offer within 24 hours.

If you accept the offer, you could close the sale in as few as 10 days, skipping costly repairs, prep work, and endless showings. Plus, you can choose a move-out date that works best for you, up to 30 days from closing.

While cash buyers generally offer less than what you might get on the open market, selling traditionally involves fees that can eat up 9% to 10% of your sale price. Depending on your circumstances, a cash buyer could still save you money and offer the convenience and speed you need.

How much are Atlanta cash home buyers willing to pay?

Cash home buyers in Atlanta typically offer less than what you might get on the open market, trading off a higher price for the speed and convenience they provide. Many investors, particularly house flippers, follow the 70% rule, which means they will pay no more than 70% of the home’s after-repair value minus the costs of necessary repairs.

The competitiveness of Atlanta’s housing market can also influence cash offers. In a hot market, cash buyers might offer prices closer to market value to stay competitive. On the flip side, cash offers tend to be significantly lower than market value in a slower market, reflecting the increased risk and holding costs for investors. Understanding these dynamics can help you set realistic expectations when considering a cash offer.

What’s the process of selling to an Atlanta cash home buyer?

If you’re seeking speed and simplicity, selling your home for cash might be the perfect option. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cash sale process:

Complete the Georgia Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement

When selling your home in Georgia, you are required to disclose certain information to potential buyers using the Georgia Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. This document details the condition of your property, including any known defects, environmental hazards, and previous repairs.

If you’re working with a “We Buy Houses” company in Atlanta, they will likely handle all necessary documents, including this one. However, completing the disclosure statement ahead of time can speed up the paperwork process. These companies conduct their own inspections and purchase homes in any condition, so filing the disclosure is more about fulfilling legal requirements.

The buyer runs a title search on the property

The cash buyer will verify the property title. This confirms your legal ownership and checks for any liens or claims that could prevent a smooth sale. Common title issues include boundary disputes, unknown easements, undisclosed heirs, public record errors, and forgery. Resolving these issues ahead of time helps streamline the sale and avoid any unexpected roadblocks.

The seller pays any associated fees

Although a cash sale generally has fewer closing costs than a traditional home sale, there are still some expenses sellers may need to cover. These can include transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, recording costs, and attorney fees.

In Georgia, sellers are typically responsible for paying the state’s real estate transfer tax, although this is negotiable. It’s based on the home’s sale price and levied at a rate of $1 for the first $1,000 (or fractional part of $1,000), and then a rate of 10 cents for each additional $100 (or fractional part of $100). You can use this handy calculator to figure out how much you might owe.

If you’re looking to avoid closing costs altogether, “We Buy Houses” companies will often pay them for you in exchange for an offer that’s below market value.

Deciding to sell to Atlanta cash home buyers

Atlanta’s competitive real estate market presents a good opportunity for homeowners to sell their properties for cash. There are several ways to approach this sale: you can manage the process yourself, find a trusted real estate agent to help you, or request a cash offer from cash-for-home companies.

HomeLight focuses on connecting sellers with qualified professionals and resources to facilitate a streamlined selling experience. Explore top real estate agents in Atlanta with our Agent Match tool or get in touch with investors through our Simple Sale platform.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be treated as legal or tax advice. Reach out to your own advisor for professional guidance.

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