How to Sell My House Fast in Allentown: Cash Offer Options

Pros and cons of selling to an Allentown house-buying company

Deciding whether selling your Allentown home to a cash buyer is the best move? To help guide your thought process, here we’ll break down the most significant benefits and potential pitfalls of this option:

Pros

• Sell fast: Cash sales in Allentown can expedite the home-selling process, potentially closing the deal in days rather than months.
• Skip repairs: House-buying companies generally buy homes as-is, saving you from completing expensive or lengthy repairs.
• Easy process: These companies simplify the process from start to finish, reducing paperwork and complexities.
• No staging or showings: There is no need to prepare your home for showings, open houses, or handle any staging.
• Flexible move-out dates: Most Allentown companies allow for flexible move-out dates.
• No financing delays: Cash transactions avoid the hassle of waiting for mortgage approvals.
• Reduced or no closing fees: Many house-buying companies will offer to cover most, if not all, of the closing costs.
• Sale is guaranteed: Once you accept a cash offer on your Allentown home, the sale is almost always guaranteed since it lacks the contingencies that can derail a typical home sale.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: If you’re facing a potential foreclosure, a quick sale can offer an easy way out.
• Less work than a FSBO sale: The process of a cash sale is much less effort than selling your home on your own.
• Peace of mind: Quick sales can alleviate pressure and provide a sense of relief.

Cons

• Lower offers: In most cases, you will receive less than market value for your Allentown home.
• Less competition for your home: With only one buyer, there’s no chance for bidding wars to occur.
• Can face hidden fees: Some companies may impose undisclosed or hidden fees.
• Not all companies are reputable: Beware of less-than-reputable companies operating in Allentown.
• A potential risk for scams: Research carefully to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate company, not a potential scam.
• You give up control: The buyer controls the terms and conditions, leaving you with less say.
• No negotiations: Often, the initial offer is the final offer, so you lose the power to negotiate.

Option 2: Hire a top Allentown real estate agent

Even when the countdown is on to sell your Allentown home, partnering with a skilled real estate agent can be a game-changer. A talented agent possesses a deeply developed understanding of the Allentown housing market and its hyperlocal nuances, steering you toward a more rapid and prosperous sale.

Top-performing real estate agent Sam Del Rosario serves Allentown and its surrounding markets and has a track record of selling homes 38% quicker than the average local agent.

According to Del Rosario, “I would say the top benefit is local knowledge of the market trends, as well as the ability to anticipate the potential issues throughout the selling process. Most sellers attempt to navigate on their own, not realizing there is more involved than simply putting the house on Zillow and attempting to sell it.”

Next up, let’s take a quick look at the current market conditions in Allentown, the primary advantages of selling with a real estate agent, and how to identify a top-rated professional in your local area.

How fast are homes selling in Allentown?

As of October 2024, the median days on market (DOM) in Allentown is 18 days. The DOM represents the time between listing your house and receiving a signed contract. Once a home goes under contract, it typically takes an additional 44 days for buyers to finalize their purchase loan and officially close the process, bringing the total selling timeline to roughly two months.

Currently, the median home price in Allentown is about $294,000, while the inventory level hovers around 1.4 months. This indicates a strong seller’s market in which homes are turning over quickly, and demand heavily outweighs supply.

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

*Does not include the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

Data source(s): Estimates gathered from multiple Allentown housing market data sources.

Benefits of selling with a top Allentown agent

One of the surest ways to clinch a quick home sale is through working with a top Allentown real estate agent. They hold the expertise and skills that can not only facilitate a swift sale but also secure a higher price for your property. Let’s explore some of the key perks that make teaming up with an experienced Allentown agent a wise choice.

• Ability to sell for more: A talented agent can leverage their knowledge of the local Allentown market to help you set an ideal list price that attracts buyers and boosts your returns.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Through their vast network and proven marketing strategies, a top agent can quickly find interested buyers for your home.
• Accurate, effective pricing: With a deep understanding of market dynamics and pricing trends in Allentown, an experienced agent can help you price your home strategically to ensure a quick sale.
• Professional negotiation skills: Top agents have fine-tuned negotiation skills that can accelerate the sale process and secure the best possible deal for you.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced Allentown agent can act as your guide throughout the selling process, easing stress and saving you time.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: A knowledgeable agent can advise you on which repairs or improvements are essential to enhance your home’s appeal without wasting time on unnecessary fixes.
• Elevated marketing: A top Allentown agent will use advanced marketing techniques, such as high-quality photography and targeted advertising, to reach a wider audience quickly.
• Contract savviness: Seasoned agents are adept at handling real estate contracts, ensuring all terms are favorable and speeding up the closing.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Handling real estate paperwork can be confusing, especially for first-time sellers. A top-rated Allentown agent can swiftly manage these tasks, freeing up your time.
• Network of skilled professionals: Well-connected agents have a network of trusted professionals in Allentown, such as inspectors, contractors, and lawyers, who can ensure that all necessary tasks are completed in a timely manner.

Even if you are leaning toward requesting a cash offer for your Allentown home, top professionals like Del Rosario recommend you consult with an agent first.

“I would always recommend that sellers talk to a real estate professional before engaging in any cash offer programs. We all know the intent of the cash offer program is to make money, which means oftentimes, the offer is going to be less than what market value is,” he advises.

How to find a top Allentown real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Allentown can make all the difference in a swift and successful home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform is designed to help. By analyzing millions of real estate transactions and thousands of client reviews, we can connect you with multiple top-rated agents who know the inner workings of the Allentown market. Whether you’re selling your home or buying a new one, HomeLight can lead you to the perfect agent for your goals.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Allentown house fast

Experienced real estate agents in Allentown know how to market a property for a fast sale. Below are some insider tips suggested by leading agents, tailored to Allentown’s specific lifestyle and market conditions:

• Capitalize on your home’s energy efficiency: Pennsylvanians are increasingly conscious of energy efficiency. Highlight any energy-saving features of your home, from solar panels to efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Make your home move-in ready: According to Del Rosario, the number one tip for selling a home faster is to guarantee it’s in pristine condition. This includes addressing any deferred maintenance, staging the house, and repainting the interior. It’s also recommended to declutter your home before listing.
• Stage an inviting home office: Have your agent and a professional home stager perform a walkthrough to provide perspective on what will make it most appealing to Allentown buyers. One common tip is to stage a comfortable home office space or cozy work nook to appeal to remote professionals.
• Prioritize outdoor spaces: Highlighting your home’s outdoor spaces is more important than ever to help it stand out. Show off your property’s patio, deck, garden, and any additional outdoor features.
• Emphasize proximity to local attractions: Highlight your home’s location in relation to Allentown’s renowned cultural landmarks, like the Allentown Art Museum or PPL Center.
• Get a pre-listing home inspection: Top agents like Del Rosario recommend conducting a professional home inspection, radon test, and termite inspection before listing. However, consult with your agent about seller disclosure rules in Pennsylvania.
• Use professional photography: Especially in Allentown’s increasingly competitive market, high-quality listing photos can make your home stand out and attract more potential buyers.
• Consider timing: Allentown’s housing market can have seasonal fluctuations. Check with your agent or use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to choose the best time to list your home.

Ready to sell your Allentown house fast?

Your ideal path to a speedy home sale depends on your unique needs and priorities.

• If speed is your primary concern, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale could be your ticket to a quick, convenient transaction in Allentown.
• Alternatively, if you’re looking to optimize your profits, hiring an experienced real estate agent who knows the Allentown market well can ensure your home is marketed and priced effectively. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in Allentown.

Still undecided between a cash offer or using an agent? It’s worth considering both. Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s opinion can give you a more complete understanding of your options.

Armed with expert insights, useful resources, and a variety of effective strategies, you’re in an ideal spot to navigate your fast home sale in Allentown’s market.

If you’re trying to sell your home fast in Allentown because you’re buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program. This innovative buy-sell solution lets you make a faster, stronger, non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more.

Header Image Source: (iriana88w / Deposit Photos)