Need to sell your house fast in Maine?
Competitive cash offers: There’s no need to sort through dozens of We Buy Houses Maine websites. Our team of experts understands the local market, and we work with one of the largest cash buyer networks in the nation to ensure you get the best offer possible through HomeLight’s Simple Sale Maine platform.
No repairs or roadblocks: We specialize in helping Maine sellers move quickly, even if a house needs repairs or you’re going through a difficult situation such as divorce, death in the family, or financial troubles.
Simple and fast: Get the cash you need to move on to your next chapter without the stress of showings, negotiations, or waiting months to close.
Sell My House Fast in Maine
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How to Sell My House Fast in Maine: Cash Offer Options
- Published on
- 13 min read
- Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
- Alexandra Lee, Junior Associate EditorCloseAlexandra Lee Junior Associate Editor
Alexandra is a junior associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
As a homeowner in Maine, you may find yourself speeding toward a new chapter in life and asking, “How can I sell my house fast?” Whether it’s a planned move or a sudden change, navigating the state’s shifting housing market efficiently and quickly can feel like a daunting task.
This guide is designed specifically for homeowners like you, offering step-by-step assistance to ensure a seamless selling experience. We’ll cover the ins and outs of selling to house-buying companies. We’ll also explore how partnering with a top-performing Maine real estate agent could provide the speedy resolution you’re looking for and increase your proceeds.
Why you might need to sell your Maine house fast
Here are some of the most common scenarios that might put you in need of a rapid home sale:
- Financial hardship: You’ve encountered unforeseen financial difficulties that require quick access to your home’s equity.
- Relocation: A new job or family circumstances may be moving you out of state on a tight timeline.
- Divorce: Splitting assets often includes selling the marital home, sometimes as swiftly as possible.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a house you can’t maintain or don’t need, selling it quickly might be your best option.
- Health issues: A sudden health crisis might require a fast home sale for easier access to medical care or to be closer to supportive family members.
- Avoiding foreclosure: Selling your home can be a viable strategy to prevent foreclosure if you’re struggling with mortgage payments.
- Downsizing: You’re transitioning into a smaller home or retirement community and want to finalize your current home’s sale promptly.
If any of these situations resonate with you, then the first option to explore is getting a no-obligation all-cash offer for your home.
Option 1: Request a cash offer for your Maine home
While the charm of selling your Maine home in a traditional way may hold appeal, sometimes life circumstances require a faster solution. For this, you can leverage the power of a cash offer for your house. Today’s digital world offers unique solutions like HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform, connecting homeowners in the Pine Tree State directly with a network of preapproved cash buyers.
With Simple Sale, the control is in your hands: receive a cash offer in 24 hours, select your move-out date, close the sale in as few as 10 days, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with speed and certainty. Simply answer a few questions about your Maine home and your preferred selling timeline, and you’ll receive a no-obligation all-cash offer in as little as a week.
The process of a cash offer in Maine
When it comes to securing a cash sale in Maine, the process is refreshingly straightforward. The buyer has the necessary funds on hand, cutting out any waiting period for mortgage approvals or home inspections. After evaluating your home’s condition and the local market trends, the cash buyer presents their offer. Once you accept, the closing process can move forward with unprecedented speed.
Here’s a look at the 3-step Simple Sale process:
Who else buys houses for cash in Maine?
There are a number of established house-buying companies and investor groups within Maine that offer cash for homes. Here are a few examples:
- We Buy Houses Maine (Bangor and Lewiston areas)
- We Buy Ugly Houses Portland (Portland area)
- 207 Cash Buyers (Portland area)
- Southern Maine Home Buyers (
Greater Berwick and Southern Maine) - Tristate Holdings 167 (statewide)
While it’s possible to find additional cash-for-home companies via an internet search, keep in mind that it’s crucial to thoroughly research and vet these businesses to ensure a safe and fair transaction. Alternatively, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects you to the largest network of trusted cash buyers in the U.S., saving you time while providing peace of mind.
Pros and cons of selling to a Maine house-buying company
Contemplating if selling your Maine home to a house-buying company is the right choice for you? Here’s a succinct comparison of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Sell fast: House-buying companies offer a swift sale, allowing you to close the deal quickly and move on with your life plans.
- Skip repairs: No need to worry about the wear and tear that harsh Maine winters may have caused; sell as-is.
- Easy process: Simplified procedures make selling your home less stressful, allowing for a smooth transition.
- No staging or showings: Say goodbye to the hassle of continuously keeping your home “show-ready.“
- Flexible move-out dates: Move out when it suits you, not the buyer.
- No financing delays: With cash offers, there’s no waiting for mortgage approvals.
- Reduced or no closing fees: Selling to a house-buying company often results in reduced or no closing costs.
- Sale is guaranteed: There are no contingencies that can delay or cancel the deal. Once an offer is accepted, the sale is typically certain.
- Can be a foreclosure solution: If you’re in a bind, a quick sale can help you avoid foreclosure.
- Less work than a FSBO sale: Avoid the complexities and workload of selling the house by yourself.
- Peace of mind: With a quick sale, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on your next steps.
Cons
- Lower offers: Cash buyers typically offer less than market value to account for any repair costs and the fast sale.
- Less competition for your home: Your house isn’t on the open market, which means no bidding wars over your property.
- You give up control: The buyer sets all the terms in a cash deal.
- No negotiations: There’s little room for negotiation once a cash offer is made.
- Can face hidden fees: Some house-buying companies might include unexpected fees in their contracts.
- Not all companies are reputable: Ensure to thoroughly vet any house-buying company you consider.
- A potential risk for scams: Beware of scams and only work with a trusted, verified house-buying company.
Matt Lamontagne is a top Maine real estate agent who works with 84% more single-family homes than the average agent in his Westbrook market. When it comes to balancing these pros and cons, he advises sellers to place the most weight on proceeds.
“Sellers will not get the top dollar,” he says, and recommends that homeowners consult with an agent before they commit to a house-buying company. “Market the home to the general population and see who’s going to be the best fit and who’s going to pay the most for the house.”
Option 2: Hire a top Maine real estate agent
When the clock is ticking, you might feel pressured to make hasty decisions. However, opting for the expertise of a top real estate agent in Maine can be a strategic choice, even when time is of the essence. A seasoned agent, well-versed in Maine’s unique market dynamics, can guide you toward a swift and more profitable sale, handling everything from staging to negotiating on your behalf.
Let’s take a quick look at Maine’s current housing market, the benefits of selling with an agent, and how to identify a top-performing real estate agent in your city.
How fast are homes selling in Maine?
In Maine, the pace at which homes are selling can vary significantly based on where your property is situated. Across the state, the median days on market (DOM), which is the duration from listing to a signed contract, is typically around 40 days, which is on par with the national average. In Portland, Maine’s largest city, homes usually take around 24 days to secure a buyer.
However, in Lamontagne’s Westbrook market, his top-performing team is seeing homes get a purchase contract in just days.
“Because of how we’re structuring it — putting the home on the market and allowing four days of showings — we’re selling in five days. On the fourth day at 5 p.m. is the deadline, and you go to contract.” Lamontagne says some homes in his market could sell even faster, except his team wants to be confident they’re getting the best deal for their clients, so they allow time to review offers.
For sellers making moving plans, it’s important to also take into account the additional 43 days a mortgage-backed buyer typically needs to close on a purchase loan.
Benefits of selling with a top Maine agent
When it comes to achieving a swift home sale in Maine, partnering with a top real estate agent can be pivotal. A seasoned agent’s expertise, local market knowledge, and network can significantly expedite the selling process while ensuring you obtain the best possible deal. Here’s how:
- Ability to sell for more: An experienced agent can help maximize your profits by leveraging market trends and their negotiation prowess.
- Can generate a speedy sale: A well-connected agent has access to a wide pool of potential buyers, which can lead to a quicker sale.
- Accurate, effective pricing: Pricing your home correctly from the outset can result in faster sales, and a top agent in Maine can do this effectively given their deep understanding of local market conditions.
- Professional negotiation skills: Agents have the training and experience to negotiate deals effectively, which can expedite the selling process.
- Expert partner by your side: A top agent provides invaluable guidance throughout the sales process, ensuring you make informed decisions that can hasten your home sale.
- Will know what to fix and not fix: Agents can help prioritize home improvements that increase saleability and discourage unnecessary repairs or renovations, saving you both time and money.
- Elevated marketing: A real estate professional can market your home effectively across multiple channels, reaching more potential buyers and expediting the sale.
- Contract savviness: An agent’s familiarity with real estate contracts can streamline the selling process, ensuring no unnecessary delays.
- Can manage documents and disclosures: With a top agent, you don’t have to worry about paperwork; they’ll handle all necessary documents and disclosures, ensuring a smooth, fast transaction.
- Network of skilled professionals: Agents have connections with various professionals, from home inspectors to contractors, who can help expedite any pre-sale tasks.
Lamontagne sums it up this way: “The top benefits of selling with an agent in this market are that they know the best pricing strategies, and they understand the ability to create the urgency and create a multiple-offer situation.”
Having a top real estate agent on your side could be your key to a fast, more profitable home sale in Maine.
How to find a top Maine real estate agent
Discovering the right real estate agent for your unique situation is paramount, and this is where HomeLight’s Agent Match platform can be a game-changer. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent in your Maine market is best for you based on your needs. Whether you’re planning to sell or buy a property, trust HomeLight to connect you with the ideal agent.
Expert agent tips to help sell your Maine house fast
Selling a home quickly in Maine requires knowing the local market and utilizing some tried-and-true methods. These expert tips from top agents are tailored to the state’s unique attributes:
- Price it right the first time: Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market. A seasoned Maine agent can help price your home competitively.
- Focus on curb appeal: Lamontagne says, “If there are any curb appeal issues or any condition issues — that stuff really matters in this market to buyers.”
- Make essential repairs: Lamontagne emphasizes, “If anything’s broken, fix it. If the front storm doors are hanging on by just half a hinge, that needs to be fixed. And it will help the house sell quicker.”
- Don’t over-improve: Keep upgrades sensible. “You don’t have to change out perfectly fine Formica countertops, for instance, and spend the money on granite. You’re never going to see the return on that. If you have mismatched appliances — a black refrigerator and everything else is stainless or vice versa — you don’t have to change any of that out,” advises Lamontagne.
- Clean and maintain: “Maine buyers are expecting the small housekeeping and general maintenance items of a home to be taken care of,” Lamontagne says.
- Leverage professional help: Lamontagne suggests, “Sellers should reach out immediately to a high volume real estate agent, not their cousin who just got their license or their friend from college who does it as a hobby.”
- Prepare for Maine weather: Making your home weather-ready for Maine’s varying climate — from hot summers to snowy winters — can give potential buyers confidence.
- Highlight outdoor spaces: Maine is famed for its stunning outdoors. If your property offers great views, a cozy patio, or a well-maintained backyard, make sure these features shine.
- Consider timing: With Maine’s housing market being somewhat seasonal, consult with your agent to decide the best time to list. You can also check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator.
- Offer a home warranty: If you have a buyer on the fence, consider offering a home warranty. This can also be a carrot for home shoppers with a tight budget and limited money to make future repairs.
Ready to sell your Maine house fast?
Whether your goal is a speedy sale or maximizing your return, finding the best strategy tailored to your unique home-selling needs is crucial in Maine’s real estate market.
- If urgency is a priority, considering a cash offer through a platform like HomeLight’s Simple Sale can be an optimal solution.
- Conversely, hiring an experienced real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of Maine’s market ensures your home is professionally marketed and priced to sell swiftly while retaining more proceeds. HomeLight can help connect you with a top-rated agent in your Maine market.
If you’re unsure whether to opt for a cash offer or an agent, why not consider both? Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s market analysis gives you a comprehensive view.
“If you need to sell your home fast, reach out to a top team or top agent,” Lamontagne recommends. “Oftentimes, that team has buyers ready to go at that price point in that market. That’s going to be the fastest, and oftentimes least stressful, route.”
With the right knowledge, resources, and options, you’re well-equipped to navigate your speedy home sale in the Pine Tree State.
Header Image Source: (Aubrey Odom / Unsplash)