I Need to Sell My House Fast in Sacramento: What Are My Options?

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

Still not sure if working with a Sacramento house-buying company is the right option for you? Here, we compare the key benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

Pros

• Quick offer: You can receive a quick cash offer in as little as 24 hours, speeding up the sale process from months to days.
• Sell as-is: Selling your home as-is means you don’t have to worry about making repairs or renovations.
• No staging or showings: Avoid the hassle of staging and hosting nonstop showings for potential buyers.
• No financing delays: Since cash buyers don’t need to wait for mortgage approvals, there is no risk of financing delays.
• Cover closing costs: Many cash buyers will cover your closing costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
• Foreclosure solution: Selling to a house-buying company can help prevent a looming foreclosure if your financial situation is rocky.
• Guaranteed sale: There are no doubts that your sale could fall through due to home inspections or buyer contingencies.

Cons

• Below market value: Cash buyers typically offer significantly below market value compared to traditional sales.
• Less competition for your home: Selling to a cash buyer means you won’t benefit from multiple offers driving up the price in a bidding war.
• No negotiations: Cash buyers usually present “take it or leave it” offers, leaving little room for price negotiations.
• Risk of scams: Some cash buyers look trustworthy on the surface but actually turn out to be scams. Be sure to do your research!
• You have no control: Selling to a house-buying company means having limited say in the process and the final terms of the sale.

Suneet Agarwal, a top Sacramento agent who sells homes more than 57% faster than the average agent in his market, advises sellers to at least try listing with an agent first, and turn to a cash investor only if they are unhappy with the results.

“When you sell directly to a cash buying company, they typically have a bottom line. If you are in need of an extremely quick sale, that may be the best bet. However, if you need to maximize your return on investment, going with an agent is always your best bet.”

Option 2: Hire a top Sacramento real estate agent

Even if your goal is to sell as fast as possible, hiring a top real estate agent might be a smart move to propel your sale forward. An experienced agent understands the current Sacramento market and can advertise your home effectively. They handle everything from pricing to negotiating, helping you maximize your profit even when time is of the essence.

“Getting great representation to understand the legal aspect, the complexities of selling, having the disclosures done, and also marketing is essential,” says Agarwal. “A house represented properly on the MLS will have a bigger pool of buyers, so without an agent, you’re not going to be able to do a lot of that or have the experience to get it done effectively.”

Now, let’s explore the current market conditions, the benefits of working with a top agent, and how to find a real estate professional in Sacramento who can help you sell quickly.

How fast are homes selling in Sacramento?

Homes are selling quickly in Sacramento, with a median of just 19 days on the market from listing to going under contract. After that, it typically takes an additional 43 days for the buyer to close on a purchase loan. This means that even in a competitive market, Sacramento homeowners can expect a sale to take about two months from start to finish.

With a median home price of $560,000 and limited inventory at 2.4 months (4-6 months is considered balanced), the Sacramento housing market remains favorable for sellers looking to move their homes along quickly.

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

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

Data source(s): California Association of Realtors

Agarwal emphasizes the importance of accurate pricing, as overpricing your home can lead to lingering days on market and stagnant offers. “The homes that are priced in that median price point and that are presented well are selling very quickly and experiencing multiple offers,” he says. “The higher priced homes have a smaller pool of buyers and are typically selling slow.”

Benefits of selling with a top Sacramento agent

Working with a top Sacramento real estate agent can provide several advantages that contribute to a faster home sale. Their expertise in navigating the local market and handling the many aspects of a transaction can help streamline the process, making it easier to close the deal quickly. Let’s explore the top benefits of working with a real estate agent:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can help you price your home accurately, which attracts buyers and can lead to a faster sale.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Top agents know how to market and position your home to appeal to buyers, shortening its time on the market.
• Accurate, effective pricing: With deep market knowledge, agents can price your home competitively, leading to quicker offers.
• Professional negotiation skills: An agent’s negotiation expertise helps to move deals forward and resolve buyer concerns efficiently.
• Expert partner by your side: A trusted, experienced agent can guide you through every step, making the entire process smoother and swifter.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: Your agent can advise you on which necessary repairs to complete, helping you avoid time-consuming or costly upgrades. “Anything that should be repaired, repair that. If you have the means. If you don’t, make sure that you disclose,” says Agarwal.
• Elevated marketing: Agents use advanced marketing strategies to showcase your home, attracting buyers quickly.
• Contract savviness: Agents are well-versed in handling the complexities of real estate contracts, reducing confusion or delays in the transaction.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Your agent ensures that all legal requirements and paperwork are completed accurately and on time.
• Network of skilled professionals: Agents have access to a network of inspectors, contractors, and professionals who can expedite any pre-listing tasks.

How to find a top Sacramento real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Sacramento is key to a quick and successful home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform makes it easy by analyzing millions of transactions and client reviews to connect you with up to three top-rated agents in the Sacramento market. Whether you’re selling or buying, HomeLight can help you find the best agent for your needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Sacramento house fast

Top Sacramento real estate agents follow a few smart strategies to help homes sell faster. Here are some tips from the experts to help you maximize your chances of a speedy sale.

• Price it right from the start: Overpricing can lead to extended time on the market, so work with your agent to set a competitive price from the beginning. “Pricing wrong in Sacramento is the easiest way to sit on the market,” comments Ryan Lundquist, a licensed home appraiser and owner of Lundquist Appraisal Company.
• Highlight outdoor spaces: Sacramento buyers love outdoor spaces, so emphasize patios, gardens, or decks to appeal to local buyers.
• Stage for remote workers: With many remote workers in Sacramento, staging a home office or workspace can attract this growing buyer demographic.
• Focus on curb appeal: First impressions matter, so invest in fresh landscaping and a clean exterior to draw in potential buyers. “Curb appeal is super important,” Agarwal confirms. “Plant some fresh flowers in the garden. The little things to improve curb appeal really make a big impact.”
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-listing inspection can reveal hidden issues, allowing you to address them before putting your home on the market and avoid surprises during the home inspection.
• Offer a home warranty: Providing a home warranty can help reassure buyers, especially those worried about future repairs.
• Use professional photography: In Sacramento’s competitive market, high-quality photos are essential to making your listing stand out online.
• Consider timing: Sacramento’s housing market can be seasonal. Use HomeLight’s Time to Sell Calculator to determine the best time to list.

In addition to the above, Agarwal recommends decluttering and depersonalizing the inside of your home to create a clean slate for touring buyers. “If your house needs paint and you can afford it, get it painted up,” he adds.

Ready to sell your Sacramento house fast?

Whether you’re looking to hire a top Sacramento real estate agent or want to settle for a fast cash offer, the key is finding the right approach for your individual home-selling journey.

• For urgent home sales, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a quick, hassle-free solution.
• Alternatively, hiring a seasoned agent ensures your home is marketed professionally and priced to sell quickly. HomeLight can connect you with several top-rated Sacramento agents in minutes.

If you’re uncertain about which path to take, consider comparing and contrasting both options. By evaluating a cash offer from Simple Sale against an agent’s plan and pricing recommendations, you can make a fully informed decision before moving forward with your next steps.

Selling your Sacramento home quickly doesn’t have to be overwhelming — HomeLight is here to help simplify the process. With a clear understanding of your options, you can confidently begin your selling journey and aim to earn the highest possible price for your home in the least amount of time.

Header Image Source: (Stephen Leonardi/ Pexels)