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

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

Contemplating if selling your Covington home to a house-buying company is the best decision? To help guide your thoughts, here’s a quick breakdown of the most notable advantages and potential drawbacks of this approach:

Pros

• Sell fast: Cash sales in Covington can accelerate the process, potentially closing the deal in days rather than months.
• Skip repairs: House-buying companies generally buy homes in poor condition, freeing you from expensive and time-consuming repairs.
• Easy process: These companies simplify the process, reducing paperwork and complexities.
• No staging or showings: You won’t need to prepare your home for showings or open houses, or handle any staging.
• Flexible move-out dates: Most Covington cash buyers allow flexible move-out dates.
• No financing delays: Cash transactions eliminate waiting for mortgage approvals.
• Reduced or no closing fees: Many house-buying companies will offer to cover most, if not all, closing costs.
• Sale is guaranteed: Once you accept a cash offer, the sale is almost always guaranteed, lacking the contingencies that can kill a traditional home sale.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: A quick sale can offer an easy way out if you’re facing a possible foreclosure,
• Less work than a FSBO sale: Cash sales are far less effort than selling your home on your own.
• Peace of mind: Quick sales can alleviate pressure and give you peace of mind.

Cons

• Lower offers: In most cases, you will receive less than market value for your Covington home.
• Less competition for your home: With just one buyer, there’s no chance of a bidding war.
• Can face hidden fees: Some companies may impose undisclosed fees.
• Not all companies are reputable: Beware of less-than-reputable companies that may be operating in Covington.
• A potential risk for scams: Do your research and ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate buyer.
• You give up control: The buyer dictates terms, leaving you with less control.
• No negotiations: Often, the initial offer is the final offer, so you lose the opportunity to negotiate.

Charmaine Shirley is a top-performing agent in Georgia who sells properties over 30% quicker than the average local agent. She weighs in regarding the pros and cons of selling with a cash buyer.

“In my opinion, investors are not looking out for the homeowner’s best interest. Their goal is to secure the property for the lowest price possible. As a Realtor, my job is to protect the homeowner, ensuring that the transaction is fair and works for all parties. Investors, on the other hand, prioritize their own profit margins above everything else,” says Shirley.

However, for sellers dealing with an overwhelming or immediate life change, the speed and convenience of an all-cash offer sometimes can’t be beat.

Option 2: Hire a top Covington real estate agent

Even when the countdown is on to sell your house in Covington, joining forces with a skilled real estate agent can be a game-changing decision. A talented agent possesses a deep understanding of the Covington housing market, leading you toward a more rapid and prosperous sale.

“Yeah, so I think the most important thing when looking to sell in Covington, Georgia, is to have a Realtor who understands the micro-market in Covington. To elaborate, it’s crucial to work with someone who knows the distinctions between areas like Downtown Covington, Salem Road, Porter, the Oxford area, and the lake communities,” says Shirley.

Below, let’s explore the current market conditions in Covington, the most notable benefits of partnering with a real estate professional, and how to identify a top-rated agent in your local area.

How fast are homes selling in Covington?

As of October 2024, the median days on market (DOM) in Covington is 53 days. The DOM represents the time between when a house is listed on the market and when it goes under contract. Once you receive a signed contract, it typically takes an additional 44 days for buyers to secure their purchase loan and officially finalize the process, bringing the total selling timeline to over three months.

Currently, the median home price in Covington is $334,500, while the inventory level hovers around 4.6 months. This indicates a balanced market in which supply and demand are relatively equal, and homes are turning over more slowly compared to the year prior.

According to Shirley, “Competitively priced homes, especially those under $300,000, are selling faster. When I pull the market analysis, those homes are typically selling within 30 to 40 days.”

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

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

Data source(s): Georgia Association of Realtors, World Population Review

Benefits of selling with a top Covington agent

One of the most promising ways to ensure a quick home sale is to work with a top Covington real estate agent. They possess the knowledge and skills that can not only facilitate a faster sale but also secure a higher price for your property. Let’s look at some of the key benefits that make teaming up with an experienced agent in Covington a wise decision.

• Ability to sell for more: A talented agent can leverage their knowledge of the local Covington market to help you set an optimal list price that attracts buyers and maximizes your returns.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Through their diverse network and advanced marketing strategies, a top agent can quickly find interested buyers for your home.
• Accurate, effective pricing: With a deep understanding of Covington’s market dynamics and pricing trends, an experienced agent will help you price your home effectively. “In Covington, we’ll tailor the pricing specifically to your area. Pricing is one of the most common mistakes people make when selling their homes, and working with an experienced Realtor helps avoid that mistake,” says Shirley.
• Professional negotiation skills: Top agents have practiced negotiation skills that can expedite the sale process and lock in the best possible deal.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced Covington agent can guide you through the selling process from start to finish, easing stress and saving you time.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: A knowledgeable agent can advise you on essential repairs or improvements to enhance your home’s appeal without wasting time or expenses on unnecessary renovations.
• Elevated marketing: A top Covington agent will use professional marketing techniques, such as high-quality photography and targeted advertising, to reach a wider audience faster.
• Contract savviness: Seasoned agents are adept at handling real estate contracts, making sure all terms are beneficial while speeding up the closing process.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Handling the paperwork can be time-consuming. A top-rated Covington agent can manage these tasks for you, freeing up your time.
• Network of skilled professionals: Well-connected agents have a network of trusted professionals such as Covington inspectors, contractors, and lawyers, ensuring any necessary tasks are completed quickly and efficiently.

Even if you are leaning toward requesting a cash offer for your Covington home, top professionals like Shirley recommend that you consult with an agent first. An agent can guide sellers through the process and inform them when a cash offer could be significantly undervaluing their home’s worth.

“Investors are attracted to situations where a homeowner may need cash quickly or needs to get out of their home fast, often due to not having a mortgage or being in a tight financial spot. However, by going this route, homeowners can lose out on a significant amount of equity,” says Shirley.

How to find a top Covington real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent to manage your Covington home sale can make all the difference in potential profits and speed. 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 understand the nuances of the Covington market. Whether you’re hoping to sell your home or buy a new one, HomeLight can lead you to the ideal agent for your needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Covington house fast

Top Covington real estate agents know how to market a property for a fast sale. Below, you’ll find some insider tips recommended by leading agents, tailored to Covington’s unique lifestyle and market conditions:

• Capitalize on your home’s energy efficiency: “Buyers are increasingly interested in homes with energy-efficient upgrades, like updated windows, HVAC systems, and insulation,” says Shirley. Highlight any energy-saving features of your home, from solar panels to efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Stage an inviting home office: Have your listing agent and a professional home stager walk through your home and provide recommendations on how to stage it for local buyers. In Covington, that can often mean showcasing a comfortable home office space for remote workers.
• Focus on curb appeal: According to Shirley, if a home’s exterior isn’t appealing to buyers, there is a low chance they will even step foot inside. “Enhancing curb appeal is essential. First impressions matter — invest in landscaping, a fresh coat of exterior paint, and inviting entryways. These small changes can make a big difference,” she remarks.
• Showcase garden- or farm-friendly features: If your property has agricultural potential, emphasize it. Covington’s variety of fruit and cattle farms may attract buyers looking for homes with garden spaces or room for small-scale farming.
• Prioritize outdoor spaces: Highlighting your home’s outdoor spaces is more important than ever. This is a great way for your home to 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 Covington’s renowned cultural landmarks, like Covington Square. “It’s important to capitalize on landmarks and highlight key selling points like location benefits and unique property features, such as lake access or historical value.”
• Get a pre-listing home inspection: Top agents like Shirley recommend conducting a professional home inspection, radon test, and termite inspection before listing. However, check with your agent about seller disclosure rules in Georgia.
• Use professional photography: Especially in Covington’s increasingly competitive market, professional, high-quality listing photos can set your home apart and attract more potential buyers.
• Consider timing: Covington’s housing market can have seasonal fluctuations. Consult with your agent or check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to choose the best time to list your home.
• Offer buyer incentives: Lastly, Shirley suggests offering buyer incentives as a way to help your deal stand out. “Covering part of the closing costs or offering a home warranty can be very attractive to potential buyers and help set your property apart from the competition,” she says.

Ready to sell your Covington house fast?

The right path to a quick home sale depends on your specific needs and unique goals.

• If speed is your top priority, getting a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale could be your ticket to a fast, convenient transaction in Covington.
• On the other hand, if you’re aiming to optimize your profits, hiring an experienced real estate agent who knows the Covington market can help ensure your home is marketed to its fullest potential. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in the Hollywood of the South.

Torn between a requesting a cash offer or working with an agent? It’s worth considering both. Comparing a Simple Sale cash offer with an agent’s perspective or advice can give you a more comprehensive overview of your options.

Now that you’re equipped with insider knowledge, valuable resources, and a variety of effective options, you’re in an ideal spot to navigate your fast home sale in Covington.

Header Image Source: (Thirsty Turf Irrigation / Unsplash)

If you’re trying to sell your home fast in Covington 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.