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

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

Still not sure if you should work with a Fresno house-buying company? Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top pros and cons of this approach:

Pros

• Quick offer: Cash buyers can often provide a quick offer in as little as 24-48 hours, helping you move forward fast.
• Sell as-is: You can sell your Fresno home as-is without worrying about making any costly repairs or improvements.
• No staging or showings: Skip the hassles of staging your home and preparing it for multiple showings.
• Flexible move-out dates: House-buying companies often allow you to choose your move-out date, making the process more convenient for your schedule.
• Cover closing costs: Many cash buyers will cover your closing costs, reducing the expenses you would pay in a traditional home sale.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: Selling fast to a cash buyer can help you avoid a foreclosure situation and provide temporary financial relief.

Cons

• Below market value: Cash offers are typically below market value, sometimes by a significant amount, since buyers are out to make a profit.
• Less competition: Selling to one buyer means you can’t benefit from the potential of a bidding war with multiple competing offers.
• Potential for scams: Unfortunately, some house-buying companies are not reputable, posing a risk for scams if you’re not careful with your research.
• No negotiations: Selling to a house-buying company means giving up the ability to negotiate the sale price and final terms.

Jared Martin, a top-selling real estate agent in Fresno with over 23 years of experience, says that while there are situations in which selling to a cash buyer makes sense, such as a death in the family or an inherited home, it’s wise to consult with a real estate agent for guidance.

“A seasoned Realtor in Fresno knows all of the local cash buyers. They will go to them and say, ‘Hey, I have an opportunity, let me schedule a time and we’ll walk each of you through the home.’ And so I think the network that your local Realtor has with those potential cash buyers is important,” he says.

Option 2: Hire a top Fresno real estate agent

Even if you need to sell your Fresno home quickly, hiring a top real estate agent could be a smart decision. An experienced agent understands the nuances of the Fresno market and can guide you through the process, speeding up your days on market (DOM) through expert advertising tactics. From pricing to negotiating, they’ll work to get you the best possible outcome, even when time is tight.

Let’s take a closer look at current market conditions in Fresno, the benefits of working with a real estate professional, and how to find a top-performing agent in your neighborhood.

How fast are homes selling in Fresno?

In Fresno, homes are selling relatively quickly, with the median DOM currently sitting at 22 days. This means that from the time you list your home it typically takes just over three weeks to receive an offer. After that, sellers should take into account the additional 43 days it takes for their buyer to close on a purchase loan, bringing the total selling timeline to about two months.

“How I was trained is that homes don’t sell for one of two reasons, either price or condition,” Martin says. “And so if your home is priced correctly, it should sell. And if not, you have to look at the condition of the home.”

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

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

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

Benefits of selling with a top Fresno agent

Working with a top real estate agent in Fresno can make all the difference in getting your home sold quickly. From expert pricing to advanced marketing, these agents know how to streamline the process for a faster sale. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the primary benefits of working with a real estate agent:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can price your home competitively, helping you receive faster offers while also maximizing your profit.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Agents have the expertise to move homes quickly in Fresno’s housing market.
• Accurate, effective pricing: An experienced agent knows how to price your home using local neighborhood comps, attracting serious buyers from the start.
• Professional negotiation skills: With their well-practiced negotiation skills, agents work to secure you the best deal and highest possible sale price.
• Elevated marketing: Advanced marketing strategies, including social media, will ensure your home has higher visibility and gets noticed by the right buyers.
• Knows what to fix and not fix: A seasoned agent will guide you on which repairs are worth your while, saving you time, money, and effort in the long run.
• Contract savviness: An agent is skilled at managing real estate contracts, helping to avoid confusion and maintain accuracy throughout the sale.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Agents understand state-specific legal requirements, avoiding delays that could result from missing paperwork.
• Network of skilled professionals: A top agent has access to a network of professionals, like inspectors and photographers, who can help prep your home quickly.

“I can tell you that when you’re selling the largest asset [that many people] have ever owned or had, it’s important to protect that asset. And a California-licensed Realtor, especially one with experience, can help sellers through that process,” Martin emphasizes. “Whether it’s disclosures, negotiating, or marketing, those are all things that would benefit a home seller or property seller.”

How to find a top Fresno real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent is essential for a fast and successful sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform can connect you with several top-performing agents in your Fresno market. By analyzing over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews, HomeLight helps narrow down the best agent to meet your unique needs, whether you’re aiming to sell fast or want to achieve the highest possible sales price.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Fresno house fast

For other effective tips on how to appeal to local buyers and sell your home faster, explore the list of agent-recommended suggestions below.

• Price it right from the start: Overpricing can lead to delays. An experienced agent will help you price competitively to attract serious buyers right from the start.
• Highlight outdoor spaces: Fresno buyers love their outdoor spaces, so make sure to showcase patios, pools, or gardens that elevate the overall experience.
• Focus on first impressions: Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal! Sprucing up your landscaping, power-washing the exterior, and painting the front door can create a first impression that will draw buyers in.
• Cater to remote workers: With more Fresno residents working from home, stage a dedicated home office space to appeal to this segment of buyers.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-listing inspection helps proactively identify and fix any issues that might scare off buyers before you list.
• Offer a home warranty: Consider providing a home warranty to give buyers peace of mind, especially if they’re concerned about future repair costs.
• Use professional photography: High-quality photos will make your listing stand out in Fresno’s competitive market, attracting more interest on the MLS.
• Consider timing: Fresno’s real estate market can be seasonal. Use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to determine the optimal season to list.

Another of Martin’s expert tips when it comes to showings? “Make your home available,” he says. That way, your home will be exposed to the broadest population of potential buyers.

“If you’re still living there and you want an appointment scheduled, be very flexible with showing because you may get showings during the week or anytime during business hours, or after hours on the weekend. The more flexible you are, the more potential buyers will walk through your home.”

He also emphasizes that buyers prefer turnkey homes and recommends that sellers make their homes as move-in ready as possible before listing.

“[Buyers] want a move-in ready home; they don’t want to do the work. And so, I would suggest as a seller that if you have your house prepared, and it’s move-in ready, you will have more buyers interested.”

Ready to sell your Fresno house fast?

Whether you decide to go with a fast cash offer or plan to hire a top Fresno real estate agent, the key to a successful home sale is finding the right solution for your specific needs.

• If time is of the essence, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale program could be your quickest path to selling.
• Alternatively, working with an experienced agent ensures your home is professionally marketed and priced to sell fast. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in Fresno.

If you’re still undecided, consider comparing a cash offer with a comparative market analysis by an agent. This way, you’ll have the most comprehensive insight into your options.

While selling your home fast in Fresno’s market can sound intimidating, HomeLight is here to help. With the expert tips and resources presented in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the path that works best for your fast home sale in Fresno.

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