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

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

Trying to decide whether selling your Lansing home to a cash buyer is the best move for your specific situation? To help guide your thoughts, here’s a quick rundown of the most significant perks and potential pitfalls of this approach:

Pros

• Sell fast: Cash sales in Lansing can expedite the home-selling process, potentially closing the deal in days rather than months.
• Skip repairs: House-buying companies typically purchase homes in as-is condition, freeing you from any costly or lengthy repairs.
• Easy process: These companies simplify the process, reducing paperwork and complexities.
• No staging or showings: You don’t need to prepare your home for showings, open houses, or complete any staging.
• Flexible move-out dates: Most Lansing companies allow for flexible move-out dates.
• No financing delays: Cash transactions eliminate the hassle of waiting for mortgage approvals.
• Reduced or no closing fees: Many Michigan house-buying companies will shoulder most, if not all, closing costs.
• Sale is guaranteed: Once you accept a cash offer on your Lansing home, the sale is almost always guaranteed to go through, lacking any traditional buyer contingencies.
• 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: Selling to a cash buyer is far less effort than selling your home on your own.
• Peace of mind: A fast sale can reduce stress and provide a sense of relief.

Cons

• Lower offers: With a cash offer, you will likely receive less than market value for your Lansing home.
• Less competition for your home: There is no opportunity for bidding wars that could drive up your final sales price.
• Can face hidden fees: Some companies may impose undisclosed fees.
• Not all companies are reputable: Watch out for unethical companies that may be operating in Lansing.
• A potential risk for scams: Do your research and make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate buyer.
• You give up control: The buyer has the final say over terms and conditions, leaving you with little control.
• No negotiations: Often, the initial offer is the only offer, so you lose your negotiating power.

Top-performing real estate agent Troy Seyfert works with 71% more single-family homes than the average agent in Lansing. Based on his knowledge of the current market, he shares his insights on the pros and cons of selling to an investor.

“Right now, inventory is so tight that investors are willing to jump on any good opportunity. Some might even try to work around a Realtor and approach you directly to save money. However, for sellers, it’s usually in their best interest to list the property publicly. By doing so, all potential buyers, including investors, can see it, creating competition and potentially driving up the price,” he says.

Option 2: Hire a top Lansing real estate agent

Even when the time is ticking to sell your house in Lansing, choosing to partner with a seasoned real estate agent can be a game-changer. An experienced agent boasts a deep understanding of the Lansing housing market, steering you toward a more speedy and profitable sale.

“An agent understands the psychology of buyers and knows the pulse of the market. They can advise on what’s reasonable, what buyers are looking for, and how to problem-solve during the process. For example, if you receive multiple offers, an experienced agent can help you evaluate them, identify reliable lenders, and assess how cooperative the other agent and buyer have been,” Seyfert says.

Let’s take a brief look at the current market conditions in Lansing, the primary benefits of working with a real estate agent, and how to identify a top-rated pro in your local area.

How fast are homes selling in Lansing?

As of October 2024, the median days on market (DOM) in Lansing is about 32 days. The DOM represents the time between your house being listed and it going under contract. Once you’ve secured a signed contract, it typically takes another 44 days for buyers to finalize their purchase loan and officially close the process, bringing the total selling timeline to about two and a half months.

Currently, the median home price in Lansing is $158,000, while the inventory level hovers around 1.7 months. This considerably low housing supply indicates that Lansing is experiencing a seller’s market in which homes are turning over quickly, and demand considerably outweighs supply.

“From my experience, certain price points, like the $200,000 range, are still moving quickly. For instance, I had a $200,000 home hit the market recently, and it received multiple offers almost immediately. That price point is very desirable in our area,” says Seyfert.

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

*DOM average of multiple public transaction sites. Does not include the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

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

Benefits of selling with a top Lansing agent

If you’re looking to achieve a quick home sale, one of the most promising ways to do so is to work with a top Lansing real estate agent. They possess the expert knowledge and skills that can not only facilitate a speedy sale from start to finish, but lock in a higher price for your property. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that make collaborating with a top-rated agent a wise choice in Lansing’s market.

• Ability to sell for more: A seasoned agent can leverage their knowledge of the local Lansing market to help you set a strategic list price that intrigues buyers and heightens your returns.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Through their vast network and wide array of marketing strategies, a top agent can quickly find buyers who are seriously interested in your home.
• Accurate, effective pricing: With a deep understanding of Lansing market dynamics and pricing trends, an experienced agent can help you price your home effectively to ensure a quick sale.
• Professional negotiation skills: Top agents have honed negotiation skills that can work to secure the best possible deal while speeding up the closing process.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced Lansing agent will guide you through the selling process, easing any confusion and saving you time and stress.
• 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 on unnecessary renovations.
• Advanced marketing: A top Lansing agent will use elevated marketing tactics, such as professional photography and creative social media campaigns, to reach a wider local audience.
• Contract savviness: Seasoned agents are adept at handling real estate contracts, walking you through unfamiliar financing terms and closing costs.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Navigating the paperwork can be time-consuming. A top Lansing agent can swiftly manage these tasks for you and ensure all information is accurate.
• Network of skilled professionals: Locally connected agents have a network of trusted professionals in Lansing, such as inspectors, contractors, and stagers, who can help prepare your home for the market quickly and efficiently.

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

“What I’d say is this: if you have one person who’s interested in buying your property — especially if they’re an investor paying cash — it’s very likely there are several others who would be interested too. If you go with just that one person, you’re taking a gamble. You might feel tied to what that one buyer wants, which might not be ideal for you,” Seyfert advises.

How to find a top Lansing real estate agent

Discovering the right real estate agent in Lansing 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 top-rated agents who know the intricacies of the Lansing market. Whether you’re aiming to sell your home or looking to buy a new one, HomeLight can guide you to the best agent for your specific goals.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Lansing house fast

Top Lansing real estate agents are well-versed in how to market a property for a faster sale. Below are insider tips recommended by leading agents, tailored to Lansing’s distinct lifestyle and market conditions:

• Don’t overprice your home: “If a property isn’t priced correctly, it’s much harder to sell right now. Buyers are more cautious and discerning. For example, I listed a $400,000 home in late September or early October, and while it was a nice house, buyers were hesitant,” Seyfert says. Overpricing can lead to extended time on the market and, ultimately, lower offers.
• Capitalize on your home’s energy efficiency: Michiganders are increasingly conscious of energy efficiency in their homes. 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 perform a walkthrough to give perspective on what will make your home most appealing to local buyers. In Lansing, that can often mean showcasing a cozy home office space for remote or hybrid workers.
• Make your home move-in ready: “Another key factor is the condition of the property. Buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. If a property needs a lot of work, it often ends up attracting investors who are looking for flip opportunities. Investors typically pay cash and can close quickly, which makes it harder for traditional buyers to compete,” Seyfert says.
• Prioritize outdoor spaces: Highlighting your home’s outdoor spaces is more important than ever to help it stand out. Show off your property’s gardens, patio, deck, fire pits, backyard kitchen, or any additional outdoor features.
• Focus on curb appeal: “The first 60 to 90 seconds are critical when it comes to making a good impression on buyers. That starts the moment they drive up to your house,” Seyfert says. “You have to assess the exterior — are there pops of color you could add? Is there chipped paint anywhere? These small details matter because buyers immediately start creating a mental checklist.”
• Emphasize proximity to local attractions: Highlight your home’s location in relation to Lansing’s renowned cultural landmarks, like the Michigan State Capitol or Michigan State University.
• Get a pre-listing home inspection: Top agents like Seyfert recommend conducting a professional home inspection, radon test, and termite inspection before listing. However, check with your agent about seller disclosure rules in Michigan.
• Use professional photography: Especially in Lansing’s extremely competitive market, professional photos of your home’s interior and exterior can make your listing stand out online and attract more potential buyers.
• Consider timing: Lansing’s housing market can fluctuate with the seasons. Consult with your agent or check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to determine the optimal moment to list your home.

Ready to sell your Lansing house fast?

Your best path to a quick home sale depends on your specific needs and goals.

• If speed is your top priority, getting a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale could be your golden ticket to a fast, convenient transaction in Lansing.
• On the other hand, if you’d like to optimize your profits, engaging an experienced real estate agent who knows the Lansing market well can ensure your home is marketed effectively and priced strategically. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in Lansing.

Still deciding between a cash offer or working with an agent? It’s worth pursuing both in order to make an informed decision. Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s opinion can give you a more comprehensive look at your options.

Armed with an array of expert insights, actionable strategies, and viable resources to propel you forward, you’re in an ideal spot to navigate your fast home sale in Lansing.

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

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