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

Pros and cons of selling to a Baton Rouge house-buying company

Still unsure whether selling to a Baton Rouge house-buying company is the right move for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of some key benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Quick offer: Receive an offer quickly, often within 24 hours, and close in a matter of days.
• Sell as is: Skip repairs and sell your Baton Rouge home as-is without making changes to its current condition, no matter what.
• No staging: You won’t need to worry about staging or hosting showings, saving you tons of time and effort.
• Cover closing costs: Many companies will reduce or cover closing costs, making the process more affordable for sellers.
• Guaranteed sale: You can avoid the uncertainty of a traditional sale, as the sale is guaranteed once the offer is accepted.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: Selling for cash can help you avoid foreclosure and protect your financial future.

Cons

• Below market value: Cash offers are typically lower than market value, almost always leaving money on the table.
• Less competition: Selling to a single buyer means you won’t benefit from multiple competing offers driving up the price.
• You give up control: You will likely have less say about the sale process or final terms as compared to a traditional sale.
• Potential risk for scams: Not all house-buying companies are reputable, so it’s important to do your research and avoid scams.
• No negotiations: Cash buyers usually present firm, “take it or leave it” offers with little to no flexibility for negotiations.

Willard warns sellers about the strong possibility of losing money when selling to a cash buyer versus listing on the market. “I would bet nine times out of ten, going with a real estate agent is going to be a better option for a seller, which inevitably is going to net them more money in the end,” he says. “A real estate professional can give them advice on what fair market value is and guide them in making a few small improvements that could maximize their equity.”

If maximizing the sales price of your home is a top priority along with getting it sold quickly, it may be wise to consider hiring a local real estate agent.

Option 2: Hire a top Baton Rouge real estate agent

Even if you need to sell fast, hiring a top Baton Rouge real estate agent can provide strategic advantages and get your home sold more quickly than you think. “The exposure that real estate agents get on your property is the most important,” Willard says.

An experienced agent knows how to market your home effectively, handle negotiations, and guide you through the local housing market to secure a faster sale. Their expertise can help you navigate any challenges while potentially maximizing your sale price.

As Willard explains, “To have a real estate agent that can guide you through what improvements need to be made in order to maximize the profit or the revenue or sales price on your particular property is really important.”

Next, we’ll explore the current conditions of Baton Rouge’s real estate market and break down the top benefits of working with an agent. Then, we’ll show you how to find a vetted agent in your neighborhood.

How fast are homes selling in Baton Rouge?

In Baton Rouge, homes are currently spending an average of 70 days on the market before going under contract. Once a buyer is secured, it typically takes an additional 43 days to close on the sale. With a median home price of $268,000 and a solid 4.9 months of inventory, the local real estate market is fairly balanced, but may require some extra patience if you’re in a hurry to sell.

Here is a snapshot of current real estate conditions in Baton Rouge:

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

Data source(s): Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors

However, don’t assume the selling process will take 113 days from start to finish! If you choose to list your home on the market, there are several easy yet efficient ways to speed up the sale by focusing on key improvements to your home’s condition.

According to Willard, location, price, and condition are the top deciding factors for buyers. “You can’t pick a house up and move it, so you can’t technically change the location. So, the condition has to be really spot on.”

Some of the simplest yet most effective upgrades sellers can make to stand out in the Baton Rouge market are repainting the walls in a fresh, neutral shade and modernizing hardware, such as cabinet pulls and lighting fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms.

“Painting is number one. Fixtures and hardware improvements would be number two, and then if there’s a budget that would allow for improvements on countertops and flooring, that would be huge,” Willard says.

By tackling these specific improvements and working with a top agent to market your home, you’ll be well-positioned to sell faster than the average Baton Rouge homeowner.

Benefits of selling with a top Baton Rouge agent

When time is of the essence, selling your home with a top Baton Rouge real estate agent can significantly speed up the process. From their expertise on local market nuances to their access to valuable resources, an agent’s unparalleled knowledge can help make your transaction smooth and stress-free. Let’s break down some of the major advantages below:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can help you price your home competitively, potentially selling it for more, even on a tight timeline.
• Can generate a speedy sale: An experienced agent knows how to create demand and accelerate the selling process to secure a buyer quickly.
• Accurate, effective pricing: Your agent will know how to price your home just right for the Baton Rouge market to attract more buyers quickly.
• Professional negotiation skills: Through skillfully navigating negotiations, an agent can get you a fair deal fast without the typical back-and-forth delays.
• Elevated marketing: Using advanced marketing strategies, a top agent can showcase your home’s best attributes to more qualified buyers.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: An experienced agent can advise on what repairs will help sell your home faster and which can be skipped.
• Contract savviness: A knowledgeable agent understands real estate contracts and can guide you through the paperwork with speed and confidence.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Your agent will handle all legal requirements, reducing any delays or confusion.
• Network of skilled professionals: Top agents have connections with inspectors, contractors, and stagers to speed up the process.

How to find a top Baton Rouge real estate agent

As we have established, selecting the right real estate agent in Baton Rouge is essential for a quick and successful home sale. Don’t know where to start? HomeLight’s Agent Match platform analyzes millions of transactions and reviews to pair you with up to three top-rated agents in your Baton Rouge neighborhood. Whether you’re selling or buying, HomeLight can connect you with the best agent for your individual needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Baton Rouge house fast

If you’re looking to sell your Baton Rouge home quickly, follow these key strategies recommended by real estate experts to ensure your house moves off the market fast.

• Price it right from the start: Avoid overpricing to prevent extended time on the market, which could look like a red flag to potential buyers.
• Capitalize on outdoor spaces: Baton Rouge buyers love outdoor living, so put extra focus on any patios or yards. Outdoor spaces can be a major selling point.
• Focus on first impressions: First impressions matter, so ensure the exterior is clean and the landscaping is fresh to attract buyers quickly.
• Stage for remote workers: With a higher prevalence of remote workers in Baton Rouge, staging a functional home office can boost appeal.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-sale inspection can uncover hidden issues, allowing you to address them before they might delay a sale.
• Offer a home warranty: Offering a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind and speed up decision-making on their end.
• Use professional photography: In Baton Rouge’s market, high-quality photos can help your listing stand out on the MLS and attract buyers more quickly.
• Consider timing: Use HomeLight’s Time to Sell Calculator to choose the best time for listing your home in Baton Rouge for a faster sale.

Ready to sell your Baton Rouge house fast?

Whether you’re considering requesting a cash offer or want to work with a top real estate agent, the key is choosing the best option for your unique situation.

• If you need to sell quickly, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform may be the ideal solution, allowing for a fast, hassle-free sale.
• On the other hand, hiring an experienced agent ensures your home is expertly marketed and priced accurately to attract buyers fast. HomeLight can connect you with a top-rated Baton Rouge agent.

If you’re unsure which path to take, it might be a good idea to explore both options before making a well-rounded decision. Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s home value estimate and market insight can help provide the clarity you need.

While needing to sell your Baton Rouge home fast can feel overwhelming and intimidating, HomeLight is here to help simplify the process. By having a complete picture of the strategies and options available to you, you’ll be well-equipped to begin your home-selling journey with confidence and achieve the best sales price in the shortest amount of time.